University of Western Ontario: Western students awarded five fellowships with London Symphonia
Five Don Wright Faculty of Music students have been selected as the inaugural fellows of the London Symphonia Fellowship program, a new initiative funded by Western’s Strategic Priorities Fund.
Starting in December, the students will join the Symphonia for all of the main stage full orchestra programs for the 2022-2023 season. They will receive regular mentorship and feedback from London Symphonia members and will be paid for their work during all rehearsals and concerts.
“I’m so pleased our students have this opportunity to work directly with the outstanding musicians of London Symphonia, and then to perform alongside them. This type of practical, experiential learning is critical for producing well-rounded musicians,” said Don Wright Faculty of Music Dean Michael Kim.
“We are proud of our close relationship and partnership with London Symphonia, especially within London, Ontario, as we continue to foster relationships within Canada’s first and only UNESCO-designated City of Music,” Kim said.
London Symphonia concertmaster and director of Western’s Early Music Studio Joseph Lanza congratulated the winners and all those who auditioned.
“The entire audition committee was both impressed by and excited about these wonderful young musicians. We know they will bring inspiration and energy to our entire orchestra,” said Lanza.
A professional symphony orchestra with a core of 30 players, London Symphonia presents well-known symphonies, Canadian premieres, and collaborations with some of Canada’s top singer-songwriters. Incorporated in 2015, London Symphonia carries on an orchestral tradition that began in 1937 as the only professional ensemble offering a full season of orchestral music in the London, Ont. region.
“The fellowship is a great opportunity to introduce us to professional performances, and to gain appreciation to experience in the real world,” said Meika Sonntag, viola player and one of the fellowship awardees. They are to play their first concert with the Symphonia on Dec. 10.
“We are really lucky to have two of our professors in the Symphonia,” said Sonntag, who is interested in a future career as a solo performer, or as member of an orchestra.