Rosalyn Urquhart joined the Symphony Nova Scotia’s team as Administration Coordinator in January of 2025. A passionate lover of the arts from a young age, Rosalyn learned to sing, play piano, and play guitar in a musical home and community. After graduating from the University of Guelph in 2023, Rosalyn packed up and moved to a new province and dove into the Nova Scotia arts community headfirst, and you can find her enjoying performances of all kinds around the city! Rosalyn’s favourite part of arts administration is the vibrant community with which she loves trading stories!

Q&A WITH ROSALYN

Why did you start playing your instrument?
I’ve been singing ever since I can remember, but I picked up the guitar from my dad. My dad is a blues guitarist, and I learned by watching, listening carefully, and copying him from a very young age. Despite not having any classical training in guitar, I’m proud of how far I have come with the instrument. I think it’s inspiring that learning can happen so organically!

What are you listening to right now?
I’m very picky about the seasons for music. Winter is Joni Mitchell, autumn is Nina Simone, summer is Patti Smith, and spring is The Roches. On the classical music side, I am a big fan of Shostakovich; I really enjoy his String Quartets and his Preludes and Fugues. It’s hard to choose a favourite of each. I like how Shostakovich demands your attention and utilizes such vivid storytelling in his composition.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to draw and sketch, so most of the time I have an illustration project on the go that I’m working on. When I’m not drawing, I’m thinking of stories to illustrate. I like to work with watercolour and coloured pencils. I’ve found that living by the ocean has changed my colour palette – everything is tinted with aquamarine! Otherwise, I love to run and explore the city with my friends.