Noteworthy

The gleaming windows of the Toronto Symphony’s home of Roy Thomson Hall reflect the surrounding neighbourhood with mirror-like clarity. And on September 24, so did the hallways and lobbies of the iconic building, when we welcomed close to 4,000 people of all ages and backgrounds from across the GTA to our first-ever Open House & Free Concert as part of our expansive Centennial Celebration.

There truly was something for everyone—from pop-up performances by Toronto artists to children’s activity stations to guided hall tours—and the response was overwhelming: “Everything about the event encouraged a love of music,” shared one attendee, “and my 6-year-old son, 82-year-old mother, and I had a wonderful time.” Another noted, “The children were happy and they got to bring home souvenirs that will remind them of the TSO for a long time. Very memorable experience and inclusive.”

The event concluded with a free concert in the hall, which was filled to capacity with enthusiastic music lovers. Conducted by Music Director Gustavo Gimeno and hosted by Barrett Principal Education Conductor & Community Ambassador Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the program was as diverse as the city we call home. Works by contemporary Canadian composers were presented alongside beloved standards of the orchestral repertoire, including Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto, featuring the phenomenal Bruce Liu as soloist.

See highlights from this hugely successful community celebration below.