On a recent morning when the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony revealed its 2025-26 season lineup, violinist Allene Chomyn was not holding her bow but rather a can of hairspray while styling a Kitchener bride’s hair. This unusual routine was a result of the orchestra’s bankruptcy filing in 2023, which led to the sudden cancellation of its upcoming season, leaving Chomyn and other musicians without work.
In response to the orchestra’s financial crisis, Chomyn intensified her freelance hairstyling business, which she had been doing seasonally for over ten years. Following the bankruptcy, she joined Waterloo-based PearlGirlMakeup, which allowed her to maintain flexible hours for freelancing while participating in small community concerts organized by fellow symphony musicians.
Now, two years later, the orchestra has successfully relaunched its season, spearheaded by the musicians themselves and a new board of directors. During the challenging period leading up to this revival, the musicians took on additional jobs, hosted free community concerts, and pursued legal avenues to reinstate the symphony.
Chomyn, who has been part of the orchestra since 2007, recalled the significant reduction in the number of performances for the current season compared to previous years. The constrained schedule has consequently impacted the income of Chomyn and her husband, Ian Whitman, who serves as the symphony’s principal bassist.
The orchestra’s struggle garnered support from various sources beyond the local community, with donations pouring in from orchestras across Canada and the United States. The musicians’ resilience shone through as they navigated the aftermath of the bankruptcy, with some like Whitman volunteering to organize free concerts in different settings to keep the spirit of the symphony alive.
Despite the financial hardships faced during the orchestra’s hiatus, the musicians persevered, piecing together incomes from diverse sources like hairstyling and handyman work. Their dedication and collaborative efforts eventually led to the orchestration of a successful comeback, culminating in the annulment of the bankruptcy through a court-approved proposal to creditors.
Reflecting on the orchestra’s revival, members like Chomyn, Whitman, and others expressed gratitude for the community support and highlighted the resilience and passion that drove them through the challenging times. The triumphant return of the K-W Symphony for the 2025-26 season symbolizes a hard-fought victory and a renewed commitment to their craft.
