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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017 • WATERLOO CHRONICLE • 17 ARTS FOCUS WATERLOO CHRONICLEWATERLOO CHRONICLE By Bob Vrbanac Chronicle Sta� The Kitchener-Waterloo Sym-phony knows that it will take a little time to transition from outgoing music director Edwin Outwater to the person who will be named his eventual successor. And they're prepared to take their time until they � nd the perfect match, with the orchestra enjoying a grace period that comes after a successful decade of executing their former music maestro's vision. As one of the top symphony's in Ontario they know they can bide their time until they � nd someone else with an equal passion. "It's a bit like dating," said Andrew Bennett, executive director of the sym- phony. "It's a major life decision for the orchestra to make their musical and professional partner. "You don't start dating by saying that you are going to go through all your options by some date and choose one of them." Bennett said that's not how the feel- ing out process works if you're trying to attract the right person. "You date until you find the right person," said Bennett, heading into his third year with the symphony. "When you � nd the right person you don't say they got some considerable attributes but I have a few more dating options coming ahead of me. "We're absolutely looking for the right person, and when the chemistry is right we'll act. We're looking for that feeling of something really special hap- pening." In the meantime, the symphony can wait because it's on solid ground and still exploring the same inspira- tions laid open to it by Outwater. In fact, the 2017/18 season is just as ambitious and Bennett said he's already heard from patrons that they've made it hard for them to miss any of the performances. "We're focusing on some of the truly greatest works composed for symphony orchestras," said Bennett. � e "Signature Series" begins with one of the most popular symphonies, Dvorák's New World, featuring rising star pianist Rémi Geniet who makes his symphony debut. The series fea- tures K-W Symphony Concertmaster Bénédicte Lauzière taking centre stage for the melodic and lyrical Barber Vio- lin Concerto. � e symphony also welcomes back cellist Denise Djokic for Elgar's Cello Concerto. � e world-famous Estonian National Male Choir will be joined by alto Krisztina Szabó in a concert that features orchestral and choral music by Brahms. The series concludes with Beethoven's crowning achievement, Symphony No. 9. � roughout the series, the orches- tra will also be performing Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, Schubert's Symphony No. 9, Mozart's Symphony No. 4 and Brahms' Symphony No. 2. � e "Signature Series" also features talented soloists including Toronto Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Jonathan Crow, renowned Canadian pianist André Laplante, Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu and many more. Former KWS assistant conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser opens the "Pops Series" with True North: � e Canadian Songbook in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary. Featur- ing Canadian vocalist Eleanor McCain, this concert features freshly imagined arrangements of 32 famous Canadian songs from Joni Mitchell to Leonard Cohen. � e "Pops Series" will also screen the Hollywood classic Casablanca while providing the soundtrack, and crowds will be thrilled by Cirque De La Symphonie as their artists perform death-defying stunts overhead. The Saturday afternoon "Family Series" also begins with a special con- cert to celebrate Canada's 150th birth- day. It will feature the � lm DAM! � e Story of Kit the Beaver, commissioned by the Toronto Symphony in partner- ship with TIFF for Canada's 150th. It will feature special guests the Suubi Fusion Dance Troupe from Uganda, together with Canada's Ojibway story- teller, Aaron Bell, and his White Pine Dancers. Other popular series return with "Baroque and Beyond" and the "Kinderconcert" series with a brand new format. Bennett said their search for a new music director will rival the searches put on by the National Arts Centre or the Toronto Symphony. "We have a lot of depth in this orga- nization," said Bennett. For more visit kwsymphony.ca. Playing the dating game K-W Symphony plans an ambitious season while continuing search for new music director Krisztina Szabó joins the Estonian National Male Choir for a performance of Brahms. BO HUANG PHOTO Renowned Canadian pianist André Laplante performs with Symphony in its Signature Series. PETER SCHAAF PHOTO Eleanor McCain Two Ways to Connect with Customers For details about our print and online advertising packages, contact your media consultant or call 519.623.3050 ext 232