Toronto Symphony Orchestra

5 stars through and through for Tsoundcheck.
C’mon, $ 16 for a 2 hour concert of Debussy? It’s almost too good to be true.
For those unfamiliar with Tsoundcheck, this a program for 18 – 35 year olds, where you can purchase set tickets (normally on Wednesday nights) for only $ 16. My friend and I got almost front row mezzanine tickets even with Tsoundcheck.
In general, I would say that the TSO has really great mastery of the pieces. The symphony’s forte (yes, pun intended) is definitely their technical skills. Peter Oundjian, the current conductor, certainly has a lot of charisma, sophisticated musicianship and all-​in-​all great artistic skill. He does a really great job making sure all the musicians are well integrated, yet each instrument stands out.
I am also a fan of their program. They do a stylized breakdown of all the movements of the symphony. It’s quite fun to go through while listening to the performance.
I would also give a thumbs up to the location of TSO. It’s conveniently located next to the Ritz Carlton, Shangri-​La and all the bars on King West, perfect venues for some post-​concert/​pre-​concert drinks.
I am also considering joining the Impresarios Club at the TSO where members meet other young professionals in Toronto and bond over our shared passion for classical music. If anyone is in the club and would like to comment on it, that would be great.

Went for the free lunch thank you concert; was blown away. What a performance! Rossini, Holst, Mozart, Kulesha, Beethoven, and an encore for all the happy listeners. Holst’s Jupiter gave me chills throughout the entire song, as always — such a rich and exciting piece. A full hour long concert with Oundjian’s fantastic flare and Lee’s quirky cheesy jokes (did I mention FOR FREE as a thank you to Toronto?). Great way to spend the afternoon — thank YOU, TSO.

Very impressed that the Toronto Symphony Orchestra offered free tickets to Toronto volunteers during National Volunteer Week as a show of appreciation. Tickets were gone very quickly, but luckily I got two tickets to the ‘As Seen on TV’ show before they ran out.
We sat almost as high up and far back as the concert hall allowed, but it wasn’t a problem visually. The main focus was the music, and that was fantastic.
Who would have known an orchestra could be so entertaining? They brought in Nicole Parker, who is a comedian (MADtv) and singer (Wicked). She sang beautifully, but it also felt like a stand up comedy act at times. She would bicker with the conductor, Steven Reineke, which made for even more entertainment.
They had sing alongs, guess that tune, jeopardy… just a bit of everything! And very engaging for the audience.
My only critiques would be that they didn’t play the Simpsons opening theme (it’s a classic.!) and that the Game of Thrones opening theme was way too short. We definitely felt young in the crowd, but the show had something for everyone.
Would definitely recommend going at least once for the experience and to support good, live music. They even have discounted tickets ($ 16) for people aged 15 – 35.

There’s nothing better than taking in a little bit of classical music by the TSO. There are lots of performance throughout the year. They have cheaper tickets for younger audiences (20 somethings.) The next time you’ll get a discount, you’ll be a senior.

$ 16 tickets for individuals under 35 as part of their TSOundcheck program. You can even buy two and bring someone older then 35. The seats? Fabulous ones in a variety of locations depending on your preference.
So much talent and a great change of pace.

How do you rate a symphony orchestra? I’m really not sure. I love music, but I’m not a talented musician or or an expert on orchestras. I’m kind of stuck with rating the TSO based on my personal emotional reaction to them and to the recent seasons.
Honestly? I love them. I’ve been taking advantage of the $ 14 – 30 tsoundcheck tickets while I still can so I’ve seen a lot of these guys. They’ve become familiar faces and I’ve become kind of attached to them. I’ve actually gotten really fond of Peter Oundjian, the music director too. I love it when he bounces onto the stage full of enthusiasm and tells us about the pieces they’re going to play. He’s also put together an amazing season this year. It’s been a struggle to stop myself from going to everything. They’ve brought in wonderful guest conductors: people like Steven Reineke, Bramwell Tovey, Giancarlo Guerrero and Andrew Grams who I’ve. Rob Kapilow is also doing a series of «What Makes it Great?» concerts which are absolutely worth attending if you want to learn more about certain pieces.
If you’re 35 and under, tsoundcheck is ridiculously good value for the quality of the performances. Even at full prices, you can get a ticket for $ 29 if you’re willing to tolerate the balcony sides. And considering they get guests like Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax, Yo Yo Ma and Yuja Wang; it’s worth it.
Booking through the website is generally easy. If there’s a problem, the box office are easily contactable via phone and email. They’re all incredibly pleasant. Particular shout-​out to Alex Perala who has patiently answered all my tsoundcheck questions and made sure I got to all the concerts I wanted to see.
All in all, they feel like my symphony. I’m attached. I couldn’t give them less than ⁵⁄₅.

