Noteworthy

The most gifted music directors have a special aptitude for tapping into the legacies of their orchestras while mapping out ambitious and impactful artistic paths for them—which is why we were thrilled to recently announce that Music Director Gustavo Gimeno will lead the TSO’s journey for a longer period of time.

On November 22, our Board Chair, Catherine Beck, announced that the TSO Board of Directors successfully extended Maestro Gimeno’s contract (which was set to expire in June 2025) for another five years. This new agreement positions him to remain at the helm through the 2029/30 season.

“This is a great day for the Toronto Symphony and our community,” Ms. Beck said. “The musicians adore Gustavo, and their musicianship has never been stronger. We are very happy to make this announcement as we shape the next 100 years of this world-class cultural institution.”

The excitement was clearly mutual: “It is my extreme pleasure to continue to lead this wonderfully refined Orchestra,” said Maestro Gimeno. “The special bond that the musicians and I share, and the incredible audiences here in Toronto, have only deepened my love of this great city. I am honoured to be able to guide this remarkable ensemble into the future.”

Gustavo Gimeno’s tenure as our tenth Music Director began in our 2020/21 season. Since his appointment, he has led the Orchestra through the pandemic and into our highly successful Centennial Celebration, overseen renewed community engagement, and sown the seeds for an ambitious program commissioning new works from emerging and established composers.

Our CEO, Mark Williams, also expressed his gratification, saying, “I am thrilled that the strong partnership Gustavo and I have developed as the artistic and administrative leaders of this exceptional Orchestra will continue through the end of the decade. Our creative alignment and collaboration are serving this great institution and vibrant city. I deeply respect the boldness of Gustavo’s vision for the TSO, and am honoured to support it.”

The exciting news has been covered by media both domestic (The Globe and Mail and Ludwig van Toronto) and international—including outlets based in the US (The Violin Channel and OperaWire), the UK (Classical Music and Slippedisc), France (ResMusica), and the Maestro’s native Spain (Scherzo, Beckmesser, Codalario, and Platea Magazine).

In its coverage, The Globe and Mail proclaimed, “The maestro has passed his audition,” and noted that, “On the performance side, from all accounts, the TSO’s musicians have meshed well with its maestro.” This report was confirmed by Williams, who was interviewed for the article. “It became very clear very early on that what Gustavo and the orchestra have is really special. He’s the right person for this organization,” he said.

The sentiment was echoed by TSO Concertmaster Jonathan Crow: “Since the Orchestra’s first encounter with Maestro Gimeno, it was evident that he possessed the ability to help us explore our artistic potential in remarkable ways,” he shared. “Under his baton, my fellow musicians and I have never felt more confident in our abilities or prouder of our performances. We welcome the opportunity to benefit from Gustavo’s talent, charisma, and supreme professionalism for many more years to come.”

Read some of the notable media coverage:

• Toronto Symphony Orchestra extends contract of music director Gustavo Gimeno through 2029-30 season (The Globe and Mail)
• Maestro Gustavo Gimeno Renews Contract with TSO to 2030 (Ludwig van Toronto)