Noteworthy

Daniel Faria is a leading figure in Canada’s contemporary art scene, founding the Daniel Faria Gallery in 2011. The gallery represents prominent Canadian and international artists such as Douglas Coupland, Shannon Bool, Mark Lewis, and June Clark, and has become known for bold, concept-driven exhibitions and a strong presence at major international art fairs like Art Basel and Frieze. Under Daniel’s leadership, works by gallery artists are now held in prestigious institutions including MoMA, the Met, the Centre Pompidou, and the National Gallery of Canada.

For Daniel, joining the Gala Committee was an easy decision: “The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is an essential part of the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Supporting our arts institutions has never been more important, and I’m honoured to contribute to the ongoing vitality of the TSO.”

Noteworthy: What makes a night at the symphony different from other cultural experiences in the city, and what does live performance mean to you?

Daniel Faria: There is nothing quite like experiencing the power of a full orchestra in person. The emotional depth and immediacy of live symphonic music is profoundly moving and unlike any other artistic experience. There’s also something extraordinary about being part of an audience — that shared, collective experience of witnessing something live. It creates a unique sense of connection and reminds us of our shared humanity.

NW: The Gala supports youth music education and community access. Why is that impact important in a city like Toronto, and what excites you about making classical music more visible to new generations?

DF: In a city as diverse as Toronto, ensuring that all young people have access to the arts is vital. I didn’t grow up regularly attending museums or performances, but school trips exposed me to the arts and sparked a lifelong passion. That early exposure can be transformative, and I know how powerful it can be in shaping a lifelong connection to culture.

NW: Did you have any kind of musical influence or creative spark when you were growing up?

DF: This won’t be a surprise to anyone who knows me… Madonna. She was a major influence at an early age — through her, I was introduced to a wide range of artistic expressions, from contemporary dance to visual art, film and classical music. She opened the door to a broader creative world.

NW: What are you most looking forward to on Gala night, and how do you approach dressing for the evening?

DF: All of it! The chance to experience a performance by Lang Lang, followed by an elegant dinner beneath the iconic glass canopy of Roy Thomson Hall, designed by Arthur Erickson, promises to be nothing short of magical. I embrace the Black Tie spirit—with a touch of understated flair.

Celebrating the people shaping one of Toronto’s most anticipated cultural nights. Explore the Gala at TSO.CA/Gala.