Testimonials from signers of the petition
Leslie Ament
No professional musician should be terminated without serious legal cause!
Janice DiBiase
Shimon deserves respect for his contributions to Nova Scotia‘s cultural life over the decades.
Irene Wilkinson
Shamon is a rare talent. He plays with warmth and exquisite sensitivity and he has been a jewel in the crown of the Symphony over the years. Terminating Shimon would be an unthinkable mistake.
Peggy Cameron
Mr Walt is the public face of the NS Symphony-he is the best known community personality and brings music everywhere - from formal symphony performances to small intimate Rhapsody gigs!
Alice Furr Cooney
When I'm in Halifax hearing the music including Shimon Walt's talent is one of my favorites! I always watch him-his dedication shows!
Jaeyoung Chong
This is my former teacher that doesn't deserve any of this treatment from the orchestra.
Mary Earle
This is unacceptable!
Sharon Davies
Shimon Walt’s termination must not be clouded in secrecy but rather openness, transparency and respect.
Peggy Richards
I enjoyed his playing at my friends’ wedding!
Janet Mackenzie
He is a fine musician.
Colleen MacDonald
Shimon is the most amazing musician I have ever met. In my opinion a virtuoso! I could listen to him play forever. I worked with Shimon for many years. He is the most dependable person I have ever met. This decision is a loss for the Symphony, and in particular, an extreme loss to your… Read more
Christina Fougere
I recognize this gentleman from many concerts and his beautiful musicianship. I also recognize him from daily life in Halifax. He is a kind and gracious person who enjoys sharing his passion and talent.
Don’t waste that. Reinstate Shimone and work out the differences. Thank you. CF
Catherine Lazier
Shimon has contributed wonderfully to the music community in Nova Scotia and certainly does not deserve to be dismissed from his orchestra position in such an arbitrary way. I have followed his performances with the orchestra for 40 years, attended numerous chamber music… Read more
Peter Glenister
Shimon Walt is a superb musician.
Steve Bone
I’ve been privileged to hear Shimon play on many occasions - including at dance performances for my daughters. His music has brought joy to so many. I hope Symphony Nova Scotia will reconsider its decision and reinstate Shimon.
Willow Auswald
THANK~YOU for your HEROIC wisdom, action and integrity to protect and provide for the HUMANE
Martine Durier-Copp
I am shocked by this arbitrary decision, which is not supported by any evidence of Shimon's perceived "artistic failings". As a knowledgeable and regular concert goer, I have always admired his artistry, technical virtuosity, community dedication and high musical standards. We demand… Read more
Chris Jauer
Absolutely wrong! People like him are the soul of the symphony!!
Doreen Dixon
Shimon is an excellent musician who has been with SNS for years. No one deserves to be treated this way, but especially not Shimon!
Donald Tabor
Whenever I think of the Symphony I immediately think of Shimon Walt. He is synonymous with that organization and to learn that his release from the symphony, possibly due to ageism, is a huge slap in the face to Canadians everywhere who pride themselves on being a citizen of an inclusive… Read more
Renee Clark
Mr. Walt and his spouse have been a bright light in the music world here in Halifax for decades. To have that contribution cast aside in this way is unacceptable. SNS knows better, and needs to do better!
Lally Cadeau
As an artist, I find this decision questionable, if not downright shady. Transparency is all. You cannot hold yourselves in such regard without divulging reasons.
emanuel jannasch
Shimon is a pillar of musical Halifax
Patricia Kipping
Shimon is one of the most visible, hardworking and enduring musicians in the Halifax music community. This kind of treatment by SNS is perplexing and unjust.
Kennet Benoit-Hutchins
Shimon Walt as a master cellist deserves far more respect. Not only a fixture in the symphony his is a public figure much respected in his city of choice.
Terry Hurrell
Shimon is a wonderful musician, warm and generous in providing beautiful playing over the years. My biggest beef - in light of what is happening - is that no musician should ever be treated this way after over 40 years of dedicated service to the music community.
Jennifer Cohoon
I believe he should be reinstated
Daniela Friess
This is outrageous! I will boycott any future concert of the Nova Scotia Symphony orchestra. Shimon Walt is a world-renowned artist. He has performed with famous orchestras under such noted conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Pablo Casals. He was honoured to… Read more
Mary Ansell
Well said! Now is the time to stand up for the Symphony's musicians.
Beatrice Frankel
My husband and I admired Shimon's enthusiasm for promoting SNS and classical music perse in Nova Scotia. We had the privilege of enjoying to hear and see him in many, many concerts in the last 25… Read more
Keith McPhail
Shabby treatment for a long-time player and great symphony ambassador.
Mike Mullin
Shimon is world class musician and does not deserve to be treated this way.
Bliss FitzRandolph
I had many dealings with Shimon in the years that Air Canada had a reservations office in Halifax. He was great to work with. And because of this connection, I became a fan of Symphony Nova Scotia and in particular , Shimon. My husband and I enjoyed many symphony concerts when we still… Read more
Marni Gent
Mr. Walt has been an amazingly positive representative of Symphony Nova Scotia for many decades. VAST numbers of music lovers recognize & admire him. He IS the Symphony to us & you need to reinstate him or face the loss of a huge number of your...his...loyal supporters.
Jim Petrie
He is a brilliant musician and has contributed so much to us all.There is always an option rather than treat our seniors with such disrespect.
Catherine RANCY
Musicians of talent deserve respect.
