TSO Noteworthy—Summer 2018

Celebrating Peter Oundjian

Thank You, Toronto!

TSO free concert

Spring with the TSYO

SUMMER 2018

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Peter Oundjian, TSO Conductor Emeritus TSO NOTEworthy • Summer 2018 • page 1

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Summer 2018 1

Celebrating Peter Oundjian

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Thank You, Toronto! TSO free concert

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2017/18 concert review highlights

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Spring with the TSYO

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Bravo, Peter! Highlights from the final years

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Thank you to our partners

Design Egg Design

Photography (cover) Christopher Wahl (pgs. 1, 3) Nick Wons (pgs. 2, 4-8) Jag Gundu (pg. 4) Courtesy of the City of Toronto (pg. 7) Tam Lan Truong (pg. 8) Josh Clavir

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Peter Oundjian was honoured with the title of Conductor Emeritus when he completed his tenure as TSO Music Director at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Noteworthy is distributed free of charge to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s donor community.

Charitable Reg. No. 10525 5335 RR0001

Celebrating Peter Oundjian

The TSO concludes its season with a month-long tribute to the Maestro The end of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s 2017/18 concert season was special, as we celebrated Peter Oundjian and his remarkable 14 seasons as Music Director of the TSO. Over the course of Peter’s tenure, his extraordinary commitment to artistic excellence and audience development strengthened the Orchestra’s presence in our community and on the world stage.

His transformational leadership has been evident in all areas of our work.

“Being Music Director of the TSO will always be the most incredible highlight and privilege of my life.”

—Peter Oundjian

June at the TSO was a celebration of Peter and his many accomplishments.

Our final concerts featured stellar guest artists including some of Peter’s closest collaborators and friends. The season culminated with three rousing performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony—a fitting finale for our esteemed Maestro.

Throughout the month, audience members honoured Peter by sharing with him their memories and thanks in a commemorative book in the Roy Thomson Hall lobby, and by sending messages by mail and online at BravoPeter.ca. Thank you to everyone who joined us in acknowledging Peter for his invaluable contributions to our Orchestra and the cultural life of Toronto.

TOP: Peter Oundjian thanks the audience during the June 28 performance of Beethoven Symphony 9 BOTTOM: Peter Oundjian with Beethoven Symphony 9 soloists Tyler Duncan, Andrew Haji, Lauren Segal, and Kirsten MacKinnon

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Peter Oundjian conducts the TSO during the June 16 concert, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3

“ Thank you for helping to expand Toronto’s musical horizons and for giving so much of yourself to our community.”

—Tom & Claire “ Thank you for 14 wonderful years. I saw your first concert (Beethoven’s Fifth) and knew we were very fortunate to have acquired such an enthusiastic conductor (and handsome too!). I’ll miss you, but I wish you well in your future musical career.”

—Donna

“What an incredible contribution you’ve made to the musical life of our city. When I saw the photograph of all the players you hired in the TSO I was so amazed at the breadth of your vision for the orchestra! Thank you for all the wonderful years, and for your integrity and your passion.”

—Marie

“Peter, I am going to really miss you! Your pizzazz, your energy, your warmth, your professionalism, your knowledge of music history, your character, and on, and on, and on. I already miss you! AND I wish you all the best for ever and ever!”

—Catherine

“ It has been a joy attending the TSO under your guidance. All the best, Peter. Thank you for all you do!”

—Anonymous TSO NOTEworthy • Summer 2018 • page 2

Peter Oundjian with Christopher Plummer during the June 26 performance of Christopher Plummer’s Symphonic Shakespeare.

Peter Oundjian speaks to the audience during the June 20 performance of Ax Plays Mozart

Thank you to the many generous supporters who made special contributions in honour of Peter Oundjian Mary Beck Hans & Susan Brenninkmeyer Robert & Ann Corcoran Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin Blake C. Goldring Mrs. Ethel Harris David & Sheryl Kerr Tom MacMillan Bettie Moore, in memory of Donald Moore Richard Rooney & Laura Dinner Estate of James Drewry Stewart Anonymous BMO Financial Group James Nicol & Christine Milne William & Meredith Saunderson Tom & Ellen Smee Mr. Thomas A. Bogart Indra & Rags Davloor William and Nona Heaslip Foundation Margie & Peter Kelk Allan Kimberley & Pam Spackman M. George & Leanne Lewis Ana P. Lopes & Don Tapscott Edmund & Carol Moss Harry & Evelyn Rosen Larry Rosen & Susan Jackson Brian Shaw & Jacqueline Moss Toronto Symphony Volunteer Committee Judy & Larry Ward Anonymous

