Noteworthy

“I discovered that music—that’s my way of life,” says Rémi Pelletier, Principal Viola of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. His journey from violin to viola, and his unexpected passion for sushi reveal a musician whose life is as rich and varied as the music he plays.

Rémi’s story begins with a childhood friend and a Christmas gift. “My best friend, Karen Gomyo, was playing the violin. She was incredible,” he recalls. “I fell in love with what she was doing, and I asked my father, ‘Can you please buy me a violin? I want to be like Karen!’” That Christmas, Rémi’s wish was granted, and a violin appeared under the tree. Following Karen’s footsteps, he started his musical journey with enthusiasm.

However, the path wasn’t always smooth. As a teenager, Rémi grew tired of the violin and quit music for almost three years. It was a chance encounter with a violist neighbour in Montreal that reignited his passion. “She said, ‘Why don't you try the viola?’ I played around, and I was like, ‘Oh, this fits my body. I like the sound.’ I fell in love, and I started from there.” This marked the beginning of his enduring relationship with the instrument.

Joining the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2019, just before the pandemic, presented unexpected challenges. “Lockdown happened, and I couldn’t believe it. But then we survived and I did a lot of cool projects with my colleagues, and I got to know them in a very special way,” Rémi reflects. This period reinforced his realization that music is his essential way of life.

Outside the orchestra, Rémi has a surprising passion—sushi. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he graduated from the Tokyo Sushi Academy. “It was very tough training, but now I have good technique forever.” He occasionally caters private events, and dreams of opening a small sushi bar with a jazz and classical music ambiance when he retires. 

Dive deeper into Rémi’s unique journey, and his dual passion for music and sushi, in our latest installment of Meet the Orchestra.

Catch other musicians in our Meet the Orchestra series:
TSO Assistant Principal Viola Theresa Rudolph
TSO Violin Amanda Goodburn
TSO Double Bass Chris Laven
TSO Horn Gabriel Radford