Noteworthy

Mark Williams understands the impact music can have on someone’s life. The Cincinnati native, who grew up listening to R&B and gospel, says a chance encounter with the last movement of Antonín Dvořák's New World Symphony in band class was the profoundly moving moment that changed everything for him. And now, Williams is bringing that same feeling to Torontonians. The TSO's Beck Family Chief Executive Officer since 2022, Williams has broadened and diversified the Symphony’s offerings, providing unique and accessible programming that breaks down barriers and opens the symphony to everyone. He shares why this is so important—and what’s next for the organization.

Since coming to the TSO, you’ve prioritized inclusive programming. Why was this important to you?

If I think of this really selfishly, I ask, will the next Mark Williams have the experiences that I've had if we don't make our programming inclusive, if we don’t find ways to show up in the various communities around us, if we don’t provide opportunities for people to see themselves in our organization? What's on stage affects who's in the audience, so I feel a personal responsibility to make sure kids from all backgrounds, including ones like mine, see themselves here.

The other part is that we have a duty to serve the city. It's the most diverse city on the planet, so if we’re going to be Toronto's Symphony Orchestra, then we have to reflect that.

What does the positive response to these changes highlight for you?

That there's an audience. When I look back and see that last year we sold more tickets than we have in a decade, that says to me that it's working. It says that we're reaching the right people [and] they're liking what we do.

What do you hope patrons take with them when they leave a TSO performance?

The world feels tough right now and this is a time of stress and anxiety for many. I hope that audience members will leave feeling connected with those around them and to something bigger—to beauty. I also hope everyone leaves seeing, believing and telling others that this is a place for them. That this is a place that is for all of us and that we can all find something here, including finding ourselves.