The winners of the orchestra@uwaterloo Concerto & Aria Competition are:
1. Bowei Zhang, piano.
2. Jacob Lee, piano.
“In 2004, when we started Orchestra@UWaterloo, we had a conductor, Erna Van Daele, and a concertmaster, new faculty member Romy Shioda, but really nothing else — no budget and no rehearsal space. Luckily, Catharine Scott, Associate Provost of Human Resources and Student Services, was willing to support me — a computer science prof with the unlikely ambition to manage an orchestra,” reflected Anna Lubiw, one of the professors who started Orchestra@UWaterloo.
Now, two decades later, the Orchestra is preparing for its 20th anniversary concert and has been part of the University of Waterloo Music Department, managed by Conrad Grebel University College, since 2017. “Our first open rehearsal at the Humanities Theatre in September 2004 attracted more than 100 players. There are so many extraordinarily talented people at the University of Waterloo for whom music is a passion but not their career,” added Lubiw. “Taking the orchestra from a wishful dream to reality depended on the support of many people. It was fun to interact with people from across the campus.” she said. “The orchestra was also incredibly hard work, and I remember transporting borrowed percussion to every rehearsal in the early years.”
“I've never considered music as a serious option for me until I gave it a try,” Michael Wu reflected.
Michael is a third-year Math student at the University of Waterloo who is actively involved in the Music program at Conrad Grebel University College and also lives at Grebel.
Michael’s interest lies in vocal music, which is why he has immersed himself in all the choirs that Grebel offers: Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, and University Choir. He was also involved in the production of “Something Rotten!,” a musical put on by Grebel students two years ago. “I enjoy singing much more than just listening to music,” he explained. “Part of that is because I love creating music; when I sing my part and hear it blend perfectly with the other voices to form chords, it feels incredible. Singing those notes myself adds to that joy; it makes the experience even more fulfilling."
Joint, Honours Biomedical Science and Honours Music
Music means everything to Ashley. “Everything. I don’t know how I could live without it. I just HAVE to sing. Music lets me express anything and everything.” As enthusiastic as Ashley is about music, it isn’t her only passion. She “loves” the challenge of science and chemistry, and “could not live without music” in her life, so she decided to pursue both her interests. At first, the thought of a Music minor crossed her mind, but Ashley realized that she wanted no limit on the Music classes she could take.
We are glad to present a full slate of noon hour concerts this term. Please note that the start time is now NOON, not 12:30pm.
Congratulations to Ellen Marguerite Siebel-Achenbach on receiving The Sandra Burt Prize in Gender and Social Justice for her project on “Sisters of Wisdom: Female Hymnists of the Middle Ages.” Ellen graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2023 with a double major in Visual Culture and Medieval Studies and minors in both Fine Arts Studio and Church Music and Worship (CMW). She recently finished her master's degree in Art History at the University of Toronto.
Music Major
Matt Metwalli, a fourth-year music student at the University of Waterloo and Conrad Grebel University College, is preparing for his upcoming grad recital. While practicing the saxophone piece “As I Am,” Matt knew delivering a memorable performance would require meticulous practice and a profound understanding of the piece's composition.
Liberal Studies, with Church Music and Worship minor
“I love, love, love music! It feeds my soul and nourishes my spirituality in a way that doesn’t always need words,” expressed Susan Allen, a Conrad Grebel University College alumna who earned a Liberal Studies degree with a minor in Church Music and Worship from the University of Waterloo. With the goal of turning her 3-year degree into a 4-year honours degree, Susan returned to Grebel.
Statistics, with Music minor
Conrad Grebel University College has felt like home to Joel Woods since he was 12 years old. Following in his sister’s footsteps, Joel attended Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC), a two-week camp at Grebel that mixes music and faith with a traditional camp experience. In just two weeks, Joel felt like he belonged at Grebel. For the next five years, Joel returned to Grebel each August for OMMC, shaping exciting summer memories, his creativity, a love for music, and eventually his post-secondary path.
Congratulations to Veronica Champagne (Honours Music) on being this year’s recipient of the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Music for the graduating class of 2024.
On behalf of the Department of Music, congratulations, Veronica, on your academic achievement and very best wishes from all of us!
We'll also miss you in chamber choir ensembles!