It all began in high school. That’s where Ron Haynes discovered classical music when another student brought in a recording of works by British composer Malcolm Arnold and played it in the classroom after hours. That discovery led Ron to regularly listen to classical programs on BBC Radio and to attend a few City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra concerts while completing his university degree.
A few months after Ron received his PhD in chemistry, he accepted a fellowship at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and emigrated to Canada. While at U of A, he attended a few performances by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in his spare time.
When Ron moved to Ontario to accept a position with the British American Oil Company (now Petro-Canada), he became a Toronto Symphony Orchestra subscriber—and has remained one ever since. He met his wife, Sherry, in 1971 at a square dance in Minden, and they were married the next year. Together, they have supported many arts and culture organizations, including the TSO, The National Ballet of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
Ron has shared his particular fondness for Mahler and Bruckner, and, through his current Masterworks subscriptions, can be found enthusiastically attending over 15 concerts per season. And while his first love may be symphonies, he enjoys exploring all the TSO has to offer. Remarking on the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, featured on the Visions of Spain program in April 2023, Ron explains, “The Rodrigo guitar concerto is one of my favourite pieces. (Juan Manuel) Cañizares’s performance of this concerto and of his encore was the best I have ever heard.”
A few years ago, Ron informed his favourite arts charities, including the TSO, of his plan to leave them gifts in his estate. It’s his way of honouring his lifelong love of music and continuing his generosity long after he is gone.
If you have already included the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in your will or estate plan, or if you would like suggested wording for your will, please contact Emelita Ervin at eervin@TSO.CA or 416.595.4259.
Photo: Emelita Ervin and Ron Haynes at the TSO Legacy Luncheon (Apr 24, 2024)