Sharing the love of music

When you think of an orchestral musician, you likely think they are few and far between: a select few who have found their way to the very pinnacle of their craft. But, when you attend a concert by the Calgary Civic Symphony, you’re not just seeing a world-class performance, you’re seeing your friends and neighbours sharing their passion, dedication, and love of music with the audience.

The members of the Calgary Civic symphony are just like you: regular Calgarians by day, going to work, taking their kids to after school activities, and otherwise just going about their lives. With one key difference: in their spare time, they come together with their peers to share their talents with the broader community, creating a vibrant and accessible opportunity for amateur musicians to grace the legendary Jack Singer Concert Hall stage.

Meaningful milestones

The 2026-27 season marks the Calgary Civic Symphony’s golden anniversary, celebrating 50 years of sharing music and community with Calgarians. It’s also a milestone year for United’s partnership with the Calgary Civic Symphony, marking ten years of bringing residents unforgettable performances at the Jack Singer, as well as intimate, up-close concerts right in their own communities.  

Elaine Foo, a resident at United’s Fish Creek community, loves to attend the performances, and this year had the opportunity to share words from the stage on behalf of her fellow residents. “I was so nervous!” Elaine laughs, “But it was an incredible experience.” She continues, “Attending live performances, and having concerts in the community is something we as residents really enjoy – we look forward to each concert, and it’s a big reason why I enjoy living at United.”

A resonating experience

Jill LaForty, United’s music director has dedicated her life to her love of music – her connection to the music scene in Calgary has been an important driver to United’s connection to Calgary’s arts and culture community. The partnerships not only bring exclusive opportunities to residents, often right into the communities, but they also support the local music scene, giving the performers opportunities to directly connect with their audience. “United’s partnership with the Calgary Civic Symphony has been so rewarding,” says Jill, “The shared experience for everyone really brings a personal, special connection to the music.”

Rolf Bertsch, Calgary Civic Symphony’s Music Director and Conductor, shares how music fosters connection through the simple act of gathering for a common experience. “The residents engage with the performers through their proximity, and their visual and auditory experience,” Rolf says. “The impact of music is powerful in many ways. It helps develop the young brain in ways only music can; likewise, by bringing both current and past life experiences into a more present and emotional level, it enriches listeners and performers of all ages by engaging their senses and sparking memories.” Rolf continues, “The partnership between the Calgary Civic Symphony and United Active Living provides the opportunity for the best of our community musicians and residents to meet in person to experience the human and social enrichment great music offers us all.”

Jennette Miller, Executive Director at Calgary Civic Symphony, adds, “As an orchestra with musicians from all walks of life and career paths, Calgary Civic Symphony has seen how live music creates social cohesion and strengthens communities, not only between our musicians at each rehearsal but also with our audience at each performance in the Jack Singer Concert Hall, on-site concerts at United Active Living's communities, and meet and greets with our conductor and guest artists.” Jennette continues, “Whether aged 9 or 90, music and the performing arts are important to a fulfilling and meaningful life, whether you're on stage or in the audience. We are proud to be a longstanding partner with United, a relationship that is built on the shared belief that music is a lifelong necessity for health, well-being, quality of life, and connection with others."

United’s partnership with Calgary Civic Symphony will continue to strike a chord with residents and performers alike: check out Jill and Elaine as they share their thoughts about this very special partnership in our vlog here: