New Westminster Symphony Orchestra

The New Westminster Symphony Orchestra (NWSO) is a storied institution in the world of classical music, boasting a rich history that dates back to the early days of World War I. As one of the oldest community orchestras on the West Coast of North America, the NWSO held its inaugural concert on February 16, 1915, marking the beginning of a longstanding musical tradition. The orchestra's early years were marked by a rapid pace of performances, with 18 concerts presented by 1920. However, the original NWSO disbanded in 1935 due to financial difficulties. During World War II, the classical music scene in New Westminster was kept alive by two main groups: the Royal City Concert Orchestra, led by Frank Harris and sponsored by the YMCA, which began in 1939, and the New Westminster String Ensemble, organized by C.J. Littlewood. This ensemble evolved into the T.J. Trapp Orchestral Class with the addition of woodwinds and brass in 1940. In 1942, these orchestras merged under the shared conductorship of Harris and Littlewood, continuing as the Royal City Concert Orchestra until 1944. In September 1944, the New Westminster Civic Orchestra was established and performed its first concert on June 10, 1945, with an ensemble of 35 musicians. Despite several successful concerts each year, the New Westminster Civic Orchestra (NWCO) faced challenges with declining audiences and did not perform from 1962 until 1965. During this hiatus, the New Westminster Civic Orchestral Society met annually to keep the NWCO alive, and some musicians participated in local ensembles, including the Royal City Orchestra under conductor David Jennings. The NWCO resumed performances in 1965 and underwent a name change in 1972, becoming the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra that is known today. The 2023-2024 season marks the 80th year of musical performances and 108 years since the original orchestra's debut, a testament to the enduring legacy of the NWSO. The New Westminster Symphony Society (NWSS) is an all-volunteer organization responsible for administering the operations of the NWSO. The NWSS is a registered charitable organization and became a registered non-profit society in 1958. The orchestra's commitment to accessibility is evident in its policy of admission by donation, ensuring that all who appreciate classical music can enjoy their concerts. The NWSO is celebrated for its cultural, ethnic, and age diversity among orchestra members, with participants ranging from teens to those in their 70s, and an equal balance of male and female members. The orchestra provides an educational program in partnership with the Douglas College Music Department, allowing talented music students to join the NWSO as part of their education. Rehearsals for the NWSO take place at New Westminster Secondary School Band Room, while concerts are generally held at Queens Avenue United Church in New Westminster, BC. The orchestra welcomes new playing members, subject to space availability, and an informal audition may be requested for applicants who should be capable of performance at the RCM Grade 7/8 level. The NWSO's history and ongoing contributions to the musical landscape are documented by reference sources such as The Canadian Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, and the New Westminster Museum and Archives.