March 28, 2014
The TSO Heats Up May with 18 Exciting Concerts
Mahler, MacMillan and Mendelssohn;
Four Performances of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6;
The Music of ABBA and Broadway Hits;
TSYO Spring Concert and TSO Musicians in the Spotlight
May at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra begins with Mahler and a performance of his monumental ninth–
and last completed–symphony. The intense emotions that Mahler underwent during this final period of his
life found their way into his music, speaking profoundly of a deep love of the earth, nature and life itself.
TSO Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis is no stranger to the late-Romantic composer’s work, having led
the Orchestra in each of Mahler’s symphonies over the course of his 40 years on the TSO podium.
From the acclaimed creators of Beethoven Lives Upstairs and Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage comes the
charming story of Tchaikovsky and his trip to America for the opening of New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1891.
Classical Kids LIVE! will join the TSO to bring the great Russian composer’s historical journey to life. For
his TSO conducting début, Sameer Patel will guide the Orchestra through Tchaikovsky’s greatest hits,
including excerpts from The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s (TSYO) fifth and final concert of the 2013/2014 season is set
to feature a programme of crowd-pleasers! RBC Resident Conductor Shalom Bard will guide the budding
orchestra in Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, Liszt’s Les Préludes and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol,
with a special performance of the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto by TSYO Violinist
Sophia Anna Szokolay. The audience will be encouraged to help cheer on the musicians, as the TSYO
Awards will be presented to members who consistently showed leadership and artistic excellence throughout
the year.
The immensely popular and eloquent Scottish composer James MacMillan created his scintillating Piano
Concerto No. 3 “Mysteries of Light” expressly for French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Part concerto, part
symphonic poem, it revels in colour, atmosphere and drama. Led by TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian
on May 7 & 8, MacMillan’s work will be matched with Rossini’s sparkling Overture to La scala di seta and
Tchaikovsky’s intensely emotional final work, Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”. O n May 10 & 11, this
symphony will then be paired with another performance by the talented Jean-Yves Thibaudet, as he blazes
his way through Shostakovich’s energetic Piano Concerto No. 1, with a prominent performance by TSO
Principal Trumpet Andrew McCandless.
Audiences can partake in Victoria Day celebrations by indulging in Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony, a
masterwork dedicated to Queen Victoria and her husband Albert. Inspired by the composer’s 1829 visit to the
Palace of Holyroodhouse , the monarchs’ official Scottish residence, Mendelssohn’s symphony pairs nicely
with British Baroque composer Henry Purcell’s Dances from The Fairy Queen, an adaptation of
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Under the baton of up-and-coming English Maestro Michael
Francis, TSO Principal Harpist Heidi Van Hoesen Gorton will take the spotlight to demonstrate her
versatility and expressiveness in Alberto Ginastera’s Harp Concerto.
TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke is excited to dedicate a full programme to the timeless
melodies of Lerner and Loewe : the team responsible for My Fair Lady, Brigadoon, Gigi and Camelot.
Featured soloists soprano Amy Wallis, tenor Colin Ainsworth, and baritone Jonathan Estabrooks will
bring to life audience favourites such as I Could Have Danced All Night, If Ever I Would Leave You, Almost
Like Being In Love, and many more.
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme the best of 70’s pop music! Back by popular demand, Finnish vocal ensemble
Rajaton will pay tribute to the Swedish pop supergroup, ABBA. Audiences can boogie along to orchestral
re-creations of ABBA’s huge hits including Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, Dancing Queen, and S.O.S.
Conductor and soloist will be marking their TSO début in an eclectic concert, juxtaposing the summery
pastoral themes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 with the wide emotional range of Shostakovich’s Violin
Concerto No. 1. Juanjo Mena, the newly appointed Chief Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic, will lead
the Orchestra through this exciting programme, while Lithuanian-born Julian Rachlin, described by the Los
Angeles Times as “a virtuoso with heart and a champion’s bearing” will put bow to string for one of the most
diverse and difficult violin concertos.