The TSO is living in the 1950’s Leave it to Beaver world with their box office only open during the week and closed on the weekend to book tickets. By the time most working people (yes, there are regular working people, cowboy boots and jeans types like me who love classical music as well as contemporary), and when I get home from work, their box office is closed. MAJOR inconvenience. There is an online option — but some of us don’t book online. These guys need to seriously look at their accessibility regarding box office hours. Per my earlier review, their performances are generally lacklustre, but this is all we have in Toronto. There are a few smatterings of exceptional talent within the Orchestra …
Having said the above, they seriously need to work on their marketing strategy (i.e. being AVAILABLE on the weekends — even if its in the mornings only).

As a classical music student, I’m biased in saying that I love the symphony. I attended a number of their performances last year and one of the things I noticed immediately was their ability to change dynamics with ease, but that’s why they’re professional musicians. They’re all great, especially the violins. At times I couldn’t tell that there was more than one violin playing. They bring in some of the best musicians in the world, like Itzhak Perlman, Yo-​Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Joshua Bell, and Anne-​Sophie Mutter, to name a few.
They have a program for «young» people called tsoundcheck, where you can get tickets for $ 14. However, it seems too much like last-​minute seats so if you know that you want to attend a concert, the regular prices are definitely worth it.
I think the best tickets for the price at RTH are the ones on the balcony sides (section L8 or R8).

Every time I end an evening with the TSO, I’m reminded about how much I love going to see and hear them live. Don’t get me wrong — not everything strikes a chord and I’ve done my share of napping through various movements too.
BUT. When you hear a piece with sweet strings singing, the throbbing of the double basses pulling at you, and the rolling rumble of kettle drums ending in a timpanic crescendo…
It is just phenomenal.
At the very least, it’s certainly something worth experiencing. And, if you’re under 35, you can get tickets for $ 14! It’s a fantastic deal to take advantage of and you can score some pretty great seats and a nice evening out.

I went to the Mahler event this past Saturday night at the TSO. It was part of their annual TSO’s tsoundcheck program: barbecue, beers — and Mahler.
I missed the BBQ part, and had wine instead of beer. I also dressed up, which a lot of other people did as well. You didn’t have to, but why not?
I have gone to the TSO many times but this was the first time I saw so many young people (even teenagers!). The orchestra was amazing, you could bring alcohol inside and they played 70 minutes straight with out intermission.
The show was over midnight and ended with a very long, loud, standing ovation for the TSO. They deserved it. This was one of the best live performances I have gone to in a long time and I have every intention of making it an annual event.

I’ve been coming to RTH to see these guys since I was at least 6 years old to the Young People’s Concert on Saturday afternoons. It was an excellent child friendly way to introduce your child to Classical music. They made it fun, full of story telling and interaction. It’s still going on, and when it’s my turn I’ll probably do the same.
But lately, it’s sad that the Symphony is a dying art form. It’s gotten the point where they would pay money for people to come see it. They even closed the 3^rd level of the hall last night. Probably a smart idea, as last time there were many a bald spot in the seating areas.
They have started to choose a more modern repertoire, and trying to bring in the younger blood with it’s TSoundcheck program.
If you’re 15 – 35, you can get $ 14 tickets on the day of. You can also subscribe (min 3 concerts) for $ 33 each for seats that usually sell for $ 110 (in the case of Joshua Bell next month). I thought it was an excellent deal, until I realized how empty the place was and should have tried to get the $ 14 tickets.
They have also started to have Casual Concerts, where no need to dress up (unfortunate how this means to come people stilettos and short skirt). and the Concert Master will chit chat with you about the piece.
Sometimes at the end of the performance, there’s a free concert and refreshments in the lobby.
It’s nice to have a cultural diversion, something different!

