noteworthy -- fall 2014
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BMO Financial Group has been a leading supporter of the TSO and its impactful music education and outreach initiatives for almost 30 years, providing the Orchestra with the opportunity to present uplifting experiences to the community and supporting Toronto’s cultural richness. Since the TSO’s 90th season (2011/2012), BMO Financial Group has played the vital role of Season Presenting Sponsor, and has been a strong supporter of the Orchestra’s annual tours to Ottawa and Montreal, demonstrating its deep-rooted commitment to improving quality of life through arts and culture.
The TSO also gratefully acknowledges Nada Ristich, Director, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial, and TSO Board members Luke Seabrook, Head of Financial Products, Debt Products, Trading Products U.S., BMO Capital Markets, and Eileen Jurczak, Vice President, Financial Products, Trading Products, BMO Capital Markets, for their tireless and devoted support of the Orchestra.
JEFF MELANSON, TSO PRESIDENT & C.E.O., WITH EILEEN JURCZAK, VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCIAL
PRODUCTS, TRADING PRODUCTS AT BMO CAPITAL MARKETS, AND TSO BOARD MEMBER
CORPORATE CHAMPION
TSO MUSIC DIRECTOR PETER OUNDJIAN ADDRESSES
MEMBERS OF THE MUSIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE AT AN
APPRECIATION DINNER HOSTED BY BMO
NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT & C.E.O.
Dear friends of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra,
It is a real honour and a privilege to write you this note as I step into my new role as President & C.E.O. I am delighted to be joining such a wonderful community of musicians and music lovers as we embark on an exciting creative journey together.
The cultural season in Toronto has started. It was great to meet so many of you at the Opening Night Gala, and to see you early in the season at our concerts.
As you know, we are the city’s orchestra and we were proud to represent Toronto and Canadian culture on the world stage this August with the European Tour. At home, we were thrilled to have so many Torontonians Conduct Us at the Culture Days national launch on September 26.
In the months to come, we will embark on a dynamic strategic-planning process to establish the future creative hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. We hope to engage as many of you as possible in this endeavour.
This is a creative organization that excels, and we are ready for you to join us in our next phase of excellence, innovation, and growth. Exciting days are ahead.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra could not thrive without your support. Let me pass on our sincere appreciation to you for making it possible for us to share great music and artistry with Toronto, Canada, and the world. Jeff MelansonTSO President & C.E.O.
PETER OUNDJIAN AND THE ORCHESTRA RECEIVE APPLAUSE
AT THE CONCERTGEBOUW
GALA RECEPTION SPONSORPRESENTING SPONSOR GALA DINNER SPONSOR
14/15 SEASONOPENING
NIGHT GALA The TSO’s Opening Night event, held on September 18, 2014, marked
the beginning of the cultural calendar in Toronto and was the perfect
prelude to a season of exciting orchestral performances.
JOSHUA BELL PERFORMING WITH THE TSO
After a rousing concert—featuring Peter Oundjian, the Orchestra, and
violinist Joshua Bell—the gala dinner was a tremendous success and provided
the welcome opportunity to celebrate the TSO with our loyal supporters.
KARIN AND JOHN HARRISON TSO PRINCIPAL KEYBOARD & PERCUSSION
PATRICIA KRUEGER AND ANN CORCORAN
JOSHUA BELL, TSO MUSIC DIRECTOR PETER OUNDJIAN, TSO PRESIDENT & C.E.O. JEFF MELANSON,
AND BOARD CHAIR CHRIS HODGSON
TSO VIOLIN MI-HYON KIM, EARLAINE COLLINS, AND
TSO PRINCIPAL CLARINET JOAQUIN VALDEPEÑAS
BOARD MEMBER RAGS DAVLOOR,
PAM SPACKMAN, AND BOARD MEMBER
ALLAN KIMBERLEY
ANNA MARIA ANDBILL BRAITHWAITE
TSO OPENING NIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBERS RAGS DAVLOOR, MARY HEINMAA, EUNICE LUMSDEN, FRAN GRUBER, AND DONNA GOLDMAN
BOB RAE AND BOARD MEMBER BOB CORCORAN
TSVC PRESIDENT OLGA FERSHALOFF, PAULINE MENKES, AND JOYCE GUTMANN
SHERYL KERRSTEPHANIE FUNG, TSO PRINCIPAL TROMBONE GORD WOLFE,
DOROTHY SHOICHET, AND RENETTE AND DAVID BERMANJULIE CHEESBROUGHAND PETER OUNDJIAN
TOM ALLEN ANDJULIE NESRALLAH
TSO FRIEND NORMA JACOBSON
Annual donor Norma Jacobson has been attending TSO concerts for more than 60 years. One of her highlights was seeing the Orchestra in Paris in the autumn of 1965, during the TSO’s fi rst European Tour with Music Director Seiji Ozawa. Between September 23 and October 1 of that year, the TSO played in the Commonwealth Arts Festival in Britain, followed by three concerts in France: twoin Paris and one in Lyon.
Norma initially went to Paris to study French and was working for the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers of Europe (SHAPE), the central command of NATO’s military forces, at the time of the tour. She heard about the concerts in Paris through her uncle, Maurice Solway, who played violin with the TSO (then called the New Symphony Orchestra) from 1923 to 1926, and from 1933 to 1952. Mr. Solway was on tour with the Orchestra as an extra player.
When asked to describe the experience of seeing the TSO in Paris, she says, “I went with members of my aunt’s family. It was thrilling. To see Ozawa was so exiting. He was mesmerizing. I was only 24 at the
time—I was thrilled to be living in Paris, and thrilled to have my uncle there playing with the symphony.”
Being able to support the TSO’s 2014 European Tour meant a great deal to Norma. “The Orchestra is a part of my life, and was a big part of my life growing up,” she explains. “I’ve heard many wonderful artists play with the TSO. I am thrilled to have them travel again, for the world to see them and to hear what we have in Toronto.” She adds, “I think Peter Oundjian has done a wonderful job—both musically and in getting the Orchestra out there. He is affable and bright.”
Norma also supports the TSO with an annual gift to help it attract and retain world-class musicians. “We have been exposed to fi ne musicians in Toronto, especially many of the Concertmasters through the years,” she notes. When asked what she enjoys most about the TSO experience, she says, without hesitation, “Being surrounded by music.”
Spotlight
on
KNOW A PAIR OF TSO Lovebirds?Celebrate sweet milestones, such as anniversaries and
weddings, with a gift to the TSO. A tribute gift is a great way to recognize friends or loved ones while supporting the
performances that give them so much enjoyment.
Your thoughtfulness will be recognized with a personalized tribute card, and you will receive a charitable tax receipt for your gift.
To make a gift in celebration of your favourite music lovers, contact 416.593.7769 X 414 or [email protected].
TSO Associate Principal Trombone Vanessa Fralick was married on July 14, 2014, at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in Jordan, Ontario. Vanessa’s new husband is Russell Macklem, a jazz trumpeter who originally hails from Kelowna, B.C. Congratulations, Vanessa and Russell!
We would also like to congratulate RBC Affiliate Composer Kevin Lau and his new fiancée Alexa on their recent engagement. In addition to planning his wedding, Kevin will be working on Le Petit Prince—a full-length ballet that The National Ballet of Canada commissioned him to compose for their 2015/2016 season.
A warm welcome to the two newest additions to the Orchestra: Steven Woomert, Associate Principal Trumpet,
and Amy Zoloto, Bass Clarinet and Clarinet.
Steven is an alumnus of the Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory, Northwestern University, and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. His father, Barton Woomert, was Associate Principal Trumpet of the TSO for 32 years until he retired earlier this year, and Steven won the position in a blind audition!
Amy joins the TSO for her first full season after previous seasons with the New York Philharmonic and Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. She is a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, and has taught masterclasses at Manhattan School of Music, has coached the New York Youth Symphony, and was an adjunct professor at University of Florida, Gainesville.
NEW TSO CDRecorded live at Roy Thomson Hall and just released by Chandos Records, the TSO shines in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade.
Get it today at the iTunes Storeand the Music Store at Roy Thomson Hall
Shows off the intensity that the Toronto Symphony
has become known for under Oundjian’s baton...
it’s a muscular sound. —CBC MUSIC
ORCHESTRANEWS
NEWLYWEDS RUSSELL MACKLEM AND ASSOCIATE
PRINCIPAL TROMBONE VANESSA FRALICK
THE TSO TRIUMPHSIN EUROPE
MUSICIANS PREPARE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE TSO’S GRAFENEGG FESTIVAL CONCERT IN VIENNA
From August 15 to 24, your hometown orchestra played six concerts in fi ve
European cities—Vienna, Amsterdam, Wiesbaden, Helsinki, and Reykjavik—to sold-out
houses, standing ovations, and rave reviews.
