ABOUT US
Who are We?
New West Symphony & Chorus started in 2010 with 30 volunteer members, and has grown to close to 100 members, each committed to New West’s vision to use music as a conduit to bless others. They have quickly gained recognition in Calgary, and consistently fill churches and auditoriums at their concerts throughout the year. New West Symphony & Chorus holds three major sell-out events per season: Christmas with New West at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, a major fundraiser, and a Spring Concert at the Bella Music Hall at Mount Royal University.
New West performs approximately 15 times per year, performing choral and orchestral music that includes genres such as classical, pop, gospel and contemporary.
They exist to “bless people of all age, leading them to experience love through music, community and compassionate giving.”
The members of New West value living with Christ-like behavior, constantly pursuing excellence, and fostering a sense of belonging with their membership and audiences. They uphold honesty and respect, paired with being fun and inspiring others.

New West Symphony & Chorus is a registered charity, and is committed to using their platform as a means to help people who are vulnerable and are experiencing challenges. Each year its members choose two organizations, one local and one international, to support through its New West Gives Back program. Throughout the year, these partner organizations are highlighted at concerts to help raise funds and awareness for these worthy causes.
Meet our Musical Director: Henric Idestrom
Henric joined New West Symphony & Chorus as Musical Director in 2017. Amazingly, he is also currently the Director of New York’s SymphoNYChorus, travelling weekly between the two cities. Henric had an eight-year tenure as Chair of the Arts at Rocky Mountain College in Calgary. While at RMC, he conducted numerous productions including Night at the Oscars and Give My Regards to Broadway.
Henric spent a number of years at Centre Street Church conducting the choir and orchestra and building their worship and arts department. He also produced six recordings, two of which won SHAI Gospel Music Awards in 2007. He was then honored in 2008 with the Gospel Music Association’s Covenant Award for Choir Album of the Year. Henric received his Masters in Conducting from Azusa Pacific University in California.
Henric brings his passion to everything he does, and inspires loyalty and engagement from his members by challenging them to perform like professionals and introducing new music every season. The chorus and orchestra provides an environment for deep camaraderie to form in a city that can be a rather lonely place. Audiences keep coming back to be energized and inspired by the ever-changing repertoire and enthusiastic performances.
Our Executive Leadership Team:
- Executive Director: Darryn Werth
- Associate Executive Director: Steve Lenz
- Operations Director: Dulaine Lough
- Associate Operations Director: Desiree Arthur
- Creative Director: Nicole Blenkin
- Musical Director: Henric Idestrom
- Assistant Musical Director: Chris Neufeld
Members of the Board:
- Joe Essenburg – Chair
- Lily Lau-Porta – Secretary
- Gail Thiessen – Treasurer
- Ruth Esau
- Edi Dygert
- Steve Lenz
- Dan Clarke
Our History:
New West Symphony & Chorus was founded in 2010 by Jonathan & Kristin Schorr. Their vision for musical excellence, community and generosity created a legacy that we are proud to continue to this day.
Past Musical Directors:
- Jonathan Schorr (2010-2015)
- David Klob (2015-2017)
Symphony Members
STRINGS

Viola
Member since 2013.

Violin
Member since 2010.

Violin
Member since 2018.

Violin
Member since 2013.

Violin
Member since 2018.

Cello
Member since 2019.

Violin
Member since 2019.

Cello
Member since 2019.

Harp
Member since 2019.
WOODWINDS

Clarinet and alto saxophone
Member since 2010.

Flute
Member since 2010.

Oboe
Member since 2010.

Bassoon
Member since 2012.
BRASS

Trumpet
Member since 2014.

French Horn
Member since 2011.

Trombone
Member since 2010.

French Horn
Member since 2015.

Trombone
Member since 2017.

Ephonium
Member since 2018.

Trumpet
Member since 2013.
RHYTHM & PIANO

Piano
Member since 2010.

Piano
Member since 2010.

Percussion
Member since 2013.

Percussion
Member since 2012.

Bass Guitar
Member since 2011.
Chorus Members
SOPRANOS

Member since 2010.

Member since 2014.

Member since 2013.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2017.

Member since 2017.

Member since 2017.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2012.

Member since 2013.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2015.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.
ALTOS

Member since 2013.

Member since 2013.

Member since 2017.

Member since 2016.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2017.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2012.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2017.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2020.
TENORS

Member since 2010.

Member since 2017.

Member since 2012-2014. 2017-

Member since 2018.

Member since 2013-2015. 2017-

Member since 2018.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2020.

Member since 2020.

Member since 2020.
BASSES

Member since 2012.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2010.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2019.

Member since 2018.

Member since 2020.
Technical Support

Technical Support
Member since 2018.

Creative Director
Member since 2019.
Conductors

Member since 2018.

Member since 2017.