The first time I came to see the TSO was back when I was in grade 5. My mom got free tickets from work and no one else was available to go so my friend and I went. Yeah, two grade 5 girls taking the TTC downtown from Scarborough on a school night to catch an evening show. I loved it and since then, I’ve enjoyed many of its shows.
I probably have to admit that I really like the TSO and Roy Thompson Hall more so because of the memories I associate with them but I really do enjoy their music. Something different than watching a chick flick for the same amount of money (via tsoundcheck). I think the TSO have done a great job in marketing to the younger crowd with tsoundcheck where you can get $ 12 tickets and/​or get their 3-​concert packs which are all $ 99 or less. Great way to hook the 35 and under crowd.

Last night was my first TSO show. Was pretty excited though my husband is more the symphonic fan in our household.
The show was part of the New Creations Festival with DJ Mason Bates.
Although the orchestra and DJ played well both my husband and I were underwhelmed. We hoped to be swept away by beautiful music. I was looking at the clock the whole time. I love getting goosebumps from being moved by a piece of music. The only movement happening last night was us squirming in our seats because we were anxious to get the show on the road.

When I first went to see the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, I was blown away. It’s quite the magical evening. I’m not a huge fan of classical music, in the sense that I may have trouble differentiating a Gerswhin from a Strauss, but I always love hearing it done live.
First of all, you have to dress up. Well you don’t HAVE to, wear whatever you want really, but how often do you get dressed up? That’s what I thought. So pull out the old plaid sports coat and pop on your burgundy bow tie and you’re ready to go. Wait, you don’t have a bow tie? Alright, you can wear a regular tie but you’re losing points.
Secondly, you really need to be on time, actually scratch that, be early. I know you’re not used to that and it’s going to be tough, but they seriously won’t let you in if you’re too late. Trick yourself into thinking its 30mins earlier.
Lastly, don’t bother buying a drink or a snack at intermission. Unless you have a ton of money you’re looking to throw away, in which case message me directly and I can help with that. Their prices are way too expensive. And if you really need a coffee to stay awake, be aware that they somehow manage to fit about 4 times the amount of caffeine into their coffee. Oh sure that sounds like a good thing, but trust me, when you’re strung out on caffeine while trying to sit still and enjoy the show you’ll know what I mean.
I had always thought it was a little out of my price range until I learned about tsoundcheck (
). It’s been mentioned here a few times already, but it really makes going to the symphony much more reasonable for us youngins. I’ve never had a horrible seat using tsoundcheck either, so don’t think you’re losing out on anything. You no longer have a reason not to go.