“Everything was brilliant, but also balanced. This was manifestly a top
ensemble, proud of its virtuosity and putting it on parade.”—ARTHUR KAPTAINIS, NATIONAL POST
“That’s how to steal the show from yourself: the musicians...under
Peter Oundjian...impressed the audience with two brilliant encores…. Sometimes it is possible to go one better even after
an already strikingly good concert.” —EWALD BARINGER, NIEDERÖSTERREICHISCHE NACHRICHTEN
THE KURHAUS IN WIESBADEN, GERMANY
Behind-the-scenes tweets from TSO Production Manager Chris Walroth (@TSOProdMgr)
AUG. 8: Shipping paperwork is here we are good to go, the list is only 829 lines.
AUG. 13: Onboard AC872 next stop Frankfurt.
AUG. 21: Living the dream in the jump seat of the cargo plane HAN-HEL. Only one more cargo fl ight Saturday morning Helsinki to Reykjavik.
AUG. 23: 13:30 heading for town. Just waiting for a marathon to fi nish to get the trucks to Harpa [Reykjavik].
AUG. 24: 3:30am Backpacker kids got all the comfy spots, no airport for old men.
AUG. 26: Just got bumped to business class for the trip home thanks @AirCanada good to be coming home.
AUG. 29: From a friend. Could be my tour summary or epitaph. “Travelled well, didn’t see much, was there when he needed to be”
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
This tour was made possible in part by grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council’s National and International Touring programme, and the City of Toronto.
an Ontario government agencyun organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario
We would like to thank our sponsors and donors
whose incredible support helped to make the
European Tour a tremendous success.
PETER OUNDJIAN, BOB CORCORAN, RENETTE AND DAVID BERMAN, AND CHRIS HODGSON AT KOERNER HALL AFTER THE KICK-OFF CONCERT
GROUP PHOTO FROM THE HELSINKI WALKING TOUR
PRINCE TASSILO METTERNICH-SANDOR AND BOARD MEMBER GEORGE LEWIS IN VIENNA
THERESA RUDOLPH, TSO VIOLA, WITH HER FATHER,
JOHN RUDOLPH, TSO PRINCIPAL PERCUSSION, ON STAGE AT
THE CONCERTGEBOUW
MEMBERS OF THE TSOCCER CLUB POSE WITH THE FINNISH TEAM AFTER
THE BIG MATCH IN HELSINKI
HORNS AUDREY GOOD, GABRIEL RADFORD, AND ERIN COOPER-GAY, AND PRINCIPAL HORN NEIL DELAND PERFORM DURING
REYKJAVIK’S NIGHT OF CULTURE
RENETTE BERMAN, PRINCIPAL TRUMPET ANDREW MCCANDLESS,
CONCERTMASTER JONATHAN CROW, AND DAVID BERMAN IN REYKJAVIK
DONOR SUPPORT
Lead Patrons for the TSO’s European Tour in 2014:
Renette and David Berman
The European Tour was also made possible in part by the generous support* of the following individuals:
… And many other thoughtful donors.
Bob & Ann Corcoran
Rags & Indra Davloor
Blake C. Goldring
James & Joyce Gutmann
Ethel Harris
Pam & Chris Hodgson
Mr. Iaroslav Jivov
Peter & Margie Kelk
Sheryl & David Kerr
Allan Kimberley & Pam Spackman
John B. Lawson QC
Peter Levitt & Mai Why
George & Leanne Lewis
Peter Oundjian
Richard Phillips
Richard Rooney & Laura Dinner
Luke & Kimberly Seabrook
*Gifts of $10,000 or more
“The tour marks the beginning of a new international phase for the TSO, which takes us to a higher level as an ensemble. This cultural exchange across Europe has inspired us, and we have been so proud to represent Toronto and Canadian culture on the world stage.” —PETER OUNDJIAN, TSO MUSIC DIRECTOR
The TSO kicked off its 2014/2015 season with a spectacular Opening Night Gala, presented by Scotiabank, that featured renowned violinist Joshua Bell.
Scotiabank is a dedicated supporter of arts and culture, and understands the important role that music plays in cultivating a strong and vibrant community. Over the course of the 2013/2014 season, Scotiabank expanded its support of the TSO beyond its presenting sponsorship of the Pops Concert Series by sponsoring two special projects—Chinese New Year and the Orchestra’s highly successful European Tour. With this support, the TSO has been able to share the beauty of live orchestral music with appreciative audiences in Toronto and around the world.
