Noteworthy

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to share the news of a remarkable gift from long-time patrons Peter and Margie Kelk. Their extraordinary $1-million gift will support the creation of new orchestral works over the next six seasons, ensuring that the freshest and most vibrant voices in the symphonic world are heard in Toronto—and around the globe.

Peter and Margie’s dedication to the TSO spans decades. Beyond their philanthropy, they have built deep personal connections with the musicians and composers who make the TSO’s music so dynamic. Their commitment to championing new music is reflected in their support of contemporary voices, including that of former TSO RBC Affiliate Composer Alison Yun-Fei Jiang.

Both passionate supporters of Toronto’s cultural life, Margie is a renowned mixed-media artist celebrated for her bold, experimental approach, while Peter—after many years as President of George Kelk Corporation—continues to serve as President of the Amici Chamber Ensemble. Their love of the arts, and belief in its power to inspire, is at the heart of this transformational gift.

With their support, the TSO will commission exciting new works by composers such as Francisco Coll, Bekah Simms, and the 2025/26 NextGen Composers, Darren Xu, Jesse Plessis, and Sophie Dupuis. These pieces will help shape the future of orchestral music in Canada and beyond, continuing the TSO’s proud legacy of innovation.

“Peter and Margie's remarkable generosity is more than just a donation—it's a powerful expression of their belief in the future of music and the role the TSO plays in bringing people together,” said Mark Williams, Beck Family CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. “We are deeply grateful for their support, which will build on the TSO's legacy as a champion of new composers and allow us to expand our art form through visionary commissions that will become the canonical works of the future. This gift ensures that the TSO continues to be a catalyst for creativity and a driving force in Toronto's cultural life for years to come.”

The announcement fittingly coincides with the World Première of Daníel Bjarnason’s I Want to Be Alive–Trilogy for Orchestra at the TSO’s May 7 concert, Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique. The trilogy is a multi-year project co-commissioned by the TSO, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, with the first part introduced to audiences in June 2023. Now, the full work is being performed in its entirety for the first time, alongside Tchaikovsky’s beloved Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”.

This season’s compelling programming has also featured exciting new works by John Adams, Emilie LeBel, Kevin Lau, and the talented composers of the TSO’s NextGen Composers program, Amy Brandon, Sonny-Ray Day Rider, and Andrew James Clark. Thanks to the Kelks’ generosity, the TSO can continue to amplify the voices of today’s most promising artists and share their creativity with our community.

“Peter and Margie’s support is a profound commitment to the future of our art form,” said Gustavo Gimeno, Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. “Their generosity fills me with gratitude and excitement, because it allows us to bring new music to life with the same passion and care we bring to the great masterworks. These commissions challenge and inspire our musicians, connect deeply with our audiences, and ensure that Toronto remains a city where orchestral music continues to grow, evolve, and thrive.”

Their gift also strengthens the TSO’s broader efforts to nurture new talent through programs like the RBC Affiliate Composer position, NextGen Composers, and Explore the Score, building on the orchestra’s history of commissioning and premiering new works through initiatives such as the New Creations Festival.

Through the Kelks’ visionary support, the TSO reaffirms its commitment to enriching the orchestral repertoire and fostering the next generation of composers. Together, we are ensuring that bold ideas and new voices continue to be celebrated on the world stage.