Symphonic Soundcheck

sponsored by

TD Canada Trust

Sponsored by TD C

Through the generous sponsorship from TD of our Symphonic Soundcheck program, GSO is striving to increase diversity in the world of classical music, and to inspire, encourage, and facilitate access and opportunities in this beautiful art form.


GSO is thrilled to continue to collaborate with Kween, who has been featured as a dance artist in our Pop Up Orchestra Festival and acted as Narrator in our Fanfare Festival’s ” Twas the Night Before Christmas”.

Kween is a captivating storyteller! She will narrate several of our Kinderconcerts this season, Including  “The Sword in the Violin Case”, featuring the music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. Georges, on March 23rd (9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am).

Through Our GSOKids Club, we are able to offer free workshops, Kinderconcerts, and instrument petting zoos, to young members of our community from diverse backgrounds who may not otherwise have access to private music lessons or training. This program also includes free access to GSO concerts for participants and their parents/grandparents/guardian(s).

 Through ClassicalConnect, we are able to continue to offer reduced-priced Under 30 tickets to ensure that concerts remain accessible to young people.

We also showcase and highlight the unique voices of diverse emerging artists at our concerts.

The Cast of “The Sword in the Violin Case” based on the music and the adventures of the Chevalier de St. Georges.

Members of the Guelph Symphony performing on March 5th, for and with the young students of the Shelldale Music Adventures program. Special thanks to Elayne Ras.

Kween, she/her

Thadinadonnih (Guelph) born and raised, University of Guelph Alumni, Valedictorian from the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts, Kween is a Black settler living out her passions. She is a dancer, teacher, actor, choreographer, director, producer, advocate, curator, marketing/social media guru, TedX and International Speaker and co-contributing Author to 100 Women of Inspiration and The Stage Light Flickers.

Kween is the CEO and owner of The Kween Company and Co-owns The Heels Academy. Kween is the leader of Solidarity March in Support of BLM in 2020 and the Executive Director and Social Justice Initiatives Coordinator for Guelph Black Heritage Society. Kween is also host and community producer on Rogers Channel 20 with “Diverse and Converse”, a BIPOC panel discussion. Kween specialized in EDI work specially for Violence, Oppression, Harm and Indiegious Relationship Building.

Kween held a Residency with Guelph Dance in 2020/2021, was winner of Woman of the Year 2020, nominee for RBC Women of Influence 2021, Women of Inspiration 2021 Finalist and nominee for RBC Canadian Entrepreneur Awards 2022 and Women Who Rock Awards 2022.