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Nov 22, 2019

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TSO Makes History with Looking at the Stars Performing Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Correctional Institutions in Kingston and Warkworth

TSO Makes History with Looking at the Stars Performing Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Correctional Institutions in Kingston and Warkworth

Toronto, ON—November 22, 2019—The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) recently partnered with Looking at the Stars to bring 11 musicians into select correctional institutions across Ontario. On November 18, The TSO Chamber Soloists, curated and led by Concertmaster Jonathan Crow, performed Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for over 400 inmates from the Collins Bay and Warkworth Institutions. These prison concerts are making history and are also a part of the TSO’s larger mandate to bring music to communities who might otherwise not have access.

“TSO musicians have been working with Dmitri Kanovich and Looking at the Stars Foundation for some time, performing in prisons across Ontario,” said Aaron McFarlane, the TSO’s Director of Education & Community Engagement. “Those of us who work with orchestras know the comfort that music can provide, but, after seeing first-hand the impact the music has on inmates, we made the commitment to partner in a more official capacity by making these concerts part of our season.”

“We are delighted with the opportunity to collaborate with such committed musicians through our engagement with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Their participation elevates our work that brings hope and dignity to the recipients of our classical music gifts in the darkest corners of our society,” said Dmitri Kanovich, Looking at the Stars Founder and CEO.

About Looking at the Stars

Looking at the Stars (www.lookingatthestars.org) is based in Toronto, and its main purpose is to deliver classical music recitals performed by world-renowned artists as gifts to institutions and organizations whose members may not have an opportunity to experience live classical music in a traditional setting, or those without access to traditional venues.

Since their start in 2015, they have delivered more than 40 musical gifts to long-term care facilities, hospitals and correctional institutions in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and, most recently, in a pilot program in the European Union.

About the TSO

One of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) plays a vital role in the city’s dynamic cultural life. Committed to serving local and national communities through vibrant performances and expansive educational activities, the TSO offers a wide range of programming that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. With a notable recording and broadcast history complementing international touring engagements, the TSO is a unique musical ambassador for Canada around the world.

The TSO continues its long-established history of connecting younger generations with orchestral music. Two core programs include School Concerts, performed for over 40,000 students annually, and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO), which, in a tuition-free model, offers high-level orchestral training for talented young musicians aged 22 and under. Additionally, the TSO supports the development of next-generation artists through its annual open call for Canadian orchestral scores, and its essential Resident Conductor and Affiliate Composer positions.

Sir Andrew Davis serves as TSO Interim Artistic Director for the 2019/20 season, prior to the arrival of incoming Music Director Gustavo Gimeno in 2020/21. Sir Andrew Davis is well known to Toronto audiences, having a 44-year relationship with the TSO and returning to the TSO stage regularly.

The TSO was founded in 1922 by a group of Toronto musicians and gave its first performance at the historic Massey Hall. Since 1982, Toronto’s iconic Roy Thomson Hall has been the TSO’s home, drawing patrons from around the world. Soon to celebrate its centenary, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s name remains synonymous with musical versatility and growth, and artistic distinction.

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