TSO musicians will take the spotlight in an engaging Light Classics programme that includes the electrifying
crescendo of Ravel’s famous Boléro and Brahms’s merry medley of German student songs. Led by RBC
Resident Conductor Shalom Bard, Niccolò Paganini’s Sonata per la Gran Viola will provide the dazzling
showpiece for Principal Viola Teng Li, while Principal Oboe Sarah Jeffrey will steal the spotlight in
Concerto sopra dell’opera La favorita di Donizetti by Italian composer and oboist Antonio Pasculli.
About the TSO: Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada’s most important
cultural institutions recognized internationally as an outstanding orchestra. Currently celebrating his 10th
season as Music Director, Peter Oundjian continues to lead the Orchestra with a commitment to innovative
programming and audience development with performances that range from Masterworks to New Creations,
Young People’s Concerts to Pops, all showcasing the exceptional talents of the Orchestra along with a roster
of distinguished guest artists and conductors. In addition to the concert season, the TSO serves the larger
community with TSOUNDCHECK, the original under-35 ticket programme, the Toronto Symphony Youth
Orchestra, and through music education and outreach programmes which connect students with acclaimed
curriculum-based programming.
Website: TSO.CA
Twitte r: @TorontoSymphony
Facebook: Toronto Symphony Orchestra
YouTube: youtube.com/torontosymphony
TSO ticket line: 416.598.3375 Chinese hotline: 416.593.0688 Online: TSO.CA
All concerts at Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. unless otherwise noted
All artists, programmes, dates, prices, and chats are subject to change without notice.
The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO Financial Group
The TSO Official Airline is Air Canada
The TSO Pops Series Presenting Sponsor is Scotiabank
The TSO Season Patrons are Bob and Ann Corcoran
The May 24th Performance is sponsored by Tricon
The TSYO is supported by CIBC
The May 10th Performance is sponsored by Tippet-Richardson Limited
Media Contact:
Carrie Sager, FLIP Publicity & Promotions Inc, 416.533.7710 X224, [email protected]
Jill Angelstad, TSO Publicity Coordinator, 416.593.7769 X267, [email protected]
Detailed Conce rt Listings Below
MAY 2014 CONCERT LISTINGS
Mahler Symphony 9
Thursday, May 1 at 8:00pm
Masterworks
Sir Andrew Davis, conductor
Mahler: Symphony No. 9
Tickets: $33 – $145
Note: This concert will be performed without an intermission.
Tchaikovsky Discovers America
Saturday, May 3 at 1:30pm
Saturday, May 3 at 3:30pm
Young People’s Concert
Sameer Patel, conductor
Classical Kids LIVE!
Programme includes excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s:
Swan Lake
The Nutcracker
Sleeping Beauty
1812 Overture
Marche Slave
Tickets: $17 – $36
The Performance Sponsor for the Young People’s Concerts is J.P. Morgan
TSYO Spring 2014 Conce rt
Saturday May 3, 2014 at 7:30pm
MacMillan Theatre, University of Toronto
80 Queen’s Park
Shalom Bard, conductor
Sophia Anna Szokolay, violin
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished”
Liszt: Les Préludes
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto – Mvt. I
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol
Tickets: Adult: $27, Senior: $17 (65+), Youth: $14 (under 15 Yrs of age)
TSYO is generously supported by CIBC
Tchaikovsky Symphony 6
Wednesday, May 7 at 8:00pm
Thursday, May 8 at 8:00pm
Masterworks
Peter Oundjian, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Rossini: Overture to La scala di seta (May 11 only)
MacMillan: Piano Concerto No. 3 “Mysteries of Light” (Canadian première)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”
Tickets: $33 – $145
Post-concert Chat onstage with Peter Oundjian on May 7
Tchaikovsky Symphony 6
Saturday, May 10 at 7:30pm Casual
Sunday, May 11 at 3:00pm George Weston Recital Hall
Peter Oundjian, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Andrew McCandless, trumpet
Rossini: Overture to La scala di seta
Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”
Tickets: May 10–$ $33 – $105 and May 11–$43.50 – $98.50
The May 11 performance is at the George Weston Recital Hall located at 5040 Yonge Street.
