As part of our focus on new music at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Sunday Night at the TSO sat down with Emilie LeBel—Canadian composer, educator, and the TSO’s Composer Advisor. Known for her textural, resonant sound worlds that have been described as “impressively subtle and sensuous” (ConcertoNet.com), Emilie brings a thoughtful and adventurous spirit to everything she does. In this Q&A, she reflects on her evolving relationship with the TSO, shares the inspiration behind her orchestral work the sediments, which will be featured on the next TSO recording, and offers insight into why mentorship and emerging Canadian voices are so central to her artistic practice.
Sunday Night at the TSO: You’ve had a long relationship with the TSO. Can you tell us about your journey with the orchestra?
EL: I actually grew up in Toronto and started attending TSO Young People’s Concerts as a kid with my mom. That’s really where my connection with the orchestra began. Years later, in 2018, I was appointed RBC Affiliate Composer, which involved writing new works for the TSO and engaging in education programs. I held that role until 2022. About a year after that ended, I was invited to return as the Composer Advisor—a position I’ve now held for about a year.
SNATSO: What does the Composer Advisor role involve?
EL: It’s quite a unique position. Unlike a composer-in-residence, my role is both artistic and advisory. I mentor emerging composers, including our current RBC Affiliate Composer, and support programs like Explore the Score and NextGen Composers. I also work with the TSO’s artistic team and Gustavo Gimeno to advise on programming, with a focus on contemporary and Canadian music.
SNATSO: What excites you most about new-music programming at the TSO?
EL: It’s such a dynamic way to reflect what’s happening in the world—artistically, socially, and culturally. I’m particularly excited by the work we do to support emerging Canadian voices. Helping composers understand the nuances of writing for orchestra—how to prepare a score, communicate with a conductor, or apply for a grant—is incredibly rewarding.
SNATSO: One of your works, the sediments, is being recorded by the TSO. What inspired it?
EL: The piece was commissioned by the TSO and premièred in 2022, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. It’s inspired by a quote from environmentalist Rachel Carson about the enduring presence of the Earth’s elements. That idea of sedimentation—of everything we are and have been remaining with us—guided the piece. You’ll hear textures that evoke grit, rocks, and heavy rainfall. It’s a dream to have it recorded alongside Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra and The Miraculous Mandarin.
SNATSO: You mentioned Bartók as one of your favourite composers. Why?
EL: He was the first composer who really opened my ears to what contemporary composition could sound like. I studied his string quartets, played his piano works, and was struck by how original his voice was. His music has this perfect balance of precision and deep emotional intensity—it speaks equally to the head and the heart.
SNATSO: The TSO has a number of programs to help new composers in Canada, including Explore the Score. Can you tell us more about this program?
EL: It’s a signature TSO program that gives four emerging Canadian composers the rare opportunity to workshop their pieces with the full orchestra. They get live feedback from the musicians, conductors, and a panel including myself, our RBC Affiliate Composer, and our RBC Resident Conductor. This year’s session was even more special because composer and conductor John Adams was there to offer feedback as well. For young composers, hearing your work live is transformative—you can’t really learn orchestral writing until you’ve experienced that.
SNATSO: Why is mentorship such a meaningful part of your work?
EL: Composers in Canada often spend a decade or more in school, but there’s so much they don’t teach you—how to run a rehearsal, how to write a grant, how to prep scores and parts. I was lucky to have mentors who helped me navigate those real-world challenges, and I feel a deep responsibility to pay that forward. It’s not just about writing good music—it’s about helping people build sustainable, confident careers.
SNATSO: What’s your current comfort food of choice?
EL: Roast chicken with potatoes. It’s cozy, satisfying, and especially perfect in the fall.
SNATSO: Dream travel destination?
EL: The West Coast Trail in British Columbia. It’s been on my wish list for a long time.
SNATSO: Favourite spot in Toronto?
EL: Walking along the boardwalk at the Beaches. I could do that every weekend.
Listen to the full interview on The New Classical 96.3 FM.
The RBC Affiliate Composer and RBC Resident Conductor are generously supported by RBC Emerging Artists.