Noteworthy

At the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, we believe music has the power to connect, inspire, and enrich lives—reaching people of all ages and stages, from children to seniors, and across cultural communities. In TSO Touchpoints, a series celebrating the many ways the TSO makes an impact beyond the stage, we’re shining a light on the programs that bring music to life in unique and meaningful ways.

It was almost as if the audience had breathed a collective sigh of relief. “You are welcome to do what you need to do to enjoy the performance,” announced TSO Music Director Gustavo Gimeno from the stage of Roy Thomson Hall. “You are welcome to vocalize. You are welcome to enter or exit the auditorium at any point,” he added—but before he was able to continue, the audience broke into spontaneous applause. And not a single note had yet been played. 

This overwhelmingly appreciative display took place at the TSO’s first-ever Relaxed Performance of a Masterworks program—Gimeno Conducts Beethoven 5—on March 25, 2023. The concert was a landmark event of the TSO’s Centennial, and testament to the organization’s fervent commitment to engage with every single Torontonian, meaningfully and authentically.

Many of us remember being schooled in what is commonly referred to as “concert etiquette” when we were younger. We were told there was a “proper” way to behave when attending a live performance. From dressing in formal attire, to sitting up straight, to remaining still and silent until each piece had concluded, the list of supposed rules was lengthy. It was also based on the erroneous assumption that everyone processes the concert experience in the same way. 

Fortunately, as science has gained a better understanding of how the human brain works, society’s attitude toward public behaviour, broadly speaking, has begun to change. Harvard Health describes “neurodiversity” as “the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways [with] no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving.” And many organizations are actively working to not only acknowledge but also accommodate the needs of neurodivergent individuals including people on the autism spectrum, and those with sensory and communication disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, and dementia.

The TSO has been doing so for six years. In 2019, Barrett Principal Education Conductor & Community Ambassador Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser developed and led the TSO’s first Relaxed Performance designed for members of the Neurodiverse and Disability communities, and those who simply enjoy a less formal concert setting. That initial offering of an adapted Young People’s Concert (YPC), Let’s Dance!, has since expanded to three annual performances—of two YPCs and one Masterworks concert. “If, for any reason, you or your family are hesitant to attend a concert,” said Daniel, “this is the place for you. This is the time for you. And our entire series of Relaxed Performances is for you.”

Just how do these concerts differ from typical ones? Dedicated resources are provided to patrons, and modifications are made to the format and presentation of the performance so everyone will feel comfortable and included: For those with heightened auditory sensitivity, sound-dampening headphones can be signed out. Patrons who self-soothe, regulate, or express themselves through movement or vocalization are encouraged to do so without reservation. And if an attendee is feeling overwhelmed for any reason, there is reserved empty seating at the back of the hall if they wish to move away from the sound, and a quiet room outside the auditorium that is comfortably furnished and stocked with stress-relieving fidgets and relaxing activities. 

Further, a Venue Guide giving visitors a step-by-step overview of how to navigate to and through Roy Thomson Hall is available for download on the TSO’s website, as are Fact Sheets detailing each performance. Specialized training has also been provided to musicians, staff, and front-of-house personnel by Relaxed Performance Consultant Rachel Marks.

The response from patrons and their families is always nothing short of glowing: “My son can be himself during the concert,” said an attendee of last April’s Bhangra & Beyond Relaxed Performance. “He can be loud, easily excitable and loves to rock in his wheelchair. He loves all types of music and these concerts have greatly enhanced and contributed to his and our family’s quality of life.” 

The extraordinary musicians of the TSO, who are always eager to embrace opportunities to deepen their bonds with Torontonians, are likewise huge fans of these concerts. But for Assistant Principal Cello Winona Zelenka, they are especially meaningful. “As the mother of a young woman on the autism spectrum with sensory and anxiety issues, and also as a musician in the TSO, I couldn’t have been more thrilled and happy when the Relaxed Performances became a reality,” she said. “My daughter feels so comfortable. I’ve also brought along her friends from Sisters in the Six, a group of young women with similar neurological profiles to hers, and they had an absolutely great time hearing our orchestra. To me this is one of the best things we’ve ever done, to make great music accessible to a more diverse group in our Toronto community!”

Learn more about the TSO’s Relaxed Performances.

Your generosity brings the magic of music beyond the concert hall and into the heart of our community. Thanks to donors like you, programs like our Relaxed Performances allow members of the Neurodiverse and Disability communities to experience the joy of music and storytelling in a welcoming environment, creating unforgettable moments. Help us continue this important work by making a donation today at TSO.CA/Donate.