Michael S. Anthony
Shimon has done a great deal for the community and he deserves better treatment.
Sharron Timmins
Please,please, reverse this terrible decision! It’s not too late to do the right thing; reinstate! To terminate anyone with no logical reason is a cruel act of cowardice and certainly says little good about those who hold the power. Please re-think this senseless act.
Gary Karlin
This is no way to treat an artist and a human being after 47 years of service.
Henry Krichker
Disgusting affair!!!
Christine MacDonald
I care about transparency and the arts. Unless there is more to the naked eye and disclosing the reasons violate someone else's right to confidentiality, the employee at the very least deserves to know.
judy haiven
The dismissal of Walt shows that Symphony NS is run in an autocratic way which is no way for a community based orchestra.
Brent Bannerman
Not knowing the details of this action, it smacks of age discrimination. His presence and visibility on stage is a familiar and reassuring part of this orchestra's legacy of continued excellence.
Kenny Mac Donald
Wondering what happened to this long time member!!
Michele Stephens
47 years of musicsl devotion and passion for his craft and the Symphony- this is unacceptable treatment.
Julia Landry
Through his work with the Rhapsody Quintet, Shimon has made classical music relatable and brought pleasure to many people.
Janice Cruddas
to many of us, Shimon has been the face of SNS for as long as we can remember. "Artistic reasons" is far too vague a reason to terminate one's employment and seems to invite a visit from the Labour Board. Choosing to make a career in the arts becomes a risky business if employers can behave in this way.
Terry Choyce
I gave heard him many times and he is great!
deborah boltz
His impact to the choir is immense
Bep Demings-Mattern
Shimon is a wonderful musician who should not have been fired after so many years with the Symphony. The reasoning does not make sense considering his experience and playing ability. Whatever happened to loyalty and trust? He should be re- instated and allowed to retire… Read more
corinne quinlan
Shimon is a true professional, loyal to SNS,
We the people say he deserves to be reinstated!
Heather Laskey
I and everyone else I've spoken to about it, am outraged at the way Shimon has been treated.
Sandy Greenberg
I have enjoyed and admired Shimon's playing for many years. As a musician and teacher, he contributes immensely to Nova Scotia’s musical community. At his recent concert with Rhapsody Quintet, Shimon playing masterfully, drawing beautiful warm tones out of the cello, and playing with finesse… Read more
Tanya Tintner
In the 47 years Mr Walt has lived and worked in Halifax, he has contributed an enormous amount to the musical life of this city - it is impossible to overestimate how much. He deserves far better than what has just happened to him. Of course what he contributes to the city in non-playing… Read more
lynn sapp
Shimon is a sincere man who has spent decades devoted to music and is respected and beloved in the community - he did not deserve to be ill-treated in such a callous manner.
Erin Gore
It is distressing that such a talented and valued member of the orchestra can be treated is such a despicable manner. Please reconsider.
Viki Samuels
Simon Walt is an excellent musician
Elissa Barnard
Shimon is a highly respected musician who has given and continues to give Nova Scotia great music. He is a key part of the province's cultural.fabric.
Sean Nadeau
A true gentleman, an superbly talented musician and a pillar of the musical arts community in Halifax who is respected by everyone in the industry should not be treated the way he was treated.
Eva MooreMay
SNS has got it wrong, and must be held responsible.
John LeBlanc
I think Stuart Wetmore said it very well. there are always two (or more) sides to any story, of course but whether was justified or not, the method of communication to Shimon, and to the general public is awful. This hurts Shimon of course and it also hurts SNS. What were they thinking with this cruel surgical amputation? That is no way to treat a professional and clearly whatever issue they were dealing with should have been resolved through discussion and negotiation. Why the silence?
Mary-Colin Chisholm
Shimon has been an ambassador for classical music and a mentor to young artists as well as a devoted musician. To fire someone without severance or explanation after 47 years is reprehensible. It is especially so when that person is not merely performing a job but is living and sharing… Read more
Lori Watkins
The Symphony won't be the Symphony without Shimon Walt and his cello! I will not purchase any more packages of tickets until he is reinstated. This man has given his all to SNS. Don't fire him now
Donna Wellard
Shimon Walt has served Symphony Nova Scotia admirably for over 40 years. His musical excellence and loyalty should be celebrated, not this. This is disgraceful action by the senior management of SNS.
Stuart Wetmore
Dismissal without discussion, without even an explanation, raises all sorts of red flags. This action hurts a person who has been integral to the symphony since forever, and tarnishes the SNS reputation. When you realize that a decision you took was a bad one, the harmonious thing to do is to reverse it.
Lynn Rotin
To be unceremoniously fired with no severance or compensation and also without solid explanation is appalling, direspectful, and unconscionable.
Laura Zolmer
Shimon has been one of my favorite performers at Synphony NS a great talent and a steller person aside from what he brings to the symphony he brings to families and his community his rare gifts of talent of his own free will many who have lost loved ones. I am extremely upset at what… Read more
Lorraine Field
No employee should ever be terminated with out cause and a chance to respond to any reasons claimed.
Diane Zwicker
I wish to support Shimon and I am extremely disappointed in how the Symphony is treating him.
Carol Ritchie
Shimon Walt brings his full heart to Symphony Nova Scotia. As a community, we value the elder leaders who have created the very fabric of our musical culture. Shimon is “our” cellist and will always be first chair. Music is about bringing people together. Shimon has been a shining light for SNS and this dismissal is heartbreaking.