Noteworthy

As we say goodbye to the 2024/25 season, we also take a moment to honour four remarkable musicians who retired from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra this season: Amalia Joanou-Canzoneri, Leslie Dawn Knowles, Mark Skazinetsky, and David Longenecker. With decades of artistry and dedication between them, these musicians have left an indelible mark on the orchestra and on the hearts of our audiences. We asked them to reflect on their time with the TSO, and we hope the musical bond they’ve forged with the TSO community will continue far into the future.

Mark Skazinetsky

Violinist Mark Skazinetsky brought more than three decades of leadership and virtuosity to the TSO stage, serving as Associate Concertmaster from 1988 to 2022. Originally from Odessa, Ukraine, Mark joined the TSO in 1980 and has also been active as a chamber musician, conductor, and educator throughout his career.

Among his fondest memories are his first European tour in 1983 and a deeply moving visit to Northern Canada. “I’ll never forget how the audience, who had never heard a live symphony orchestra, listened to the music,” he shared. To our audiences, Mark offers a “huge thank you” for their support and reminds the next generation of musicians to “enjoy every moment of what we do on stage. It’s very special!”

Amalia Joanou-Canzoneri

Violinist Amalia “Amy” Joanou-Canzoneri spent 30 years in the TSO’s violin section, where she became known for her warmth, musicality, and collegial spirit. She recalls with joy the many tours she took part in, as well as the emotional return to Roy Thomson Hall after the pandemic: “The audience clapped for the longest time,” she said. “It was heartwarming.” She extends her deep gratitude to TSO patrons and offers this advice to young musicians: “Remember the tradition of being kind and understanding to each other—and, of course, practise! You are so lucky to be in this amazing orchestra.”

Before joining the TSO, Amy was Associate Concertmaster of the Hamilton Philharmonic for nearly two decades, and she continues to perform chamber music with her newly formed quartet, Amaro.

Leslie Dawn Knowles

Violinist and violist Leslie Dawn Knowles was a vibrant presence in the TSO for nearly 50 years, after joining the orchestra in 1975. She looks back on a rich orchestral life filled with unforgettable performances—from working with legendary conductors and soloists to participating in international tours, including a historic visit to China in 1978. She also contributed to education and engagement initiatives like Adopt-a-Player, and found joy in stepping into different musical roles, such as occasional jazz solos, mandolin playing, and time spent in the viola section.

“I treasure the times we’ve spent sharing music over the years,” she wrote. “Take good care of yourselves and stay focused on the music, no matter what. We all know it works.”

Outside the orchestra, Leslie has maintained an active artistic life, from performing in chamber and bluegrass ensembles, to taking part in education and outreach in northern communities. Her passion for music has extended well beyond the concert hall.

David Longenecker

Double bassist Dave Longenecker has been a valued member of the TSO for 26 years. In addition to his work in the orchestra, Dave has brought his talents to Toronto’s musical-theatre scene, the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, gospel and jazz concerts, and commercial and film recording sessions. A highlight of his career has been performing on a remarkable 240-year-old bass once owned by the legendary jazz bassist Ray Brown—gifted to Brown by Ella Fitzgerald. That very instrument helped shape the sound of 20th-century jazz and continues to resonate today through Dave’s performances.

The impact made by Leslie Dawn, Amy, Mark, and Dave has been felt across the stage and beyond. Hear what their colleagues had to say about them in this special video tribute.