The Kensington Sinfonia was founded in 1988 by John Lowry, Associate Concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic, and freelance musicians. In 1993 Edmond Agopian was appointed Music Director of this unique professional ensemble in Calgary, and served until 2006 when the position was given to Donovan Seidle.

The Sinfonia's programs cover a wide range of chamber music and string orchestra repertoire, from the Baroque to present day. Since its inception, it has frequently commissioned works by Calgary composers, as well as presenting the Calgary premieres of many Canadian compositions. The Sinfonia has been frequently broadcast on both regional and national CBC Radio programs. It's debut recording "Views from the Americas", recorded by CBC Radio, has also been broadcast often. Having crossed the quarter-century mark, the Kensington Sinfonia continues to expand and innovate in its programming and its presentation.

The musical intimacy between players and the audience is extremely important in the Sinfonia's performances. It is with this in mind that the Sinfonia chooses to perform at the wonderfully intimate and acoustically satisfying Hope Lutheran Church.

And of course, there is always a complimentary reception after each concert.

Donovan Seidle is Assistant Concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, first violinist of the Bell'arte String Quartet, and Artistic Director of the Kensington Sinfonia. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance and Composition at the University of Calgary. During his undergraduate studies he was a member of University of Calgary's String Quartet in Residence, and was a two-time winner of the U of C Orchestra Concerto Competition. In 2003, Mr. Seidle completed a Master's degree in Violin Performance at Northwestern University, where he was awarded a full fellowship through the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.