Got plans for Saturday, September 23rd? Now you do! Here’s your inside scoop on the biggest musical shindig this month: Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Symphony With Us’ Open House and Free Community Concert. Along with the launch of a new season for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), you’re invited to #SymphonyWithUs for a day of interactive fun at Roy Thomson Hall as the TSO opens their house to all of Toronto.

What is the Toronto Symphony Orchestra?

Founded in 1922, the TSO is one of Canada’s premier orchestras and most respected arts organisations, made up of 93 musicians and presenting a wide range of orchestral music every year from September to June. The TSO is committed to serving local and national communities through vibrant performances, extensive educational activities, and impactful community relationships.

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Member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra playing an instrument. — Credit: Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Open House

From 10am to 1:30pm, the TSO will be treating you to a build-your-own-adventure selection of activities. With a mission to reflect the diversity of Toronto’s various communities in everything they do, this Open House welcomes everyone to join in on lobby performances featuring Bhangra dancing workshops, a Mariachi band, chamber ensembles by the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO), and more! There will also be all-ages activity stations so the whole family can choose between the Compose Your Own Music station, the Long & McQuade Instrument Discovery Zone, and a zen family-friendly colouring station. Don’t miss an opportunity to meet TSO musicians, or get a glimpse of history on our TSYO Memory Wall.

Member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra playing an instrument. — Credit: Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Free Community Concert

After a fun morning in the lobby of Roy Thomson Hall, the celebration continues as the doors to the concert hall open at 2:00pm for a free concert experience, curated for this special occasion by the TSO’s Music Director, Gustavo Gimeno. This concert is a fast-paced mix filled with eclectic favourites and surprising discoveries, including: Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries, a composition by Toronto’s own Cris Derksen entitled Parkdale: Celebration Prelude, a sizzling excerpt from Sibelius’s Violin Concerto performed by Concertmaster Jonathan Crow, the iconic Love Theme from Superman by John Williams, and more—all under 60 minutes! Be sure to RSVP to secure your concert ticket, beginning on September 13 at TSO.CA/OpenHouse, and remember to pass this invitation to the music-lovers around you!

Member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra playing an instrument. — Credit: Toronto Symphony Orchestra

If you’re new to the symphony, or it’s been a while since you’ve attended a TSO concert, this concert program is a great way to experience the variety of the TSO’s programming for Year 101. These experiences range from the spellbinding classics in their Masterworks, the irresistible showcases in the Pops series, the family-friendly Young People’s Concerts Series, and one-of-a-kind concerts in their Special, Relaxed, and TSYO Performances.

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