September 2017 to June 2018
2017/18 Concert calendar
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEASON PATRON
TSO MUSIC DIRECTOR PETER OUNDJIAN
After 13 years on the TSO podium, 2017/18 marks Music Director Peter Oundjian’s triumphant final season. Join us for a season-long celebration of his extraordinary contributions to the TSO and Toronto, with many joyful performances curated and conducted by the Maestro himself. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Peter shine with the world-renowned Orchestra he helped build. Bravo, Maestro!
For an exclusive interview with Peter Oundjian, see page 24.
OFFICIAL AIRLINE
September 2017 to June 2018
Performances are selling out faster than ever before. Order superb seats now. TSO.CA 416.593.1285
Peter Oundjian Music Director Sir Andrew Davis Conductor Laureate Steven Reineke Principal Pops Conductor Earl Lee RBC Resident Conductor and TSYO Artistic Director & Conductor Gary Kulesha Composer Advisor Jordan Pal RBC Affiliate Composer
Gary Hanson Interim Chief Executive Officer
Welcome to 2017/18. A new season you just can’t miss!
From breathtaking masterworks, to dance-allnight Pops, to Hollywood films with live orchestra— the TSO’s 2017/18 season has something for everyone. Treat yourself to the live music you love!
Specials
Masterworks
Light Classics
Pops
Full performances of awe-inspiring music by Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, and other legendary composers.
Classical music’s “greatest hits” plus engaging commentary from the stage. Ideal for families and newcomers to the symphony.
Your favourite pop tunes and best-loved music from stage and screen— all featuring the orchestra with star guest performers.
Casual
Exposed
Epic orchestral music in a laid-back setting, where you’re encouraged to wear jeans! Stay for an after-party in the lobby after select performances.
Educational concerts for adults. Hear musical commentary and excerpts in the first half, and then listen to the full piece with fresh insight after intermission.
Young People’s Concerts
From sparkling gala concerts to films with live orchestra, these blockbuster shows are not to be missed!
Especially for kids ages 5 to 10. Fun, educational afternoon concerts often include actors, dancers, costumes, and more!
Peter Oundjian conducts the TSO on the stage of Roy Thomson Hall.
CONCERT CALENDAR
1
Compose Your Own Mix and match 3 or more concerts from only $79!
Order today! TSO.CA/Subscribe
Upgrade your TSO experience by creating your own personalized series to suit your taste and schedule. Benefits include:
1 Total flexibility
2 Excellent value
· Mix and match concerts to suit your taste · Select any concert from any category · Scheduling conflict? Take advantage of unlimited no-fee ticket exchanges
· Never pay service charges ($6 per ticket) · Save up to 15% over single-ticket prices · Discounts on additional tickets all season long
3 Insider access · Unlock discounts of up to 25% at local restaurants and shops with your Subscriber Recognition Card · Exclusive, complimentary coat check*
Become a Friend of the TSO! When you give $100 or more, you unlock behindthe-scenes access to rehearsals, tours, and more. Friends membership gives the gift of music to your community, and you. Learn more at TSO.CA/Support.
* Subject to availability
2
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
Sydney Chun TSO Violin
The TSO Chamber Soloists
Savour beautiful, intimate performances by The TSO Chamber Soloists, curated and hosted by Concertmaster Jonathan Crow, before select full-orchestra shows. For full details, visit TSO.CA/ChamberSoloists
Admission is included in the price of your TSO concert ticket. Limited seating in the choir loft of Roy Thomson Hall.
Jonathan Crow TSO Concertmaster
P. 10 / MASTERWORKS
P. 21 / MASTERWORKS
A Tribute to Maureen Forrester Fri, October 20 The TSO Chamber Soloists at 6:15pm
Essential Mozart Wed, January 17 The TSO Chamber Soloists at 6:45pm
Kelly Zimba, flute; Sarah Jeffrey, oboe; Miles Jaques, clarinet; Michael Sweeney, bassoon; Neil Deland, horn; with special guest Andrea Ludwig, mezzo-soprano
Kelly Zimba, flute; Clare Elene Semes, violin; Ivan Ivanovich, viola; Alastair Eng, cello Mozart: Flute Quartet No. 1, K. 285; Flute Quartet No. 2, K. 285a
R. Murray Schafer: Minnelieder love songs from the medieval German
4
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
P. 31 / MASTERWORKS
P. 39 / MASTERWORKS
Sibelius Symphony 5 Thu, April 5 The TSO Chamber Soloists at 6:45pm
Brahms Symphony 1 Thu, June 14 The TSO Chamber Soloists at 6:45pm
Gordon Wolfe; Vanessa Fralick; Megan Hodge; Jeffrey Hall
Jonathan Crow, violin; Mark Skazinetsky, violin; Teng Li, viola; Theresa Rudolph, viola; Joseph Johnson, cello; Emmanuelle Beaulieu Bergeron, cello
The TSO trombone section performs works by British and Scandinavian composers.
