Our History
Symphony on the Bay is a community based volunteer symphonic orchestra serving Hamilton, Burlington and surrounding areas. Our Conductor and Music Director James McKay, masterfully leads the Orchestra offering diverse, challenging concert programs, affordably priced. Now entering our 38th year, Symphony on the Bay plays an important role for aspiring young musicians through its annual Young Artists Competition. Assistant conductors, including he respected Hamilton musician Sabatino Vacca, enjoy regular guest conducting opportunities.
Great Beginnings
Symphony on the Bay began in September of 1973 as the McMaster Symphony Orchestra, a campus-community orchestra under the leadership of Dr Lee Hepner. The Inaugural Concert took place at Mohawk College Theatre on November 29, 1973. Registered as a charitable organization in 1981, the orchestra left McMaster University in 1988 and became the Greater Hamilton Symphony Association, an independent community orchestra operating under the name of Symphony on the Bay. The orchestra still maintains its original objectives:
- to perform symphonic music of high quality;
- to stimulate excellence in instrumental performance;
- to support, improve, and expand the musical opportunities for those living in the Hamilton and Burlington regions
Following the untimely death of Lee Hepner in 1986, Matthew Airhart was appointed Music Director for two seasons. McMaster University severed ties with the orchestra in 1988. Distinguished guest conductors, including Roberto Da Clara, Morley Calvert, Peter Oleskevitch, Voltr Ivanofski and Clyde Mitchell, lead the orchestra from 1988 until 1990. Clyde Mitchell was appointed Music Director in 1990 and was succeeded by James R. McKay in 1995.
In 2011, the orchestra was re-branded as Symphony on the Bay, to reflect its importance in the wider Hamilton-Burlington region.
Symphony on the Bay plays an important role in expanding the opportunities for enjoyment of music in the Hamilton and Burlington regions, by offering attractive and diverse concert programs at affordable prices. It provides musical training and enrichment for aspiring young musicians and qualified amateur players who enjoy the privilege of playing challenging symphonic music together with a core of professionals. Since its inception, more than 500 musicians have performed with our orchestra and many of them have gone on to distinguished professional careers in Canada and internationally. Symphony on the Bay has performed with the Mohawk College Singers, the Guelph Chamber Choir, the Brampton Festival Singers and other regional ensembles.
The Symphony on the Bay Young Artists' Competition, held annually since 1991, offers junior and senior winners the unparalleled opportunity to perform concerto movements with full orchestra, and reveals year after year the tremendous depth of talent and quality of music education in the Hamilton-Burlington region.
Throughout its history, the Symphony has attracted support from a broad base. Granting agencies such as the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton Community Foundation, The Ontario Trillium Foundation and Canadian Heritage have provided funding, and institutions such as McMaster University and Mohawk College have furnished valuable resources. In addition, local corporations, businesses, community organizations and numerous individuals have supported the orchestra with their donations, purchases of program advertising, and donations in kind.
The 2011-12 Season in the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
James R. McKay, Professor Emeritus of Music at The University of Western Ontario, is now entering his 17th season as Conductor and Music Director of Symphony on the Bay. Under his skilled guidance, the orchestra has achieved a high level of performance and continues to improve. With a challenging program and the excitement of our 39th season "A Celebration of Symphony on the Bay" in the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre ahead in 2011-12, the Board, members, and patrons of Symphony on the Bay look forward to another wonderful year of music making!