Douglas Bodley Russell C. Finch Ms. Agnes Herczeg Frances Hogg Eileen Jurczak Carol & Jerry M. Nesker Bob & Suzanne Weiss Stan & Ros Witkin Anonymous Howard A. & Laurie Back James Barney Mx & ML Baron Mrs. Joan Beaton Marie Bérard David K. Bernhardt Ms. T. Borysewicz Mr. Lewis Bradley Michelle and Robert Bright Norma Brown Iivi Campbell Monica Carr Mrs. Beverley Chernos Brian Ross Columbus & Alain Gallant Lillian Cooper Ted Dawson William Edwards Dr. Erica Fischer & Mr. David Harrison James Forster Lionel and Judy Franklin Mr. & Mrs. D. I. Fraser Dr. Margarita Gitev Mr. Michael Gnat Donna & Cal Goldman

Linda Gotlieb Jean Franklin Hancher Mrs. Linda Harrison Ms. Pamela Inglis Colin and Ellen Johnson Mr. & Mrs. J. Anthony C. Ketchum Henrietta Kostman and Judith Kostman Mr. & Mrs. Donald & Elizabeth Lewis Ray M. & Glerry V. Miss Craigie D. McQueen Mrs. Masako Mendelssohn June Irene Hunt Murphy Mrs. Cynthia E Nidd Michael Nightingale Ms. Mohanee Pershad Wendy Setterington & Gerald Swinkin Mrs. Judy Simmonds Mrs. A. Sorkin Dr. E. Catherine Swan Steve Thomas Nancy Glenys Thornton Don & Jo-Anne Timmins Germaine Warkentin Marianne Weil Inez & Harry Whelan Calvin White Frank Whittaker Yvette Yip Ms. Tarja Ylanko Safwat Zaky Changhao Zhou Ms. Elaine Zinkhan Anonymous (22)

As of June 30, 2018

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Thank You, Toronto! TSO free concert

Photo by Jag Gundu Photo courtesy of the City of Toronto

Photo by Jag Gundu

The Orchestra welcomes all of Toronto

On June 22, 2018, the TSO, in partnership with Roy Thomson Hall, welcomed all Torontonians to enjoy a free lunchtime performance. The concert was a special token of appreciation for the people of Toronto from Peter Oundjian and the TSO for making the Orchestra an integral part of our city. Under the baton of Maestro Oundjian, the Orchestra delighted the hometown crowd of 2,235 with a program of popular classical works by beloved composers including Glinka, Brahms, and Mussorgsky. It was a fitting way to celebrate the end of another wonderful season of music, our community of supporters, and Peter Oundjian’s tenure as TSO Music Director.

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During the concert, Toronto Mayor John Tory presented Peter with the Key to the City for his years of service to the Toronto community.

2017/18 concert review highlights

Season accolades and critical acclaim

TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke and vocalist Stephanie J. Block during a performance of On Broadway Percussionist V. Selvaganesh, vocalist Bombay Jayashri, bansuri player Jatinder Parkash, composer Mychael Danna, and Peter Oundjian after the performance of Opening Night: Life of Pi

“The Toronto Symphony Orchestra opened a new season of concerts at Roy Thomson Hall on Tuesday night at the top of its game, making for a particularly satisfying evening of music.”

—Toronto Star, review of Opening Night: Life of Pi

The TSO performs Holst The Planets

“I came away happily concluding that the TSO is attracting people with new ears, such that it continues to be a starship taking new passengers on unprecedented adventures.”

— The WholeNote, review of Holst The Planets Note: Emphasis added TSO NOTEworthy • Summer 2018 • page 5

“The orchestra sounded like a virtuoso unit in every way.”

— Ludwig van Toronto, review of Brahms & Rachmaninoff “The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has created a night to remember with On Broadway, proving once again that they are committed to artistic excellence in everything they do.”

— Broadway World, review of On Broadway “As a fan of the symphony, it is also beautiful to see a crowd of over 2,000 people emphatically appreciating our city’s fantastic symphony. I’m sure for many, it was their first time. This is what is so wonderful about these “in concert” events—they welcome new audiences to classical music, with open arms.... The entire process is magical to watch.”

— Broadway World, review of Home Alone in Concert

Spring with the TSYO

Honours and fanfare

TOP LEFT: TSYO Co-Concertmaster Duncan McDougall; TOP RIGHT: TSYO Artistic Director & Conductor and TSO RBC Resident Conductor Earl Lee leads the TSYO; BOTTOM LEFT: The TSYO Brass and Percussion sections perform Rob Teenhan’s “Red Tango”; BOTTOM RIGHT: TSYO Co-Concertmaster Tiffany Yeung

Spring Concert On April 17, 2018, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) held its Spring Concert at Koerner Hall, bringing its 2017/18 season to a close with much fanfare. The talented young musicians brilliantly performed Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra and other crowd-pleasing pieces including Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite and Mozart’s Overture to Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute).

