Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra

==Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra== The '''Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra''' (NSO) is a semi-professional symphony orchestra based in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It holds the distinction of being the only orchestra in the province and is dedicated to fostering the appreciation and performance of classical music. ===History=== The NSO was established as an amateur ensemble in 1962 and later incorporated in 1979. It began with a few professional musicians, including Peter Gardner, John Herriott, and Don Wherry, and has since expanded into an 84-member orchestra. This semi-professional group consists of contract musicians, fee-per-service players, university music students participating through the Orchestral Chairs Program, and community members. The NSO Sinfonia, which is a professional ensemble of 16 string players, and the Atlantic String Quartet (ASQ), the resident string quartet, are integral parts of the NSO, each presenting their own concert series in addition to special events. The '''Philharmonic Choir of the NSO''' (PCNSO) is an affiliated auditioned community choir with 86 members, formed in 1987 to support the NSO's choral activities. It has been involved in various NSO productions, including oratorio and opera in concert. The NSO, along with the Philharmonic Choir, represents a family of over 200 individuals, making it the largest employer of professional musicians in the province. In its efforts to nurture young talent, the NSO maintains close affiliations with the Calos Youth Orchestras, which comprises over 100 members, and Shallaway Youth Choir, a premier youth choir with more than 400 vocalists. ===NSO Foundation=== The NSO Foundation was incorporated in 2002 with the aim of developing a stable and self-sustaining funding base for the orchestra. It serves as the custodian of endowment funds, manages planned giving arrangements, and oversees fundraising initiatives to support the NSO and its special projects. ===Land Acknowledgement=== The NSO acknowledges the territory in which it gathers as the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, and Beothuk in Newfoundland, and recognizes the Inuit of Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut and the Innu of Nitassinan in Labrador as the original inhabitants. The organization commits to respectful relationships with all peoples of the province and honors the land they share. ===Commitment to Diversity=== The NSO is a proponent of diversity among its musicians, guest artists, and conductors, recognizing the importance of BIPOC composers and musicians in the classical tradition. In response to the events following the death of George Floyd, the NSO has expressed solidarity with those facing racial intolerance and injustice and has committed to making the orchestra a welcoming place for diverse backgrounds. The NSO pledges to highlight the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and minority composers and musicians through its music and programming. ===Outreach and Digital Presence=== The NSO extends its reach by offering digital concerts and engaging with audiences through its newsletter and fundraising events. It encourages music lovers to support the symphony through donations, ensuring the continued joy and education that classical music provides. ==External Links== * [Official Website] * [Digital Concerts Experience] * [Annual Fundraising Event - The Big Ticket] * [Newsletter Subscription] * [Support the NSO - Donation Page] ==References== <references/> {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra}} [[Category:Canadian orchestras]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1962]] [[Category:1962 establishments in Newfoundland and Labrador]]