July 24, 2017 – It is with bittersweet excitement that the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) wishes to announce the impending departure of RSO concertmaster, Simon MacDonald. Simon has accepted a prestigious position as the Department Head for Strings at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM), and will complete his position as concertmaster as of July 31, 2017.
For the past three seasons, Simon has been a valuable member and leader in the RSO family. In his role as concertmaster, he has made a significant contribution artistically and within the organization. He inspired his colleagues – both on stage and off stage – and always strived to raise the bar higher in order to reach our potential.
“Simon has been an invaluable asset to our organization during a time of unprecedented change,” said RSO Music Director, Gordon Gerrard. “His work with the orchestra and the chamber players has helped to build a strong musical foundation upon which we will continue to grow; and his commitment to the community we serve has been an inspiration to us all.”
During his tenure, the RSO’s audience, and the larger southern Saskatchewan community, have fully embraced Simon as a tremendous talent and genuinely compassionate individual. The RSO, although sad to see him move on, is thrilled that Simon’s talent and kindness will be instilled in young musicians that will rise to be the future orchestra musicians of Canada, and the World.
VCM has earned an outstanding reputation of quality in education, performance and music therapy. The Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music (CSCM) represents the historical core program area of the VCM, offering training in traditional Western European Classical Music, and is comprised of the Departments of Keyboard, Voice, Winds & Brass, and Strings, as well as courses in Classical Theory, and the high-level Young Artists Collegium, Opera Studio, and Advanced Voice Workshop programs. The Department Head for Strings, is an active, enthusiastic, and well respected teacher and performer, whose artistic, academic, and administrative leadership expertise, will develop, grow, and manage the CSCM Strings Department, creating an outstanding environment for both teaching and learning. Following Simon’s departure to VCM, the RSO will select an acting concertmaster for the upcoming season and implement plans for a formal concertmaster search.
Please join the RSO musicians, staff, and board, in celebrating Simon’s new appointment and wishing him, his wife Jennifer, and two sons, all the best as they begin a new chapter of their lives in Victoria.