Audience members were captivated

by the riveting renditions, leaping to their feet to deliver a well-deserved standing ovation in honour of our remarkable young artists.

We are grateful to the donors who have generously helped fund this program, which provides emerging musicians with a unique and life-enriching opportunity to be part of one of North America's leading youth orchestras.

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“Being in the TSYO is something that I will be grateful for and will remember for many years.

It has taught me musicianship and what it really means to play together.”

—TSYO violist

The Spring Concert marked the final time TSYO Artistic Director & Conductor and TSO RBC Resident Conductor Earl Lee took the stage to guide our young musicians, as he concluded his two-year term with the TSO and TSYO. He will be taking up the baton at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in September 2018 as their new Associate Conductor, and he will remain involved in the training and development of the next generation of musicians as the Music Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Following the concert, the Ontario Arts Council presented Earl with the prestigious 2018 Heinz Unger Award. The award is given biennially to Canada’s most promising

Photo by Jag Gundu

Farewell to Earl Lee

Earl Lee (centre), recipient of the Heinz Unger Award on its 50th anniversary, is joined by Ontario Arts Council board member Karim Karsan (left) and TSO Board member Noelle Richardson (right)

emerging conductor in recognition of their excellence in conducting, dedication to Canadian repertoire and musicians, and commitment to fostering the appreciation of orchestral music.

We thank Earl for the wonderful work he has done both on and off the stage with the TSO and the TSYO, and congratulate him on his new endeavour with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Meet Simon Rivard, TSO Resident Conductor & TSYO Conductor Photo by Tam Lan Truong

We are thrilled to announce Simon Rivard as the new TSO Resident Conductor & TSYO Conductor!

Starting in September 2018, Simon will work closely with Interim Artistic Director Sir Andrew Davis and the Artistic staff of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, as well as guest conductors. TSO audiences will have the opportunity to see Simon on the podium in a variety of education, community, and classical concerts next season. Simon was recently named one of the CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians under 30” and is concurrently serving as the

2018/19 TSYO season highlights Nov 25: TSYO Fall Concert, George Weston Recital Hall Dec 10: Concerto Competition Feb 6, 7 & 9: Side-by-side concerts with the TSO, Roy Thomson Hall Feb 17: TSYO Winter Concert, George Weston Recital Hall

Associate Conductor of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Please join us in giving Simon a warm welcome to the TSO! TSO NOTEworthy • Summer 2018 • page 7

May 5: TSYO 45th Season–Closing Concert, Roy Thomson Hall

Bravo, Peter!

Highlights from the final years

Photo by Josh Clavir

Photo by Jau Gundu

All season long, we have been taking a look back at key moments from Peter Oundjian’s illustrious career with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In this issue, we reflect on highlights from the final years of his tenure as Music Director.

Peter with violinist Ray Chen at the post-concert party celebrating his 10th season as Music Director

Peter Oundjian and TSO Principal Cello Joseph Johnson join participants in the 2014 Luminato Festival Music Mob.

The TSO performs at Smetana Hall, Prague

Milestone anniversary

Community engagement

The 2013/14 season marked Peter’s 10th as Music Director. On September 28, 2013, the TSO hosted a 10thanniversary party in Peter’s honour in the lobby of Roy Thomson Hall.

Peter’s many contributions to the TSO and the city include community partnerships with the Luminato Festival, Sistema Toronto, the Regent Park School of Music, Pride Toronto, the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

orchestra to play in Reykjavik’s Harpa Hall. In May 2017, the Orchestra embarked on its historic first visit to Israel. This tour also included a return to Europe, with four stops in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Canada Mosaic In January 2017, Peter inaugurated Canada Mosaic—a Canada 150 Signature Project for the anniversary of Confederation—conducting an all-Canadian program that included the first of 40 two-minute orchestral pieces called “Sesquies”.

Historic tours During his last five years as TSO Music Director, Peter led the Orchestra on two major international tours. In August 2014, the Orchestra travelled to Europe, playing six concerts in five countries—Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, and Iceland. The TSO had the honour of being the first North American

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Vaughan Williams recording On June 1, 2018, Chandos Records released the TSO’s newest album.

This celebratory recording coincided with the conclusion of Peter’s 14-year tenure as TSO Music Director, and it features him conducting the Orchestra in an exquisite Vaughan Williams program, joined by an all-Canadian cast of soloists.

Thank you to our partners

CORPORATE SUPPORT The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall

Divine Furniture Rental

Quince Flowers

Grano

The Shore Club

MEDIA & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

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On behalf of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the many talented artists, students, and citizens who benefit from your gift,

Thank you for your support.

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