Update as of October 21:
The Ultimate Guide to Eating Halloween Candy and Kings of Ragtime are on sale now. Please note that we have paused the filming of all other TSO On Demand programs in accordance with newly announced COVID-19 restrictions for performing-arts venues. We look forward to resuming our recording at Roy Thomson Hall, and sharing updated performance release dates with you, as soon as we are able to do so. Thank you for your interest—we appreciate your patience and understanding.
Orchestra fans yearning for the concert experience will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in the new TSO On Demand concert video series. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno announces eight concerts that reflect the range of TSO programming including Masterworks, Pops, and Young People’s Concerts. All concerts will be filmed at Roy Thomson Hall in high definition (HD), and all those involved will follow safety protocols.
“Our creative approach to this virtual-concert series is to give orchestra lovers an experience that they would not normally have in a concert hall. I very much miss the experience of being in Roy Thomson Hall with Toronto audiences, but I think that we are creating beautiful and musically compelling experiences in these performances,” said Maestro Gimeno. “Our artistic goal isn’t to replicate the exact concert experience, but rather to enrich it.” He also plans to conduct two concerts in person, as pandemic restrictions allow.
Gustavo has programmed some of the most loved works in the classical repertoire, including selections from Beethoven, Mozart, and Mahler alongside works that reflect the recognition of the urgent need to present more diverse voices. Audiences will hear music by Joseph Bologne, a Black 18th-century composer; Barbara Croall, an Odawa First Nations composer; American composer Gabriela Lena Frank; Sri Lanken–born Canadian composer Dinuk Wijeratne; American composer Jessie Montgomery; and TSO RBC Affiliate Composer Emilie LeBel.
“These digital performances are a fulfilment of a commitment that the TSO made to stay connected with our audiences and community, despite the circumstances. Gustavo’s exciting TSO On Demand programming is reflective of his artistic vision that is anchored in inspiring musical experiences,” said Matthew Loden, CEO.
The TSO is also giving patrons the opportunity to share the viewing experience with underserved communities through its Give One, Get One program. When patrons buy a ticket to our TSO On Demand series, they can purchase an additional ticket that will be given to one of the TSO’s program partners, such as the YMCA of Greater Toronto and other social-service organizations, so that the gift of music can be shared widely as a way to reduce social isolation.
The TSO is adhering to all public health regulations, ensuring the safety of its artists and staff during the recording of these concerts. Precautions include masks, impermeable barriers between brass and woodwind players, and maintaining a two-metre distance between musicians. The number of musicians will vary by program; however, given restrictions, the full Orchestra is not able to perform together at this time.
Tickets
Patrons can purchase tickets to single programs for $20 (or $40 for Give One, Get One). Discounts are available to TSO subscribers and TSOUNDCHECK members. Each program will be available for unlimited viewing after its release for seven days. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, October 14 at 11:00am. Go to TSO.CA/OnDemand or call Patron Services at 416.598.3375 (Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm).
TSO On Demand
Full program details available at TSO.CA/OnDemand.
The Ultimate Guide to Eating Halloween Candy
Release Date: Oct 26, 2020
Available Until: Nov 1, 2020
Sink your sweet tooth into a candy-centred hour of musical mayhem and Halloween hilarity, as TSO Principal Education Conductor & Community Am-BOO!-ssador Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser attempts to work late on All Hallow’s Eve to program the perfect Young People’s Concert—only to be interrupted by spooks, sprites, and serious sugar cravings! Featuring favourites by Bach, Tchaikovsky, and Mussorgsky, alongside some newer symphonic confections, The Ultimate Guide to Eating Halloween Candy promises tricks and treats to satisfy your whole family.
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor
Kings of Ragtime
Release Date: Nov 2, 2020
Available Until: Nov 8, 2020
One of the building blocks of jazz, ragtime exploded in popularity at the turn of the 20th century in America and around the world. The undisputed King of Ragtime was composer Scott Joplin, whose syncopated standards—including the ever-popular “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer”—provide the steady beat to this toe-tapping program. Conducted by Regina Symphony Orchestra Music Director Gordon Gerrard and hosted by TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, this concert also features lively works by Jelly Roll Morton, George Gershwin, and others.
Gordon Gerrard, conductor
Steven Reineke, host
Please note that we have paused the filming of our TSO On Demand series in accordance with newly announced COVID-19 restrictions for performing-arts venues. We look forward to resuming our recording at Roy Thomson Hall, and sharing updated performance release dates with you, as soon as we are able to do so. Thank you for your interest—we appreciate your patience and understanding.
The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO Financial Group.
The appearances of Gustavo Gimeno this season are generously supported by Susan Brenninkmeyer in memory of Hans Brenninkmeyer.
All Mozart is generously supported by Richard Rooney & Laura Dinner.
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