Calling all string musicians: the Kawartha String Orchestra (KSO) is starting up fall rehearsals after Labour Day and is inviting members to prepare for bi-annual concerts in support of local charity organizations, including a winter concert set for November.
Beginning Wednesday, September 4th, the orchestra will be hosting its weekly rehearsals at Mark Street United Church in Peterborough’s East City from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“It’s extremely enjoyable, but we’re always learning how to play together as a group as well,” says Lucie Blouin, KSO’s principal viola player and chair of the executive committee. “We have a whole range from members, from members of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra to others who just come to play.”
As its name suggests, the KSO consists of members playing string instruments, including those who play violin, viola, cello, and double bass. With occasional special guest soloists, the music played in rehearsals and concerts range from classical to contemporary, with well-known solos as well as film music such as compositions from Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean.
“We have to play repertoire for just the string instruments that doesn’t require any flutes, oboes, trumpets, or other brass instruments,” says Blouin. “It’s a smaller orchestra, but it offers something different to audiences.”
The KSO is led by conductor Tak Kwan, an award-winning musician who audiences may recognize as a former concertmaster of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (1996 to 2016) and the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir (2011 to 2022). Among many other accolades, he was invited to play for Queen Elizabeth II in Toronto in 2010 and continues to teach violin as a certified teacher of the Royal Conservatory of Music.
“He’s been very inspirational for us and we’ve really enjoyed having him as our conductor,” says Blouin of Tak Kwan. “He is very experienced and will give us tips and teach us along the way. You will improve your playing because you’re getting that informal instruction as well.”
Members of the orchestra are required to pay membership fees to cover administrative costs and to make a commitment to attend rehearsals throughout the year. Those interested to see if the orchestra would be a good fit for them can contact the KSO executive committee to schedule a time to sit in on a rehearsal. Auditions are not required for membership.
“Auditions frighten people and I think they’re a deterrent to people joining,” Blouin explains. “Playing in a group is different from playing by yourself with someone judging you. A lot of our members don’t feel comfortable with that process, whereas professional musicians are more used to doing that as part of seeking employment.”
While the KSO is not for beginners, current members of the orchestra range from those who are in the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, those still taking lessons for their respective instruments, and those who are just looking for recreational fun. Most come from the Peterborough area, but there are also members from Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County.
“It’s an opportunity for people who are not necessarily playing at the professional level but want to play in a group,” Blouin says. “Playing in a bigger group is a wonderful experience, and it improves your playing as well. You’re on a team, so you’re learning to play with others while seeing the role you play in a particular piece of music.”
Blouin notes there is also opportunity for musicians to take risks and advance their skills when involved in an orchestra. One member, who arranges some of the pieces, wrote a symphony the KSO will likely perform at its spring concert next year.
For those so inclined, there are also opportunities in the KSO to practice and perform solos at the concerts.
“It gives opportunity both ways: both for the soloist that’s doing the piece and for the orchestra learning how to accompany the soloist,” Blouin says.
While the KSO welcomes new members at any time, the season run from September until the winter concert before Christmas, and then from January to May until the spring concert.
“It’s possible to join at any point but I think to get comfortable playing the repertoire, playing the music, it’s better to join earlier on so you get the practice,” Blouin says.
The KSO’s winter concert is scheduled for Sunday, November 24th at Emmanuel United Church in Peterborough. The concert will feature a couple of the seasons from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” as well as popular holiday compositions, recognizable Christmas carols, and the opportunity for audience sing-alongs.
Proceeds from each pay-what-you-can concert go towards a different local charitable organization, as decided upon by members of the KSO. While the beneficiaries for this season’s concerts have not yet been decided, proceeds from the last two winter concerts have gone towards Kawartha Food Share. Last year’s winter concert raised more than $2,700 for the non-profit organization.
“It’s all about doing something for your community,” Blouin says. “This is our way of doing volunteer work to give to the community and we’re doing something that we enjoy doing as well, so it’s a win-win situation.”
For more information on the Kawartha String Orchestra, visit www.kawarthastring.com or follow the orchestra on Facebook and Instagram. Those interested in memberships can email kawarthastring@gmail.com to arrange a sit in at a rehearsal with no obligation.