The TSO also wishes to acknowledge the generous support and dedicated efforts of Christopher J. Hodgson, Group Head of Global Wealth and Insurance at Scotiabank, and Chair of the TSO’s Board of Directors.
CORPORATE CHAMPION
JULIE CHEESBROUGH, ROBBIE HUGHES, PAM HODGSON, CHRIS HODGSON, PETER OUNDJIAN, JOSHUA BELL,
ANTONIO MIJARES, MARK CUMMINGS, MARIANNE CUMMINGS, AND NADINE OUNDJIAN
CHRIS HODGSON, GROUP HEAD OF GLOBAL WEALTH AND
INSURANCE AT SCOTIABANK, AND TSO BOARD CHAIR,
ADDRESSES OPENING NIGHT GALA ATTENDEES
UPCOMING
EVENTS
OPEN REHEARSALSExperience the fascinating steps the Orchestra takes to prepare for a performance. Watch as world-class conductors, guest artists, and the TSO’s own talented musicians work together to develop stunning interpretations of the symphonic works you love.
BEETHOVEN & NIELSEN Thursday, November 20, 201410:00am-12:30pm
MESSIAH Monday, December 15, 20147:30-10:00pm ...........................................................................
BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCESEnter through the artists’ doors at Roy Thomson Hall and allow TSO Production Manager Chris Walroth and Principal Librarian Gary Corrin to guide you on an exclusive Backstage Tour. Stops include the stage, the dressing rooms, and the music library. Available to Brass-level donors ($325) and above.
BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCE #1Thursday, November 6, 20147:00-9:00pm ...........................................................................
RSVPWe look forward to seeing you.
To RSVP for an event, please call
Customer Service at 416.598.3375
or email [email protected].
CONTACTING THE TSO
If you have any questions about our Friends, Maestro’s Club, Music Director’s Circle, or Legacy Circle individual-giving programmes, or you wish to make a donation to the TSO, please contact one of the following team members.
Sarah Bullick Director of Annual Giving
T. 416.593.7769 X 259 [email protected]
Jessica Hutton Manager of Annual Giving
T. 416.593.7769 X 414 [email protected]
Marion YorkDirector of Philanthropy
T. 416.593.7769 X 292 [email protected]
Niamh Earls Hallworth Manager of Stewardship
and Major Gifts
T. 416.593.7769 X 272 [email protected]
Steve Kwan Maestro’s Club and Music
Director’s Circle Ticketing
Coordinator
T. 416.593.7769 X 317 [email protected]
If you are a member of the Maestro’s Club or Music Director’s Circle and wish to purchase tickets, review your subscription, or make ticket exchanges, please contact:
NOTEWORTHY
Design: Chris Armstrong, Wesstrong Group Inc. Photography: Dale Wilcox, Olga Fershaloff, and Josh Clavir
Noteworthy is distributed free of charge to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s donor community.
Charitable Reg. No. 10525 5335 RR0001
212 King Street West | 1st Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 1K5
NOTEWORTHYFALL 2014
BRAVO TO OUR SPONSORS
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSORS
SERIES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS SPONSORS
PERFORMANCE SPONSORS
MEDIA AND CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
TORONTO SYMPHONYVOLUNTEER COMMITTTEE
OFFICIAL AIRLINE
OPENING NIGHT PRESENTING SPONSOR, POPS SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR,
CHINESE NEW YEAR PRESENTING SPONSOR, AND 2014 EUROPEAN TOUR GOLD SPONSOR
RBC PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA, YO-YO MA PRESENTING SPONSOR, NEW CREATIONS FESTIVAL SUPPORTER, AND 2014 EUROPEAN TOUR PLATINUM SPONSOR
PERFORMANCE AND TOUR CARTAGE SPONSOR
BlakesCanadian TireCBC Radio 2Charton-HobbsCI FinancialCIBCDeloitteErnst & Young LLP
Goldman SachsGoodmans LLPHenry’sMerrill CorporationMetropiaPwCQuinn’s Steakhouse & Irish Bar
RioCan Real Estate Investment TrustThe Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson HallThe New AM 740The New Classical 96.3 FM
The Ritz-Carlton, TorontoThe Toronto StarTidy’s FlowersToron AMITorys LLPTrish & Kevin ReedWorldwide Quest
* List reflects sponsors as of October 10, 2014.