Your Gift at Work

The Kingston Symphony Association enriches our region through live music that inspires, educates, and connects. We are proud to champion Canadian artists and composers. Your support enables us to:

Share the Joy of Live Music

I moved to Kingston to be able to hear the symphony in person. A treat I missed living in the in between, neither Newmarket nor Peterborough for many years. Live music is one of life's great pleasures. - Pamela Bough

As the only professional orchestra between Toronto and Ottawa, the Kingston Symphony offers world-class performances, right here at home. Last year, our concerts were attended by over 7,000 people! When our musicians are not on stage, they are active in our community making music and teaching hundreds of students. This brings cultural vibrancy to Kingston well beyond our concerts, making our city a more attractive place to live and work.

Create Community

When they [Kingston Symphony musicians] were here two weeks ago, I happened to walk into the building and I heard the violins. I just thought, this is the greatest place to walk into work! It was beautiful - I felt like I was going to weep. - Janice Hicks, Normandy Retirement Living

Music brings people together. Our constituent groups, the Kingston Community Strings and the Kingston Choral Society, provide performance opportunities for music lovers of all ages. Through our outreach programs, Kingston Symphony musicians regularly perform in libraries, community centres, and retirement homes throughout the city. We’re also proud to offer Relaxed Concerts, welcoming those in the Disability and Neurodiverse communities to experience live music in a supportive setting.

Empower the Next Generation

Being part of the Kingston Youth Orchestra is rewarding when all the instruments come together and make something more magical than I could do on my own! Mr. J., the conductor, has great energy and he creates a fun environment for all the musicians. It’s a time of the week I look forward to! - Chloë, Kingston Youth Orchestra Participant

Education is at the heart of our mission. Through the Kingston Youth Orchestra, Youth Strings, and A-Strings, over 50 young musicians benefit from weekly group lessons and mentorship each year. For over 25 years, our Symphony Education Partnership has enabled 2,000 Grade 4 students to experience a live concert annually. Our Share the Music program provides hundreds of complimentary tickets to children and families each season, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to experiencing live music.

Innovate the Future of Orchestral Music

In music class we watched Harmon in Space [KSA educational video series] to learn about the instruments in an orchestra. From there the students became obsessed with everything Harmon! They wanted to write Harmon a letter and draw her pictures. We were able to incorporate music, math, and language using your series! Thank you for making music so fun and accessible. - Elizabeth, Grade 1 Teacher

Under Maestro Evan Mitchell, we’re redefining tradition by creating a children’s video series, premiering new Canadian compositions, and partnering with national initiatives like the Women in Musical Leadership program. Your support helps us chart bold new directions for orchestral music.