Symphonic Galaxy

Canadian violinist Jennifer Burford eagerly searches for new musical experiences to develop her versatility as a musician. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s of Music Performance from University of Toronto where she studied with Mark Skazinetsky. She received her Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School and her Master’s of Music Performance Degree from University of Toronto under the tutelage of Erika Raum.

Jennifer joined the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as concertmaster in 2022. She regularly performs with Esprit Orchestra, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and has previously performed with the Toronto Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Toronto, and Mirvish Productions. In addition to classical music, Jennifer has recorded and performed in jazz, funk, folk, pop, and klezmer genres. She is a founding member of the Queer Songbook Orchestra, a professional chamber pop ensemble, creating and performing a living archive of songs that have shaped the LGBTQ2S+ community.

In addition to performance, Jennifer is a faculty member of the Oscar Peterson School of Music (formerly Royal Conservatory School) and runs a private teaching studio in Scarborough. She enjoys teaching students of all ages and experience. Jennifer is a Suzuki trained teacher, having completed Units 1-8 teacher training units. She was recently certified as a teacher trainer in the Creative Ability Development method, which focuses on developing divergent thinking and musical artistry through teaching improvisation from an early age. At home, she enjoys exploring creative learning through music and art with her three sons.

Music Director Michael Newnham is best known for his intense and inspiring conducting style, based on a deep knowledge of the score and informed by a strong interest in languages, cultures and history. A born communicator, his open and direct contact with musicians and audiences creates performances full of expression and energy.

Along with his duties at the PSO, he is also presently (since 2018) Music Director of Orchestra Toronto. During his tenure as Music Director of Symphony New Brunswick (2009-2018), Newnham was instrumental in bringing that orchestra to new artistic heights and raising its profile on the national level.

In addition to his performances in his native Canada, Newnham has also appeared at the helm of many orchestras and opera companies throughout Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy, and South Korea.

Endowed with a special passion and gift for working with young musicians, Michael was the founding conductor of the Kawartha Youth Orchestra and has been a faculty member at Music at Port Milford for several years. His involvement in educating young musicians is not limited to Canada; he spent two years as a guest professor and orchestra conductor at Taegu-Hyosung University in South Korea.

Originally from Hamilton, Newnham is a graduate of the conducting class of prof. Bogusław Madey at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, Poland. He also studied at the Indiana University School of Music and at the University of Toronto.

He is a recipient of several awards, including the “Order of Merit” from the Republic of Poland, the “Best Conductor” Award from the East Slovakian State Opera, and the Turzanski Award for his services in promoting Polish music and culture in Canada.

Before taking up the baton, Newnham began his musical career as a trombonist, playing with the Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphonies, as well as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. He currently lives in Peterborough with his wife, cellist Zuzanna. He is an avid reader, proud father to two daughters and a passionate home barista.