Dr. Clarke & Leonard Pearlman
In 1956, Jan Wolanek left the symphony due to ill health. The board decided to have a resident conductor and Dr. F. Clarke was hired. Clarke was an organist, choir director, and composer. His background, though impressive, was not sufficient for an orchestral conductor. During this year, the Mary Schmon Singers performed and Dr. Clarke performed a Handel concerto for orchestra and organ. He conducted and played the organ. Dr. Clarke moved on to a better position, leaving the symphony without a conductor. Wallace Laughton was the head of a committee to find a new conductor. After much consideration and an extensive advertising campaign, Leonard Pearlman was chosen in 1958.
The symphony was revived with the hiring of an enthusiastic Leonard Pearlman who had just returned from studying in Europe.
An important part of the 1959-1960 season was the hiring of professionals to head the four main sections of the orchestra. Deryck Aird was the concertmaster; Harold Schatz, violas; Paul van Dongen, second violins; and Alta Mayer, cellos. In 1960, the orchestra received a grant of $1000.00 from the Canada Council which eased the financial burden. During the 1960-1961 season, a three concert series for school children was initiated. Leonard Pearlman formed the Junior String Ensemble. A policy was enacted to give scholarships to talented students who might find it difficult to pay for lessons. The name of the orchestra was changed to the St. Catharines Symphony Orchestra.
In 1963, a Symphony Chorus was founded. They performed to a full-house at a Chamber Series concert at Rodman Hall.
