THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
BURLINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Fostering Community Through Music
The renowned Burlington Symphony Orchestra, previously known as Symphony on the Bay, operates under the aegis of the Greater Hamilton Symphony Association, a distinguished registered Canadian charity. Our volunteer Board of Directors, gathering nine times annually, boasts a diverse mix of professionals from the realms of business, education, and social services, along with musicians from both the orchestra and the broader Burlington community.
A business maven, Anda Protopopescu possesses three decades of association with Fortune 500 companies, spanning Financial Services to Telecommunications. An alumnus of McMaster University, Anda couples her passion for the arts, shaped while growing up in Eastern Europe, with her profound business expertise, refined during her career in the Hamilton/Burlington area. Her dedication for the Burlington Symphony Orchestra and passion in expanding arts in our region is unparalleled.
DIRECTOR
Stationed in Welland, Ontario, Cynthia Vermeer is the co-proprietor of Vermeer’s Garden Centre and Flower Shop. A flautist by passion, Cynthia’s harmonies echo across the Niagara region. Her association with the Burlington Symphony Orchestra is underlined by her commitment to its musical trajectory and her aspiration to work alongside its Board of Directors.
Serving as the Board’s Secretary for the Burlington Symphony Orchestra, Jess Hinchliffe brings over 15 years of administrative wisdom from Ontario’s post-secondary sector. A proud resident of Burlington since 2008, her enthusiasm for governance and the arts make her a valuable asset to the orchestra’s mission.
DIRECTOR
A dynamic student from the University of Guelph, Evan Papadopoulos is deeply integrated into the marketing realm. His Aldershot roots resonate with the Burlington Symphony Orchestra, having contributed to its digital presence in 2019. Evan remains an active community contributor, channelling his passion for music and the arts.
Vanessa is a graduate from the University of Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science with a double major in political science and biology. She currently works at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Having worked with a number of organizations in retail and banking, she is eager to bring her experience to the Burlington Symphony Orchestra (BSO). As an active volunteer, Vanessa has volunteered with a number of organizations including Peel Public Health and the University of Toronto Academic Affairs Committee. Vanessa looks forward to using her experience and passion for music to help grow and advance the BSO.
DIRECTOR
With an illustrious career in IT spanning over four decades, Raja Chhatwal brings a unique blend of technical acumen and musical passion to the Board. A musician at heart, Raja’s brings a deep connection with the local musical scene. His vision is to bolster support for the Burlington Symphony Orchestra and enhance its already stellar reputation.
Frances is a retired elementary school teacher and longtime member of the Burlington Symphony Orchestra and several other musical groups. She was a board member of BSO for several years when it was called Symphony Hamilton. She had also served as a board member for the Dundas Concert Band for many years. In addition to playing in orchestras, bands and chamber groups, Frances enjoys international folk dancing, yoga, tai chi and traveling. She looks forward to being a board member of BSO once again and hopes to use her past experiences to help continue to grow the presence of BSO in the community.
