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The Orchestra
Sinfonia is a professional orchestra under the direction of Clyde Mitchell based on Vancouver's beautiful North Shore. Entering our 8th season, in 2007/08 we will present six mainstage concerts, and our annual fundraising concert.
Our focus is our community; we live here and thrive here. We believe the arts and in our case, music contributes to the overall quality of life of our city, our neighbourhoods, and the people who call our community home.
Our home stage is The Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver.
Sinfonia was founded on the belief that music, indeed all the arts, contribute to the overall quality of life. It is community building and an enriching experience for young and old alike. Accordingly, our programs are designed to appeal to classical music lovers over a broad spectrum of taste.
We are privileged to have Clyde Mitchell as our founding Music Director. Clyde, a former Resident Conductor of the Vancouver Symphony and a familiar presence throughout Vancouver and the North Shore, is sought after across North America as a Conductor, adjudicator and speaker. He is frequently seen on the Knowledge Network across the Province.
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| Music Director
Clyde Mitchell |
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In his own words…..
I studied as an Orchestral French Horn player, and had a fine career as a player, including several years as Associate Principal Horn with the Montreal Symphony. I also taught at McGill University, and realized that everywhere I went as a Horn player, I was presented with opportunities to teach, coach, and conduct. I decided to go back to University to retrain as an orchestral conductor, and can now admit to owning a total of four degrees from four different universities!
My conducting career began very humbly, as conductor of several small youth and amateur groups, before getting a few nice positions with some good semi-professional orchestras. I was very fortunate to be selected (by a rigorous audition, I might add!) as Resident Conductor of the Vancouver Symphony, and I moved to Vancouver full-time in 1991. During my 9 years as the Resident Conductor, I developed many contacts and made many guest conducting appearances with orchestra such as the Toronto and Montreal Symphonies, as well as Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the National Arts Centre Orchestras. After a nice promotion to Associate Conductor of the VSO, I started thinking about getting my own orchestra, so at the end of my contract I was fortunate enough to have many supporters who encouraged me to start Sinfonia. By now, I have now conducted in Asia, South America, and Europe several times, as well as many orchestras (Houston, Rochester, Florida, etc.) in the US, and have another part time position with an orchestra in Pennsylvania.
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| Assistant Conductor
Gerald Van Wyck |
| Recently appointed Assistant Conductor of Sinfoina - Gerald van Wyck is no stranger to Sinfonia audiences. He has been giving Sinfonia's Pre-Concert Talks for the last season, acted as MC for Sinfonia’s Education Concerts, plays harpsichord when required and will now appeared on the podium. Gerald graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters degree in Music History. Former Artistic Director of the British Columbia Boys Choir, and current Conductor of Pacific Spirit Choir and West Vancouver United Church, he loves talking about music almost as much as performing it! He is Instructor in Music History at Vancouver Community College, where he also coaches Baroque Performance Practice, and leads the Madrigal Singers. This year he is the recipient of the North Vancouver Arts Commission FANS award. van Wyck's passion for the story behind the music makes him a popular guest lecturer on all topics musical. |
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Structure
Sinfonia is a registered charity in British Columbia. Our board is comprised of professional businessmen and women with a strong commitment to the arts, and dedicated to the ongoing evolution of Sinfonia.
Board of Directors
John Heskin, President & Treasurer
David Bain, Vice President
Wendy McLean, Secretary
Susan Coupland
Frank De Freytas
Nancy Henderson
Pat Hoebig
Staff
Sheila Galati General Manager
Ana Maria Zuniga Volunteer Coordinator
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The Musicians
Our players are drawn from a large pool of British Columbia professional musicians. The Orchestra size varies depending on the program and works being performed. A concerto might have 15 players on stage, while a symphony will up to 35 players.
Our principal players include:
Strings
Violin 1
Mark Ferris, Concertmaster
Carolyn Cole, Co-Concertmaster
*Edgar Bridwell
*Adrian Dyck
*DeAnne Eisch
*Karina Slupski
*Toni Stannick
Stan Gubiotti
Li-Ling Liao
Violin 2
Andrea Siradze, Principal
James Malmberg, Assistant Principal
*Sandy Fiddes
*Ken Lee
*Manti Poon
Susan Cosco
Ellen Farrugia
Viola
Isabelle Roland, Principal
Martina Smazal, Assistant Principal
*Mila Tymoshenko
Barbara Briden-Irschick
Laura Hasthorpe
Robin Streb
Cello
Sue Round, Principal
Robin Copas, Assistant Principal
*Harold Birston
Finn Manniche
Caroline Jackson
Bass
Anne Duranceau, Principal
Leszek Kasprzak
Mark Haney
Flute
Brenda Fedoruk, Principal
Carol Dymond
Oboe
Marea Chernoff, Principal
Melissa Duchak
Clarinet
Mary Backun, Principal
Erika Block
Bassoon
David Overgaard, Principal
Olivia Martin
Horn
Duncan Shaw, Principal
Dawn Haylett
Trumpet
Tom Shorthouse, Principal
Jim Littleford
Timpani and Percussion
Phillip Crewe, Principal
Keyboards
Gerald van Wyck, Principal
* = Sinfonia Core Member
Contact information/Administration
North Shore Sinfonia
PO Box 91005 West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9
Phone: 778-786-3208
Sheila Galati
General Manager
Join our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming Sinfonia events!
Love our Sinfonia and have some free time? We would be delighted to have you volunteer your services to Sinfonia. Please contact Ana Maria at
New to the Symphony?
Sinfonia's concerts are intimate, passionate and accessible! Try one on for size – if you are not thrilled, we'll give you your money back!
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