Brahms: String Sextet No. 1
CONCERT CALENDAR
5
P. 8 / MASTERWORKS
P. 11 / MASTERWORKS
P. 14 / MASTERWORKS
A Tribute to Glenn Gould September 22 & 23
Schubert Symphony 9 October 25 & 26
Angela Hewitt November 18 & 19
Fall concerts
September to December
SPECIAL SEP
TUE
September 19 at 7:00 pm
Opening Night: Life of Pi Peter Oundjian, conductor James Ehnes, violin V. Selvaganesh, percussion Bombay Jayashri, vocalist Derek Charke: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th Chausson: Poème for Violin and Orchestra Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Stravinsky: Suite from The Firebird (1919 revision) Mychael Danna: Suite from Life of Pi (Commission/World Première)
Sep 19 performance part of Canada Mosaic, a Canada 150 Signature Project/un projet Signature Canada 150
CONCERT CALENDAR
Canadian composer Mychael Danna’s Academy Award– winning film score to Life of Pi, based on the novel of the same title by Canadian author Yann Martel, makes its world première on the TSO stage as a new orchestral suite. Canadian violinist James Ehnes demonstrates versatile mastery in Chausson’s dreamy Poème and Saint-Saëns’s dynamic Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.
7
MASTERWORKS SEP
FRI
September 22 at 7:30 pm SAT
September 23 at 8:00 pm
Sep 22–28, Oct 3 & 7 performances part of Canada Mosaic, a Canada 150 Signature Project/un projet Signature Canada 150
Jan Lisiecki
8
A Tribute to Glenn Gould Peter Oundjian, conductor Jan Lisiecki, piano Colm Feore, host Yannick Plamondon: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Sep 22 only) Cecilia Livingston: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Sep 23 only) Kelly-Marie Murphy: Curiosity, Genius, and the Search for Petula Clark (Commission/World Première) Wagner: Siegfried Idyll Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1
Genius. Innovator. International superstar. The TSO pays tribute to the life and legacy of legendary pianist Glenn Gould in a must-see concert, hosted by acclaimed actor Colm Feore. Plus, witness the world première of Canadian composer Kelly-Marie Murphy’s new orchestral work inspired by Gould. Jan Lisiecki marshals all the nobility and turbulent drama of Brahms’s First Piano Concerto, a piece that Gould made uniquely his own.
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
MASTERWORKS / CASUAL SEP
Brahms German Requiem
Scored for two vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra, and setting German-language texts from the Lutheran Bible, A German Requiem is Brahms’s most expansive and moving composition. The concertmasters of the TSO, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra pool their talents in an intriguing new concerto by Alexina Louie.
WED
September 27 at 8:00 pm September 28 at 8:00 pm SAT September 30 at 7:30 pm THU
Peter Oundjian, conductor Erin Wall, soprano Russell Braun, baritone Jonathan Crow, violin Yosuke Kawasaki, violin Andrew Wan, violin Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Rolf Boon: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Sep 27 only) Jared Miller: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Sep 28 only) Alexina Louie: Triple Concerto (Co-commission/ World Première; Sep 27 & 28 only) Brahms: A German Requiem
Erin Wall
POPS
Music of John Williams
MASTERWORKS OCT
TUE
October 3 at 8:00 pm October 4 at 2:00 pm WED October 4 at 8:00 pm THU October 5 at 8:00 pm
Adizokan SAT
OCT
October 7 at 7:30 pm
WED
Steven Reineke, conductor PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Gary Kulesha, conductor Nelson Naittuq Tagoona, throat boxer Fara Palmer, vocalist Michel Muniidobenese Bruyere, musician/dancer
Darren Fung: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Oct 3 only)
Carmen Braden: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th Eliot Britton: Adizokan (Commission/World Première)
The TSO celebrates the incredible catalogue of the most-honoured film composer of all time: John Williams! For decades he’s been providing memorable themes for an incredible lineup of classic movies, collecting an unequalled 50 Oscar nominations (and five Oscars) in the process. You’ll enjoy all your favourite Williams themes, including the Star Wars series, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and many more.
Celebrate the evocative culture of Canadian Indigenous peoples in a singular concert curated and directed by Sandra Laronde, founder and artistic director of Red Sky Performance. Experience the world première of Adizokan—a new genre-bending creation that explores Indigenous connections to ancestral origins. This image-rich experience is a potent mix of dance, video, electroacoustic, and orchestra by Canadian composer Eliot Britton.
