TSYO Alumni Association

Daniel is currently completing Teacher’s College qualifications at York University. He is teaching music at the Junior/Intermediate level. 

“Camp weekend was nice!”

Joshua is currently studying Psychology at McGill and is deeply involved at McGill University’s music scene as a cellist in the McGill Beethoven Orchestra and in chamber music. Joshua is also a part of the university’s Classical Music Club. 

“The chocolate milk during camp weekend. I'll never forget how good it was.”

Noah is currently pursuing a concurrent music education degree at Queen’s University.

“Absolute highlight of my life was playing Shostakovich 10 at Roy Thomson Hall.”

Elizabeth is currently a core member of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. She also plays regularly with Tafelmusik and Esprit. 

“Memorable moments: Side-by-side concerts -- two were big highlights. A Proms concert with the late Bramwell Tovey, and an incredible concert with Bobby McFarren, where we sang the William Tell Overture as an encore; also, recording Firebird and Barber Violin Concerto in 1997, my first year in the orchestra.”

“Playing Side-by-Side concerts with TSO in April 2022 was one of the most memorable experiences in TSYO. Live performing for the first time after the pandemic has started and to be on the Roy Thomson Hall stage with great musicians was very exciting.”

Daniel is currently doing his Master’s in Trumpet Performance at the New England Conservatory.

“Memorable moment: Playing Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony in 2019.”

“Endless hours of rehearsal were always rewarding and inspiring.”

“I think my favourite memory was playing in the side-by-side concert in the spring of 2022.  I had my third year recital the afternoon before our second concert, and it was just really special getting to sit next to and perform with my teachers, and mentors at RTH, as well as my friends from TSYO!”

“Concerts and camps with the TSYO were fun, but even the rehearsals in the bass section was a blast---I think we found the perfect balance of musicality and fun/humour when practicing.”

Anika is beginning studies at the Eastman School of Music and University of Rochester for a dual degree in cello performance and English.

“TSYO has provided me with a number of different opportunities beyond orchestral playing. Performing for seniors via zoom with the TSOUND CONNECTIONS program was one of the most incredible experiences I have had with my cello. These experiences opened up my mind to music's unique ability to connect and heal. Another memory: We members of the cello section used to meet before orchestra to play together. One cellist suggested that we try playing some cello choir music together and arranged a gig for us at his school. The bond we formed thanks to our shared experience and goals at TSYO continues to this day!”

Mark is working in Clinical Research and still continues to play music as much as possible!

“Side-by-side concerts, camp weekend - such great times!”

“I enjoyed playing for Victor Feldbrill and joint concerts with the TSO including the former first trumpet of the TSO - Larry Weeks.”

Chris plays Tuba with the Oakville Wind Orchestra.

“My best TSYO memory was the 1985 your to Europe and getting the chance to play my favourite piece, Prokofiev's 5th Symphony. We had an awesome brass section and it was a wonderful experience!”

Elayne is a Suzuki teacher of Violin and Viola in Rockwood and Guelph, Ontario.and the Asst. Principal 2nd violin with Guelph Symphony Orchestra. Elayne is one of only 10 people in Canada approved to be a Violin Teacher Trainer with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

“Enjoyed TSYO trips to Fort Worth, Texas and Montreal. Learned so much under Maestros Ermanno Florio and David Zafer!”

Mendelssohn Choir. It was simply such a unique setting where most of us played with a Choir for the first time ever; and it turned out more than amazing.”

Sanna is Studying biomedical engineering at McMaster and working in surgical technology.

“Camp Weekend was the turning point, when TSYO went from ensemble to family. From waking up early to see sunrise on the lake all bundled up, to watching La La Land late at night. It was even more incredible to play Tchaikovsky No. 5, a classic, in the serenity of the forest.”

“If I were to recall some of my favourite moments from my 3 years at TSYO, it would consist of playing side-by-side on the same stage as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, accompanying the Red Sky Performance Dance Company under the pit at the Sony Centre, and the annual Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway Trip!!”

“The side-by-side concert is an experience that has changed me and motivated me as a musician. The feeling of being completely immersed into a moment, into the world of music, gave me such a profound impact and comfort that music is what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. Surrounded by passionate people while playing fantastic music inspired me to continue to pursue music and to want to share these experiences with other people.

Every rehearsal felt like an honour to take part in. There was intensity through work but also intensity in emotion and I am so glad I could share that experience with talented musicians that are my friends. The concerts had given me a sense of gratefulness and privilege that I am able to be on stage performing such music with my peers and with the TSO, but also being grateful that I am able to pursue music as a career. All these feelings had made me live in the moment and truly appreciate how lucky I am to be a part of such an amazing program.”

Nicole is currently teaching high school music in Montreal.

“Aside from getting to play landmark orchestral repertoire with TSYO, my best memories truly are of making new friends, bonding over our love for music, and getting to share the experience with them.”

Iva-Mari is currently studying a Master’s in Molecular Bioengineering at Imperial College London, and is continuing to be involved in music academies and concerts with the piano.

“It has been wonderful to meet many great friends through chamber groups at the TSYO. Working with like-minded, talented, young individuals weekly was always a highlight of my week!”

“I remember specifically when we had a masterclass with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra's Principal Double Bass, Ali Yazdanfar. This was during camp weekend and came to the double bass section as a pleasant surprise. It was a fantastic experience for our development and it was amazing that everyone got a chance to play as well.”

Alastair is currently a part of the Toronto Symphony and is the Assistant Principal Cellist of the Santa Fe Opera.

“One of the earliest highlights of my musical life was my first year as a member of the TSYO. That season we performed Tchaikovsky 6, Prokofiev 5, and went on a week long tour to Banff. As a member of the orchestra, I got to meet, play music with, and form lasting friendships with other talented musicians my age from Toronto, some of whom are also professional musicians today. It was a privilege to learn from many of the incredible musicians in the TSO. My three years in TSYO played a huge role in my development as a musician and inspired me to continue to pursue music as a career.”

Ellie is currently pursuing a degree in violin performance under Brian Lewis and a degree is Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas Austin.

“Two of my favourite memories of TSYO are from Camp Weekend, when the orchestra surprised me for my 15th birthday (when my roommates and I walked into our room, it was filled with balloons) and for my 16th birthday (during choir rehearsal, the orchestra sang "Happy Birthday" for me). TSYO was like a second family.”

Erick is a teacher of violin and viola, based in Toronto.

“When I went into TSYO I was expecting that most of the members would be young players aspiring to a professional career in music. I was surprised when I encountered many talented musicians who were not pursuing a career in music but were going into other demanding fields. In spite of their time constraints these musicians were not only strong players, they were often among the most successful musicians in the orchestra, holding leading positions and winning the concerto competition. They were an inspiration to me and they taught me a lot about what great music making means.

TSYO was a Mecca for attracting the best young talent in the city. The standards were very high and the coaches and conductors expected nothing but the best from us. But, it was one of the best musical experiences of my life because everyone there wanted to be there. Everyone there wanted to give it their all and the coaches treated us all like professional artists, regardless of our career goals. TSYO was a place where everyone could thrive. Every week I looked forward with excitement and anticipation to Saturday's rehearsal, and, after all these years, I still miss it.”