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Noteworthy

TSO Assistant Principal Cello Winona Zelenka

A New Partnership with the YMCA

October 6, 2020

We recently announced a partnership with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, to support well-being and bring communities together over the coming year. The collaboration began with a sunset string quartet performance and meditation on the rooftop of the Central YMCA on September 22.

Social isolation and other impacts of the pandemic affect our vulnerable communities the most. The TSO and YMCA of Greater Toronto recognize the positive influence music can have on people’s lives and are developing collaborative programming, including:

  • Virtual concerts on The Bright Spot, the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s online community for older adults, with TSO musicians delivering engaging musical experiences for seniors who may not be able to leave their homes
  • Socially distanced in-person concerts, including at YMCA Sprott House, one of the first 2SLGBTQ+ transitional housing programs for youth in Canada
  • A showcase of Black composers during Black History Month, and mentorship for Black youth with Principal Education Conductor & Community Ambassador Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser

“Even before the pandemic, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra began a strategic-planning journey that fundamentally asked: how can we serve our community and share the power of orchestral music in a way that impacts people’s lives? I believe that there is no better partner to pursue this goal with than the YMCA of Greater Toronto, which plays such a vital role in our city’s landscape. Music brings a critical role to community-building, and the TSO is proud to be partnering with such a remarkable organization as the YMCA,” said Matthew Loden, CEO, Toronto Symphony Orchestra.