About Us

The Northumberland Orchestra Society is a not-for-profit organization that is the county’s first and foremost purveyor of beautiful orchestral music.

Our History

The Northumberland Orchestra was founded under the guiding vision of Dr. Phillip Schaus in 1978 when enthusiastic local musicians united to form a symphony orchestra. A year later the local choral society joined with the orchestra as the newly constituted Northumberland Philharmonic Choir. Performing for many years as the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir, the Northumberland Orchestra Society is currently focusing on instrumental music-making. Throughout its history, the Northumberland Orchestra Society has included and encouraged young local musicians, many of whom are now pursuing professional musical careers.

Our Musical Team

Photo of Concertmaster Victoria Yeh at Meaford Hall

Music Director

Patrick Headley is an acclaimed bassoonist, conductor, and music educator, recognized for his versatility and leadership in the Canadian music scene. Originally from London, Ontario, he holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Performance and Literature from Western University. As a student, Patrick won his first professional audition at age 18. Since then, Patrick has become a sought-after soloist, conductor, and orchestral musician across Ontario, including a standout performance of Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in 2019 with the Northumberland Orchestra & Choir.
Patrick has conducted major ensembles, such as the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, Quinte Symphony, and Orchestra Toronto. With a strong commitment to music education, he has served as an adjudicator in music festivals and as a performing coach and sectional conductor with La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra, alongside his work with numerous other musical organizations and camps across the province. A passionate advocate for Canadian music, Patrick conducted the premiere of John Burge’s Port Milford Suite for string orchestra, which he also presented to a sold-out audience at Roy Thompson Hall. Additionally, he was honored to perform John Weinzweig’s Divertimento No. 2 for Bassoon and Orchestra during Weinzweig’s centenary celebrations in 2013.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Patrick expanded his artistic reach with a video series of solo recordings that were viewed by over 100,000 people worldwide. His influence also extends into reed technology, having collaborated with James McKay in the development of the Légère synthetic double reed, which Patrick now uses exclusively in his performances.
An esteemed educator, Patrick has taught at Western University, served as Head of Performing Arts at Rosseau Lake College, and worked with several schools and institutions throughout Ontario. Beyond his instrumental expertise, he is also an accomplished vocalist, having performed as a soloist in productions of The Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem, and he currently serves as the Music Director for A Cappella Quinte in Belleville, Ontario. 
Photo of Concertmaster Victoria Yeh at Meaford Hall

Victoria Yeh

Victoria Yeh is a Canadian violinist who has performed across the country from coast-to-coast-to-coast, and has been lauded by music critics internationally. Classically trained, Victoria has served as Concertmaster for various orchestras, in addition to her active performance career as a contemporary electric violinist. Today, her unique style combines classical purity with the edginess of prog fusion, heavily influenced by the likes of Jean-Luc Ponty and Joe Satriani.

When not on stage, Victoria can be found recording on countless film, television and music projects in genres ranging from atmospheric avant-garde to hip-hop and electronica; folk and fiddle to ethno-world and rock. As a devoted teacher, Victoria also works extensively with adults who are either returning to their instruments after a long absence, or advanced players seeking to improve their technical foundations and/or explore contemporary music and improv. Victoria has been recognized with the 2021 Platinum and 2022 Gold Awards for Best Music Lessons in Grey County.

New to Peterborough, Victoria is honoured to be serving as Concertmaster for the NOS.

Board Members

2023-2024

Executive

Marie Narini

President

Deirdre Bryant

Vice President

Vacant

Treasurer

Diana Storen

Secretary

Joan Chalovich

Director Emeritus

Board Members

Vacant

Ray Moore

Vacant

Ex-Officio

Patrick Headley

Music Director

Stephanie Allen

Concierge/Stage Manager

Operations

Vacant

Accompanist

The Ford Professional Group and Postings

Administration

Marie Narini

Bingo Fundraiser Lead

Doug Haskell

Concert Photography

Vacant

Development Outreach

Board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting in the fall and some positions are filled throughout the year. If you are interested in putting your name forward to the Nominating Committee to be considered for Board membership, please fill out our Join Us form.