$300,000 in federal cash creates permanent home for London orchestra
The federal government will provide $300,000 to renovate the Metropolitan United Church for London Symphony performances, a local politician has said.
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The federal government will provide $300,000 to renovate the Metropolitan United Church for London Symphony performances, a local politician has said.
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The news was announced by London North Center MP Peter Fragiskatos after a concert on Saturday at the city center church, A Necessary Lightness featuring oboist Graham MacKenzie and conducted by Evan Mitchell.
The church is located on Wellington Street, across from City Hall and Victoria Park. It was the orchestra’s performance venue for several years, since Orchestra London went bankrupt in 2014. London Symphonia was formed from its ashes in 2015.
The federal government money will be used to make renovations to accommodate the musicians.
In 2014, Orchestra London collapsed partly because an expected donation of $350,000 failed, creating a six-figure deficit. Executive Director Joe Swan, a longtime municipal politician, later resigned as leader.
A few months later, bankruptcy was declared after the city council refused to inject $375,000 into the struggling orchestra, which later reformed as #WePlayOn before adopting the current moniker, London Symphony.