­Nationally praised for its high standards, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony has enhanced the quality of life in the communities it serves and is one of the most valued cultural gems for our region. With 75 concerts each season, 52 professional musicians and a nationally recognized Youth Orchestra program, Canada’s largest regional Symphony plays a vital role of presenting great music to diverse audiences across the region and beyond.

As part of its commitment to education the KWS is one of the few regional orchestras that operates a comprehensive Youth Orchestra Program, made up of five distinct ensembles that perform several times each season at the Centre In The Square. Its musicians, ranging in age from 5 to 24, number over 120 and are frequently the students of KWS musicians. The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony performs several times each season side by side with Youth Orchestra members, providing a valuable mentorship for the young musicians.

The KWS is also well integrated in our community through its outreach programs. The orchestra performs free concerts in hospitals, nursing care facilities, soup kitchens, community centres, malls and in parks. As well, the outreach support given to other organizations in the community, such as the annual concert at the Waterloo Region Food Bank, helps those people in the community living below the poverty line.

The orchestra helps to cultivate the region’s vibrant arts scene by regularly performing with other music organizations and collaborates with other performing arts organizations.

KWS performs in Guelph at the River Run Centre as well as Harcourt Memorial United Church.