Noteworthy
TSO a Bustle of Activity Despite Stay-at-Home Order
April 7, 2021When news broke of another stay-at-home order, TSO CEO Matthew Loden immediately asked the team, “What do we need to cancel, and what can we do? Lockdowns are tough on people, and music can help everyone get through this, hopefully one last time.”
Turns out, the TSO’s calendar was so full of virtual performances for the month of April, there was little to cancel. “It was a very quick reminder of just how deeply entrenched our virtual performances have become with our audiences and our community,” said Matthew.
Over 50 virtual performances from musicians’ homes are planned for April alone. Members of the Orchestra will perform personalized concerts for seniors through partnerships with the Alzheimer Society of Peel, Baycrest, the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and the Chinese Cultural Centre. School children across Ontario will have concerts and teaching by musicians in their virtual classrooms, including one class in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario in May.
And, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) is wrapping up their 47th season with online workshops and masterclasses with TSYO Conductor Simon Rivard.
The TSO’s website and social channels continue to be filled with inspiring musical concerts, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, part of the TSO On Demand series, is available to view until April 15. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno has been collaborating with TSO musicians and staff to develop engaging digital musical content at the same time as creating programs for when we can perform live once again.
“These pandemic restrictions are tough on everyone, and music can make things a little bit easier as we get closer to better days ahead,” said Matthew. “I hope that these musical offerings serve as a reminder that we will be together again soon.”
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