Who We Are

A recent study at the University of Bern, Switzerland, shows what many of us know intuitively. Among people listening to classical music together, heart rate, breathing rate and the electrical conductivity of skin (which suggests excitement) may synchronize. Hearing music as a group brings us together in joy.

But as Symphony Nova Scotia commences its 2023-24 season, there is no joy. There is a great void on the stage. Music director Holly Mathieson has terminated cellist Shimon Walt, a long-time member of the orchestra. This has caused outrage among many members of the community, threatening support for a world-renowned orchestra that has been entertaining audiences for decades.

Shimon has been an integral and beloved part of Symphony Nova Scotia for over 47 years, an orchestra that he helped to found. He is widely regarded as one of the best musicians in his field and has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Despite this, he was recently terminated from his position with no severance or benefits.

We suspect that other players have also been and will also be terminated. What amounts to a reign of terror has begun.

This decision has caused significant concern among members of Symphony Nova Scotia's audiences and fans. A petition with over 1100 names across Canada was sent to the Symphony board; the Board gave no response. But bad decisions can be revoked. Mistakes can be reversed.

Join us to call upon Symphony Nova Scotia to fully reinstate Shimon Walt with no loss in benefits or seniority.

Here’s what you can do to help:

  • Sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/call-upon-symphony-nova-scotia-to-fully-reinstate-shimon-walt-with-no-loss-in-benefits

  • Contact Symphony Nova Scotia CEO Chris Wilkinson chris.wilkinson@symphonyns.ca, 902.421.4763

  • Don’t renew your season’s subscription until Symphony Nova Scotia treats Shimon fairly

Shimon’s Honours

& Accomplishments

s

  • 47 year orchestral career in Nova Scotia, as Principal and Assistant Principal Cellist

  • Over 30 years teaching cello at Dalhousie University and privately (many students have gone on to stellar musical careers, including Denise Djokic, Julia MacLaine, Dr. Evan Jones, Denise Ro, Jaeyoung Chong)

  • 2022-23 winter term teaching at University of Ottawa, cello, chamber music and orchestral studies and previous masterclasses

  • Adjudicator Kiwanis Local and Provincial competitions.

  • Adjudicator Canada Council grants, Canadian Music Competition and FACTOR competitions.

  • Principal and section cello Jeunesse Musicale Symphony Orchestra, under Zubin Mehta, Michael Tilson Thomas and Leonard Bernstein.

  • Principal Cello at Casals Festival in Jerusalem, conducted by Pablo Casals.

  • Solo appearances with Symphony Nova Scotia (Boccherini Concerto and Bruch’s Kol Nidre)

  • Two concerts as member of Rhapsody Quintet with Symphony Nova Scotia

  • Volunteered and served on AFM Local 571 Bylaw Committee, SNS Players’ Committee, OCSM delegate. Helped negotiate former Collective Agreement for SNS.

  • First Personnel Manager of Symphony Nova Scotia. Arranged two major SNS tours, hired guest musicians, negotiated fees, found SNS sponsors and coordinated travel, expenses, rehearsal schedules, etc.

  • Full scholarship to Boston University for Masters studies on recommendation of Leonard Bernstein and Isaac Stern.

  • Artistic Director – Mahone Bay Music at Three Churches Series – over 20 years.

  • Artist in Residence – Cecilia Concert Series.

  • Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council – Established Artist Award

  • Owner Walt Music – organized and performed at hundreds of corporate events, weddings, funerals, fundraisers etc.

  • Founding member, Rhapsody Quintet, ECMA winner, Music Nova Scotia nominations, six recordings produced and released

  • Premiered new works for cello by leading Canadian composers such as Larry Nickel, Peter-Anthony Togni

  • Performed for heads of state including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (twice), HRH King Charles (then Prince) and other Royal family members.

  • Produced concerts with Nova Scotian artists for Symphony NS.

  • Performed for Lieutenant Governors of NS, Governor Generals and visiting Heads of States, G7 Summit, conferences.

  • Arranged and performed for funerals of many prominent Nova Scotians, including most recently, the late David Sobey

  • Performed at international royal wedding for Trungpa Rinpoche (Shambhala community)

  • Played on many recordings for Nova Scotia artists in all genres ranging from pop to classical.

  • Performed with outstanding pops and classical artists including John Denver, Victor Borge, Anne Murray, ballerinas Karen Kain and Veronica Tennant, Nickleback and many others.