Kingston Symphony Association

The Kingston Symphony Association exists to produce and promote professional quality programs of instrumental and choral music for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of audiences in the Greater Kingston area. We are dedicated to the support, development and showcasing of Canadian artists and composers.

The Kingston Symphony Association is the umbrella organization for six performing ensembles including the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, Kingston Choral Society, Kingston Youth Orchestra, Kingston Youth Strings, Kingston A-Strings, and the Kingston Community Strings. We are dedicated to musical development in our community and through our ensembles we are able to present orchestral and choral concerts, and involve young people in our community in professional-level musical performances and training.

The Kingston Symphony Association is also fortunate to have a Volunteer Committee who work on our behalf to raise funds for the operation of our organization and who provide financial awards for deserving young musicians each season. The Volunteer Committee is active in a range of annual fundraising programs including a Book Fair, Nearly New Sales, Vinyl Records Sales, House Tour, and Fashion Show.

The Kingston Symphony Association as it is known today was established by Dr. Graham George in 1953 and incorporated in 1956. Under the direction of Edouard Bartlett and Alexander Brott, the orchestra expanded to its present supplement of approximately 55 musicians. Brian Jackson was Music Director from 1982 to 1991. Glen Fast was Music Director from 1991 to 2014 and now serves as Conductor Emeritus. Evan Mitchell is currently Music Director.