History

The Westmount Youth Orchestra was founded in 1995 by Salim Nakhjavani. Salim's dream was to provide a place where young musicians of the Westmount community could meet and make music together. Salim, a young law student, set a solid foundation by writing the bylaws, and recruiting a Board made up of people devoted to providing a nurturing environment and family atmosphere for youth of all musical levels. Community values were of the greatest importance.

The orchestra started with a core of 30 musicians, and was conducted by two devoted musicians: Mark Simons, and Anthony Rozankovic, supported by a coaching staff of Margaret Lysy, violin, and James Darling, cello. Mark and Anthony shared the podium for the first year, however, Mark continued as Music director of the Westmount Youth Orchestra from 1996 to 2004. Under Mark's leadership the orchestra grew not only in numbers, but also in experience and excellence, winning 2 gold and 1 silver medals at Vanier College's Musicfest. The orchestra participated regularly in the Laval Youth Orchestra Festival, playing in joint concerts at the beautiful Lanaudière Amphitheatre with youth orchestras from all over Quebec. Concerts at home in Victoria Hall were full of innovations, including collaborations with actor Albert Millaire, Ballet Divertimento, circus artists, and the clown Mirko.

Over the years, junior and intermediate level string orchestras have been added, so that Westmount Youth Orchestra family now numbers almost 100 musicians between the ages of 5 and 20 playing in three separate ensembles, Westmount String Ensemble, Ensemble Dolce Musica, and Westmount Symphony Orchestra.