1980-1983
Leonard Atherton left the symphony in 1980. During the next three seasons, there were guest conductors. One of the most notable guest conductors was Uri Mayer.
The Romanian-born viola player had played in the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. His conducting skills came to the attention of Leonard Bernstein. Mayer enrolled as a student at Julliard in New York and graduated with honours in both viola and conducting. Mayer became the Associate Conductor and 1st violist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. He later accepted the post of Music Director and Conductor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
It was during this time that Robert De Clara was also conducting the Niagara Symphony. He conducted a concert featuring cellist Mihai Tetel as well as Carmen and a Christmas concert. In 1981, he was appointed as the Director of the Symphony Chorus. He was followed by Ian Grundy in 1983. In the 1980s, the chorus began to offer their own concerts. Another guest Conductor was Robert Cooper. Ermanno Florio decided to hire him as the Director of the Chorus. Cooper really took the chorus to new levels and in 1997, they became an independent organization and changed their name to Chorus Niagara. Robert Cooper continues as the director and the chorus plays to sold-out concert halls.