To purchase tickets by phone call Ticketmaster at 1.855.985.ARTS (2787)
The Casual Concerts Series Sponsor is Air Canada
The May 10 performance sponsor is Tippet-Richardson Limited
Mendelssohn Scottish Symphony (Afterworks)
Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30pm
Afterworks
Michael Francis, conductor
Tom Allen, host
Purcell: Dances from The Fairy Queen
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 “Scottish”
Tickets: $29 – $82
Afterworks concerts offer an opportunity to skip rush hour and enjoy magnificent orchestral music
introduced by CBC’s Tom Allen. Guests will also enjoy free hors d’oeuvres before the concert.
The Afterworks May 14 food partner is Fionn MacCool’s
Mendelssohn Scottish Symphony
Thursday, May 15 at 2:00pm Matinee MasterWorks
Saturday, May 17 at 8:00pm MasterWorks
Michael Francis, conductor
Heidi Van Hoesen Gorton, harp
Purcell: Dances from The Fairy Queen
Ginastera: Harp Concerto
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 “Scottish”
Tickets: May 15–$29 – 89 and May 17–$33 – 145
Classic Broadway: Le rne r & Loewe
Tuesday, May 20 at 8:00pm
Wednesday, May 21 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, May 21 at 8:00pm
Pops
Steven Reineke, conductor
Amy Wallis, soprano
Colin Ainsworth, tenor
Jonathan Estabrooks, baritone
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
Programme includes selections from:
Camelot
Paint Your Wagon
Gigi
Brigadoon
My Fair Lady
Tickets: Evening–$33 – $110 and Matinee–$29-82
The Pops Series Presenting Sponsor is Scotiabank
Media Partner: The New AM740
The Music of ABBA
Special
Friday, May 23 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 24 at 8:00pm
Steven Reineke, conductor
Rajaton
Various: The Music of ABBA
Tickets: $29 – $105
Presenting Performance Sponsor is Scotiabank
The May 24 Performance Sponsor is Tricon
Beethoven Symphony 6
Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00pm
Thursday, May 29 at 8:00pm
MasterWorks
Juanjo Mena, conductor
Julian Rachlin, violin
Arriaga: Overture to Los esclavos felices
Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”
Tickets: $33 – $145
TSO Artists in the Spotlight
Saturday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 1 at 3:00pm
Light Classics
Shalom Bard, conductor
Sarah Jeffrey, oboe
Teng Li, viola
Brahms: Academic Festival Overture
Paganini: Sonata per la Gran Viola
Ravel: Boléro
Liszt: Les Préludes
Pasculli: Concerto sopra dell’opera La favorita di Donizetti
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 “Scottish” – Mvt. IV
Tickets: $33 – $96
Media Partner: The New Classical 96.3 FM
TSO’s ticket line: 416.598.3375 Chinese hotline: 416.593.0688 Online TSO.CA
All concerts at Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. unless otherwise noted
All artists, programmes, dates, prices, and chats are subject to change without notice.
Website : TSO.CA
Twitte r: @TorontoSymphony
Facebook: Toronto Symphony Orchestra
YouTube: youtube.com/torontosymphony
For media inquiries, high-res photography or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Carrie Sager, FLIP PUBLICITY, 416.533.7710 X224, [email protected]
Jill Angelstad, TSO Publicity Coordinator, 416.593.7769 X267, [email protected]
MAY 2014 CONCERT LISTINGS
Mahler Symphony 9
Thursday, May 1 at 8:00pm
Masterworks
Sir Andrew Davis, conductor
Mahler: Symphony No. 9
Tickets: $33 – $145
Note: This concert will be performed without an intermission.
Tchaikovsky Discovers America
Saturday, May 3 at 1:30pm
Saturday, May 3 at 3:30pm
Young People’s Concert
Sameer Patel, conductor
Classical Kids LIVE!
