Arts·Commotion

Is the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony the canary in Canada's orchestral coal mine?

With the news that the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony has ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy, Orchestra Canada's Executive Director Katherine Carleton shares her reaction to the news and what it might say about the future of Canada’s live orchestra industry.

Orchestra Canada's Katherine Carleton reacts to the symphony's sudden closure and filing for bankruptcy

Young classical musicians playing a concert.
The KW Symphony's youth orchestra. (KW Symphony/ Facebook)

The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony is one of the most celebrated orchestras in Canada.

Last week it was announced that the KWS would cease operations and file for bankruptcy, just as its 2023-24 season was expected to kickoff — sending shockwaves across Canada's live orchestra industry.

Orchestra Canada's Executive Director Katherine Carleton joined host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share her reaction to the news, and what it might say about the future of Canada's classical music scene.

WATCH | Quantum: Music at the Frontier of Science, performed by the KWS:

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Katherine Carleton produced by Ty Callender.