INCITE FOUNDATION: Sinfonia Ancaster

By HCMJul 28, 2025

The incite Foundation for the Arts supports the work of Sinfonia Ancaster.

The incite Foundation for the Arts has contributed more than $9 million to 50 Hamilton-area organizations, through grants from $2,500 to $300,000, since it was founded in 2011. It is the legacy of the late Carl and Kate Turkstra who believed the arts are key to quality of life and critical to the future of Hamilton. And they believed anyone, regardless of circumstance, should be able to enjoy and pursue music, theatre and visual art. HAMILTON CITY Magazine is showcasing the incredible, creative and talented recipients of incite grants. Here we share the work of Sinfonia Ancaster.

Sinfonia Ancaster is a vibrant and valuable cultural institution within the Ancaster and greater Hamilton community, offering both artistic excellence and meaningful community engagement. Since its inception, Sinfonia Ancaster has been a grateful recipient of funding from the incite Foundation for the Arts.

Excellence and accessibility

Sinfonia Ancaster is a polished and ambitious community orchestra that delivers high-quality performances at accessible prices. As the proud resident orchestra of the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Sinfonia is able to perform four concerts per season in beautiful Peller Hall thanks to the vision and support of incite. Composed largely of amateur musicians, the ensemble's concerts have been lauded for their professionalism and enthusiasm. Under the direction of music director Jeffrey Pollock, Sinfonia Ancaster has expanded its repertoire and increased its concert offerings. Pollock's engaging conducting style and informative commentary enhance the concert experience, making classical music more approachable for diverse audiences.

Read all about the legacy of Carl and Kate Turkstra here!

The orchestra, celebrating 10 years next season, regularly showcases its ability to captivate audiences with classical and Romantic works by Beethoven, Schumann, Mahler and Dvorak, as well as contemporary orchestral works, including Indigenous composers. With incite's help, it has featured distinguished Canadian soloists, such as renowned concert pianist Valerie Tryon (who appears again on Nov. 2) and baritone Christopher Dunham, as well as featuring its own professional section principals. Next season, in addition to Tryon, Sinfonia will feature Toronto Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, Jonathan Crow (March 27) as well as Sinfonia cellist Amber Ghent and guest organist Ian Sadler (May 8).

"Our city is incredibly fortunate to have Sinfonia Ancaster,” says Ward 12 Councillor Craig Cassar. “Under the charismatic leadership of Jeffrey Pollock, they constantly deliver stellar and entertaining concerts built around unique themes! I love every performance!"

Community orchestra Sinfonia Ancaster will celebrate 10 years in 2026. Photo: Scott Annandale

Community engagement and education

Aligned with incite's vision for excellence and creativity, Sinfonia Ancaster plays a crucial role in fostering musical growth within the community. The orchestra is composed of 50 members, including eight professional musicians who serve as section leaders and coaches. This structure provides amateur musicians of all ages with valuable mentorship and the opportunity to develop their orchestral skills in a supportive environment. Pollock offers "pre-concert chats" for patrons in the lobby, providing context for the music in a way that deeply engages the audience.

The organization's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its efforts to engage with local audiences through themed concerts and collaborations with other arts groups. The concert Half the Sky celebrated International Women's Day by featuring works by female composers. Land Acknowledgement: A Concert featured works by three Turtle Island composers: Jessica McMann, Spy Dénommé-Welch and a commission for a world premiere from composer Dawn Avery. Sinfonia co-hosted an adjacent educational event with the Woodland Cultural Centre at AMAC as a WCC fundraiser: screening the film Silent No More, a virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School.

This year's concert Sinfonia Masala featured soprano Bethany Hörst and Juno-nominated Hindustani vocalist and soprano, Vidita Kanniks, as well as local tabla player, Sajan Prem. Sinfonia regularly collaborates with local choirs such as Strata Vocal Ensemble and the Hamilton Children's Choir for their popular Home for the Holidays concerts (matinee and evening on Dec. 6).

Sinfonia Ancaster at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. Photo: Scott Annandale

Integral role in the local arts ecosystem

Sinfonia Ancaster contributes significantly to the region's cultural vitality, says AMAC’s executive director Colin Lapsley. "We are very fortunate and proud to have an in-house orchestra of this calibre. Their concerts are professional and entertaining, but just as importantly, Sinfonia Ancaster inspires young musicians to stick with it and older musicians to get involved!"

Read more and buy a subscription at sinfoniaancaster.com.