KW Symphony set to announce 2025-26 line-up

It’s been a long road back for the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS).

They declared bankruptcy in September 2023, cutting the season short and disbanding the board of directors.

A new board was elected, and in October 2024, the bankruptcy was annulled. Work was then underway rebuilding the orchestra and the organization. Ever since, KWS has played to packed churches around Waterloo Region, never giving up hope of a full return.

That hope has come to fruition and the symphony is set to embark on a new full season.

Bill Poole, Chair of the KWS Board of Directors, told 570 NewsRadio the anticipation of the announcement coming on June 24 is making him feel like a kid again.

“It’s sort of similar to Christmas Eve in that there are presents wrapped under the tree there at the Centre in the Square, but we’ll be opening them on the 24th,” said Poole. He said that is when more details about the season will be revealed.

“It’ll talk about the number of concerts, the venues, the soloists, the programing. It’s going to be very, very exciting.”

While Poole kept the details close to his chest, he did reveal that KWS has a secret weapon this year.

“You could not plan a symphony season without a Jamie Somerville, and in this case, it is he,” he said. “He is the person who has been able to work with the musicians and the board to plan this season.”

Somerville was a past soloist and conductor with the KWS. His new roll is as artistic advisor.

Poole said that throughout all the turmoil and rebuilding, the true strength of KWS has been the players themselves.

“This extraordinary core group of musicians has hung in since the bankruptcy; continued to make music happen in the community; work with us to get the bankruptcy annulled and etcetera,” he said. “So, I think people seeing the orchestra will certainly recognize it as the KW Symphony.”

A season launch celebration will take place on June 24 at the Centre in the Square. Media, past subscribers and other friends of KWS will be attending the invite-only event. But, Poole says fans should keep a close eye on the KWS website and social media because the full line-up will be released that evening.

As of right now, KWS is not offering ticket subscriptions. Poole said they hope to bring back the program as soon as possible, but fans should still buy tickets to as many shows as they can, when they get the chance.