The Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra is comprised of professional, amateur, and talented university and high school student musicians. The age range of the musicians span 13 years old to those with significantly more life experience. The orchestra represents cultures from across the globe and its musicians practice daily professions from every area of the community.

Our Mission

To lead in the creation of vibrant musical experiences that enlighten, educate, and entertain.

Our Purpose

The Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra’s core purpose is to enrich the lives and the cultural climate of the community through the presentation of concerts and educational programs, liaise and collaborate with other arts and community groups and organizations, and provide diverse performing opportunities for musicians from the region.

Our Vision

With audience members of all ages participating in, rather than simply attending concerts, the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra expands traditional models of presentation in ways that concert-goers value. Our interactive concerts utilize the magic of theatre, talented guest artists, multimedia, and a mélange of music that finds its way into the hearts of everyone. The production of popular, high profile concerts, at the highest level, with musical and visual appeal, enables the orchestra to resonate with the public, enabling us to make a genuine impact on, and fortify ties to the community.

Our Values

The Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicated to sharing music’s extraordinary power to communicate  through  performances  that are  evocative, dramatic, and passionate. Through artistry, education, and innovation, we seek to develop audiences of all ages and cultures.

Artistic Director

Jessica V. Kun is a native of Toronto, Canada. She completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting at Arizona State University, where she conducted the Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, and the Lyric Opera Theatre. She holds Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Calgary (Canada), Master’s Certificate in Conducting from the University of Calgary Wind Conducting Program, and a Master of Music degree in Musicology from the University of Manchester (England), where she conducted the Symphony Orchestra, chamber ensembles, and the New Music Ensemble. Dr. Kun is conductor and artistic director of the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra. She has taught and conducted musicians at all levels, from novice to professional. She has conducted string and full orchestras, symphonic and jazz bands, chamber ensembles, contemporary music ensembles, and opera. She has written articles for Canadian Music Education journals and curriculum documents for the Ontario Ministry of Education. Dr. Kun’s current research includes the development of an interactive mediated system for conducting and conducting pedagogy, using motion capture technology that began at the Arts, Media and Engineering Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Kun has been active as a conductor, adjudicator, and clinician in Great Britain, Europe, South America, and North America. Dr. Kun currently serves as Conductor and Assistant Professor of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Jessica V. Kun, Artistic Director

If you have any further questions, please contact admin@rhpo.ca.