Programme includes excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s:
Swan Lake
The Nutcracker
Sleeping Beauty
1812 Overture
Marche Slave
Tickets: $17 – $36
TSYO Spring 2014 Conce rt
Saturday May 3, 2014 at 7:30pm
MacMillan Theatre, University of Toronto
80 Queen’s Park
Shalom Bard, conductor
Sophia Anna Szokolay, violin
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished”
Liszt: Les Préludes
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto – Mvt. I
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol
Tickets: Adult: $27, Senior: $17 (65+), Youth: $14 (under 15 Yrs of age)
Tchaikovsky Symphony 6
Wednesday, May 7 at 8:00pm
Thursday, May 8 at 8:00pm
Masterworks
Peter Oundjian, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Rossini: Overture to La scala di seta (May 11 only)
MacMillan: Piano Concerto No. 3 “Mysteries of Light” (Canadian première)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”
Tickets: $33 – $145
Post-concert Chat onstage with Peter Oundjian on May 7
Tchaikovsky Symphony 6
Saturday, May 10 at 7:30pm Casual
Sunday, May 11 at 3:00pm George Weston Recital Hall
Peter Oundjian, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Andrew McCandless, trumpet
Rossini: Overture to La scala di seta
Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”
Tickets: May 10–$ $33 – $105 and May 11–$43.50 – $98.50
The May 11 performance is at the George Weston Recital Hall located at 5040 Yonge Street.
To purchase tickets by phone call Ticketmaster at 1.855.985.ARTS (2787)
Mendelssohn Scottish Symphony (Afterworks)
Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30pm
Afterworks
Michael Francis, conductor
Tom Allen, host
Purcell: Dances from The Fairy Queen
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 “Scottish”
Tickets: $29 – $82
Introduced by CBC’s Tom Allen with complimentary hors d’oeuvres before the concert
Mendelssohn Scottish Symphony
Thursday, May 15 at 2:00pm Matinee MasterWorks
Saturday, May 17 at 8:00pm MasterWorks
Michael Francis, conductor
Heidi Van Hoesen Gorton, harp
Purcell: Dances from The Fairy Queen
Ginastera: Harp Concerto
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 “Scottish”
Tickets: May 15–$29 – 89 and May 17–$33 – 145
Classic Broadway: Le rne r & Loewe
Tuesday, May 20 at 8:00pm
Wednesday, May 21 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, May 21 at 8:00pm
Pops
Steven Reineke, conductor
Amy Wallis, soprano
Colin Ainsworth, tenor
Jonathan Estabrooks, baritone
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
Programme includes selections from:
Camelot
Paint Your Wagon
Gigi
Brigadoon
My Fair Lady
Tickets: Evening–$33 – $110 and Matinee–$29-82
The Music of ABBA
Special
Friday, May 23 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 24 at 8:00pm
Steven Reineke, conductor
Rajaton
Various: The Music of ABBA
Tickets: $29 – $105
Beethoven Symphony 6
Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00pm
Thursday, May 29 at 8:00pm
MasterWorks
Juanjo Mena, conductor
Julian Rachlin, violin
Arriaga: Overture to Los esclavos felices
Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”
Tickets: $33 – $145
TSO Artists in the Spotlight
Saturday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 1 at 3:00pm
Light Classics
Shalom Bard, conductor
Sarah Jeffrey, oboe
Teng Li, viola
Brahms: Academic Festival Overture
Paganini: Sonata per la Gran Viola
Ravel: Boléro
Liszt: Les Préludes
Pasculli: Concerto sopra dell’opera La favorita di Donizetti
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 “Scottish” – Mvt. IV
Tickets: $33 – $96
TSO’s ticket line: 416.598.3375 Chinese hotline: 416.593.0688 Online TSO.CA
All concerts at Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. unless otherwise noted
All artists, programmes, dates, prices, and chats are subject to change without notice.
Website : TSO.CA
Twitte r: @TorontoSymphony
Facebook: Toronto Symphony Orchestra
YouTube: youtube.com/torontosymphony
For media inquiries, high-res photography or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Carrie Sager, FLIP PUBLICITY, 416.533.7710 X224, [email protected]
Jill Angelstad, TSO Publicity Coordinator, 416.593.7769 X267, [email protected]
