Noteworthy

TSO Musicians Bring The Four Seasons to the Iconic Toronto Star Newsroom

The TSO started presenting Musical Moments weekly in the Toronto Star at the start of the pandemic to bring solace and inspiration to readers as they were confronted with some tough headlines. This time, we wanted to offer a performance dedicated to the journalists who have been telling our city’s most important stories during this historic time. Watch as Concertmaster Jonathan Crow leads some of his Orchestra colleagues in the second movement of “Winter” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Dec 31: Toronto Star: Watch: TSO in the iconic Toronto Star newsroom

Our Musical Holiday Advent Calendar is still available for viewing on the Toronto Star’s website until January 23!

Messiah/Complex Garners Rave Reviews

In addition to over 92,000 views, Messiah/Complex, created in partnership with Against the Grain Theatre, has garnered critical acclaim and generated thoughtful commentary in the press. Given the recording’s popularity, the viewing window has been extended to January 31!

Dec 10: Macleans: “An online Messiah rises to the occasion”
Dec 14: The Globe and Mail: “Messiah/Complex is a joyful screen adaptation of Handel’s holiday staple”
Dec 16: Opera Canada: Review: “Messiah/Complex joyfully proves beauty of a vast ‘Canadian’ experience”
Dec 21: The New York Times: “A ‘Messiah’ for the Multitudes, Freed From History’s Bonds” 
Dec 29: BBC4’s Today: “Two-times Booker Prize winning author Margaret Atwood guest-edits the programme” (1:23:18–1:28:37) 
Jan 8: The New York Times: “A Polarizing Canadian ‘Messiah’ Shows How Pandemic Is Shaking Up Culture”
Jan 4: CBC Radio’s q: Messiah/Complex interview with co-director Reneltta Arluk (24:36–37:40)

The TSO Pairs Up with Murdoch Mysteries

In a creative collaboration with Shaftesbury, TSO musicians performed a special one-hour program—“A Music Lover’s Guide to Murdoch Mysteries”—featuring the suave detective himself, Yannick Bisson! The show premièred on December 24 on Acorn TV and is still viewable on Facebook and YouTube.

Dec 23: Toronto Star: “TSO partners with 2 detective series”
Dec 24: The Washington Post: “What to watch on Thursday: ‘A Music Lover’s Guide to Murdoch Mysteries’”

If you only have three minutes, here’s a cool behind-the-scenes preview!

The Voice of TSO Leadership

Organizations from every sector have been forced to adapt their businesses and consider how their purpose connects to our times. TSO CEO Matthew Loden has been sharing our approach to serving the community and presenting music. Here two recent interviews with online publications.

In conversation with Dominic Chow, CSO of Echelon Wealth Partners
Dec 16: Echelon Wealth Partners: Resilience in Turbulent Times #4

In conversation with Aaron Dworkin on Arts Engines and Detroit Public TV
Jan 9: Arts Engines: Matthew Loden on Arts Engines