First let me disclose, I’m a fair-​weather symphonic fan. When I was younger, I played in the Toronto Youth Symphony, and even worked for the TSO indirectly through Arts Marketing (a telemarketing company). I also admit I’m more a John Williams (of Star Wars, the Olympic theme and many countless movies fame) and Tchaikovsky fan than say a Mahler or Schubert. Essentially, I’m more Boston Pops than London Symphony. And maybe that’s the crux of my issue, that we lack a pops group in Toronto. I go to the symphony about 3 – 4 times a year, and I much prefer the new hall at the Royal Conservatory (Koerner Hall) vs Roy Thompson.
Last night I was able to convince a bunch of friends who are non-​symphonic fans to see the last night of the New Creations Festival. I know New Creations are generally geared towards the hard core goers, but my message is, there aren’t many left, and they’ll all soon be gone!
This review isn’t a about the musicians nor the choir, but the composers and choices made by Peter Oundijan the conductor and host. The program «Plus Forte» included a piece by Osvaldo Golijov: The Last Round, a 20-​minute opera Gerald Barry: La Plus Forte (Canadian première) sung by soprano Barbara Hannigan, and Jacques © Hétu: Symphony No. 5, Op. 81 (TSO Commission/​World première).
Barbara was great, and the TSO was good, but as my friends described the night, no one would have known the difference if they played the wrong notes. Again, I know its not pop, but you would not describe any of the pieces as memorable, and it was a struggle for my entire section to keep their head up. Row after row, couple after couple heads were down as boredom en-​shrewed. The majority of my section went because there was a special pricing plan of $ 8, which managed to bring out many people who weren’t regulars, however, unfortunately, this event also lost these people for good.
There’s an article today in the UK times online (
) about how to sell Classical music to the masses. My advice to Peter is, it’s time to move away from the rules set up based in the 19^th Century. If an event like «Star Wars» live can sell out an arena, why can’t the TSO embrace popular, accessible music? If the classics require the likes of Anna Netrebko to help sell it, so be it. I would have hoped that the TSO learned from their last labour disruption and realized they were no longer relevant to todays audience. I know some changes have been made, but much more needs to be done.
At a time when Classical music is being used as a punishment to children (
), it’s time blow up how everything is structured, and what is being selected. I was at the Tan Dun event where he utilized videos he captured of northern Chinese throat singers, and the «rock» musician and mixed it in with his symphonic creation. He was able to capture some of the imagination of the new comers alike.
At the end of the day, maybe I’m just advocating for the return of a Toronto Pops Orchestra.

When I was 6 my dad took me to the symphony and about 20 minutes in I asked him when the singing was going to start. I have to admit that while I do enjoy the symphony a little singing, with a touch of choreographed dance doesn’t hurt.
Last night I went to the TSO Broadway Classics with performances by the Etobicoke Children’s Choir. It was fantastic! The kids were amazing, the music was unreal and it was just a nice Wednesday night out.
Plus if you buy the tickets through TSO Soundcheck, they are only $ 12.00. That is the price of a movie ticket. It’s ridiculous! Well worth the money!
Side note: They have an exorbitant amount of bathrooms. It seems like there are as many stalls as there are seats.

This is always one of the best nights out.

Though sometimes perceived as having a monopoly on the symphonic arts in Toronto, the TSO does take nothing for granted and provides one of the better performances provided by city orchestras. Bringing with every season familiar classics and challenging extensions, the TSO has done much to provide the city with entertaining, enlightening, and above all affordable musical experiences.
Performing chiefly out of Roy Thomson Hall (
), the TSO season program is one of the most widely anticipated brochures in the city. The orchestra itself is well put together and solid, and allow for guest artists to perform along with them as well. The TSO are also gracious enough to make way on the stage for other artists and orchestras, giving way to other city’s symphonies to perform different pieces to round out the program.
With the newly tuned Roy Thomson Hall, the symphony have a great venue to perform and consistently provide a program that can be looked forward to. As well, they should be commended for their marketing to young people, providing affordable symphony options to those who are younger and can not afford full fare. Check out the program, find your favourite piece, and enjoy.

You hear a lot of talk about «world class» stuff in Toronto, and sometimes that’s just covering up for a feeling of inadequacy. But that’s not the case with the TSO. They’re outstanding, and every year play with much of the top talent in the international music scene.
For the last few years, the TSO has been helmed by local-​boy-​by-​way-​of-​England Peter Oundjian, who’s helped revitalize the ensemble. You can tell how genuinely enthusiastic he is when he’s conducting, and I wouldn’t be that surprised if that enthusiasm has boosted the TSO.
The TSO is also making admirable efforts to keep classical music alive for «youngsters» like me; they have a «tsoundcheck» program that allows access to cheap seats for the under-​thirty crowd. Even the regular prices for tickets are comparable to the stadium-​rock-​style stuff that comes to the ACC, only the music (and the audiophile atmosphere) is infinitely better.