On a recent morning during the launch of the 2025-26 season by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, violinist Allene Chomyn found herself engaged in hairstyling for a Kitchener bride instead of wielding her bow. The orchestra had declared bankruptcy in 2023, abruptly canceling the season just days before its scheduled start, resulting in Chomyn and fellow musicians losing their jobs. In response, Chomyn expanded her freelance hairstyling business, which she had previously pursued mainly during summers when the symphony was not active.
Facing financial challenges following the bankruptcy, Chomyn sought additional work and was swiftly taken on by the Waterloo-based business PearlGirlMakeup, enabling her to maintain flexibility in her schedule for both hairstyling and performing at smaller community concerts organized by fellow symphony musicians. Two years later, the orchestra, now under new leadership, has launched a fresh season, orchestrated by the musicians themselves and a revamped board of directors.
During the period of uncertainty, the musicians undertook various side jobs, hosted free community concerts, and fought to revive the symphony through legal channels. Despite the reduced number of performances in the current season compared to previous years, Chomyn and her husband, Ian Whitman, the symphony’s principal bassist, have experienced a decline in income due to their contractor status after being employees of the symphony.
In the wake of the orchestra’s bankruptcy and the subsequent resignation of the board of directors, community support played a crucial role in the orchestra’s revival. A fundraising campaign initiated by the musicians garnered significant contributions not only from local supporters but also from orchestras across Canada and the United States. The collective efforts and resilience of the musicians led to the annulment of the bankruptcy after their proposal to creditors was approved by the court.
The challenging period following the bankruptcy saw musicians like Chomyn and Moraes exploring alternative sources of income, including hairstyling and handyman work, before eventually returning to more stable freelance music engagements. Despite the hardships faced, the dedication and perseverance of the orchestra members have been instrumental in bringing the symphony back to life. The journey of rebuilding the orchestra has left a lasting impact on the musicians, reaffirming their passion for music and the importance of fighting for what they believe in.
