The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) makes its long-awaited return to the concert hall, with Gustavo Gimeno’s highly-anticipated in-person début as Music Director. November’s concerts promise to be emotional experiences as audiences return to Roy Thomson Hall (RTH) for the first time since March 2020.

After many months away from RTH, I am very much looking forward to spending more time enjoying the TSO’s in-person concerts again!

A Welcome Return: Gimeno & Your TSO
Wed, November 10, 8:00pm (also TSO Live Stream)
Thu, November 11, 8:00pm
Sat, November 13, 8:00pm
Gustavo Gimeno, conductor

Anthony Barfield: Invictus (Canadian Première)
Haydn: Overture to L’isola disabitata (The Desert Island)
Hindemith: Concert Music for Strings and Brass
Schubert: Symphony No. 5

Excitement will be high and emotions will run deep as Gustavo Gimeno makes his long-anticipated in-person début as Music Director and audiences return to Roy Thomson Hall for the first time in 18 months.

Of his return to TSO and working alongside its members again, Gimeno says “The musicians inspire me – not only by the beautiful way that they play, but also, their joyful presence. There was a brilliance in their eyes during rehearsals – they were all so eager to play and to enjoy rehearsals. I find their attitude inspiring and uplifting. I hope we can continue to inspire each other and share that feeling with our audiences.”

Eri Kosaka, TSO Acting Principal Second Violin, shares “When we play a concert, great conductors breathe life into the music on stage. It is very inspiring when the conductor gives us musical ideas very clearly at rehearsal because that is when we can grow and evolve as an orchestra. We have an amazing opportunity in Toronto to have Gustavo with us, and I cannot wait to share the musical journey on stage with Gustavo and the audience!”

Winds, Brass & Percussion Spotlight
Fri, November 19, 7:30pm
Sat, November 20, 8:00pm
Gustavo Gimeno, conductor

Joan Tower: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, No. 1
Dvořák: Serenade in D Minor
Steve Reich: Music for Pieces of Wood
Stravinsky: Symphonies of Wind Instruments (1947 revision)
Morawetz: Sinfonietta for Winds and Percussion

The TSO’s majestic brass, woodwind, and percussion sections are featured in this vibrant musical potpourri. I cannot wait for this concert; it is going to be a great live experience.

Joseph Kelly, Assistant Principal Timpany and Percussion member declares, “As a member of the percussion section, it’s so exciting to have Gustavo joining us this fall. Earlier in his career, he was the principal percussionist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Amsterdam), so he understands how things work and feel in the percussion section, which is not always the case for a conductor. Of course, his musicianship spans far beyond just the percussion section, but I find the way he communicates with us and the things he asks of us really highlights the exciting colours and characters that our instruments are capable of producing, and it’s truly awesome to experience.”

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Wed, November 24, 8:00pm (and TSO Live Stream)
Thu, November 25, 8:00pm
Sat, November 27, 8:00pm
Sun, November 28, 3:00pm
Peter Oundjian, conductor
Timothy Chooi, violin

Beethoven: Overture to Egmont
R. Strauss: Serenade in E-flat Major
Price: String Quartet No. 2 – Mvt. II
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto

Surging with ardent passion and calling for virtuoso feats of the highest order, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is one of classical music’s most thrilling live concert experiences. At just 27 years old, Canadian rising star Timothy Chooi has captured international acclaim for his powerful, nuanced performances and magnetic stage presence. It will be a treat to see Chooi live, as well as, Peter Oundjian return to the TSO in his first appearance as Conductor Emeritus.

Full concert details as well as ticketing information are available through TSO.CA, or by contacting TSO Patron Services at 416.598.3375.

Tickets start at $29 and if you are between the ages 15 to 35, I highly encourage you to take advantage of TSOUNDCHECK. You can score highly discounted TSO symphony tickets by signing up to this program.