CONCERT CALENDAR
9
MASTERWORKS OCT
THU
October 19 at 8:00 pm
A Tribute to Maureen Forrester Peter Oundjian, conductor Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano Michael Schade, tenor Ben Heppner, host
FRI
October 20 at 7:30 pm Oct 20 6:15pm Free pre-concert performance by The TSO Chamber Soloists (see page 4 for details) Oct 19–22 performances part of Canada Mosaic, a Canada 150 Signature Project/un projet Signature Canada 150 Maureen Forrester (1930–2010)
10
John Abram: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Oct 19 only) Howard Shore/text by Elizabeth Cotnoir: New Work for Mezzo-soprano and Orchestra (Commission/World Première) Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth)
One of the finest voices of her generation, Canadian contralto Maureen Forrester dazzled audiences worldwide. Honouring her memorable life and career, these performances, hosted by renowned Canadian tenor Ben Heppner, feature a new song cycle for mezzo-soprano and orchestra by Howard Shore, performed by Canadian Susan Platts, plus one of Forrester’s signature works: Mahler’s symphonic song cycle Das Lied von der Erde.
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
LIGHT CLASSICS
With Glowing Hearts SAT SUN
MASTERWORKS OCT
October 21 at 7:30 pm October 22 at 3:00 pm
Victor Feldbrill, conductor & host Earl Lee, conductor Christina Petrowska Quilico, piano Nicolas Gilbert: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Oct 21) Somers: Passacaglia and Fugue Freedman: Tableau John Beckwith: Flower variations and wheels Champagne: Piano Concerto Archer: Poem for Orchestra Weinzweig: Symphonic ode
This all-Canadian program—curated by renowned conductor and Canadian music champion Victor Feldbrill—explores Canada’s rich history of classical composers. Notable Canadian pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico is the featured soloist in the Romantic-style Piano Concerto by Québec composer Claude Champagne.
Schubert Symphony 9 WED THU
OCT
October 25 at 8:00 pm October 26 at 8:00 pm
Juanjo Mena, conductor Marc-André Hamelin, piano Ginastera: Ollantay (Canadian Première) Ravel: Piano Concerto for the Left Hand Schubert: Symphony No. 9 “Great”
Spanish conductor Juanjo Mena, Chief Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic, returns to lead Schubert’s rich, broadly scaled final symphony. In soloist Marc-André Hamelin— a member of the prestigious Gramophone magazine Hall of Fame—Ravel’s ingenious, jazz-tinged Concerto for the Left Hand finds its ideal interpreter.
SPECIAL OCT
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra SAT
October 28 at 8:00 pm
Zubin Mehta, conductor Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, guest orchestra Amit Poznansky: Footnote Suite from the music for the motion picture Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2 R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life)
Following the TSO’s historic 2017 Tour of Israel, the illustrious Israel Philharmonic Orchestra makes its return to Toronto for an unmissable performance! Under the baton of internationally revered music director Zubin Mehta, the IPO presents the mighty deeds and soaring romance of Strauss’s tone poem A Hero’s Life, and the heady atmosphere of a suite from Ravel’s supersensuous ballet, Daphnis et Chloé. Zubin Mehta
CONCERT CALENDAR
11
LIGHT CLASSICS OCT
All Beethoven TUE
October 31 at 8:00 pm
Earl Lee, conductor Blake Pouliot, violin Beethoven: Overture to Egmont; Violin Romances Nos. 1 & 2; Coriolan Overture; Symphony No. 5
Experience Beethoven in all his unsurpassed variety—in a single concert! Selections range from the tempestuous Fifth Symphony to a pair of sweet-natured romances for violin and orchestra with soloist Blake Pouliot, the Grand Prize winner of the 2016 Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Manulife Competition, and two forceful, dramatic overtures.
Earl Lee
EXPOSED
What Makes It Great?® Stravinsky The Firebird FRI
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT NOV
November 3 at 7:30 pm
Wall-to-Wall Percussion SAT SAT
NOV
November 4 at 2:00 pm November 4 at 4:00 pm
Rob Kapilow, conductor & host Daniel Janke: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th Stravinsky: Suite from The Firebird (1919 revision)
Russian composer Igor Stravinsky broke through to fame in 1910 when his glittering and dynamic ballet score The Firebird premièred in Paris. The plot was drawn from Russian fairy tales, and Stravinsky packed the music with orchestral colour and folk-flavoured melodies. In the first half, Rob Kapilow takes you inside this magic kingdom to show you its roots and explore Stravinsky’s methods in bringing it to life. After intermission, he conducts the TSO in a full performance of the suite.
12
Earl Lee, conductor Vern Griffiths, percussion
The beat is contagious in this fun and interactive family concert that shines the spotlight on the percussion section. Join percussionist Vern Griffiths as he performs orchestral classics by Tchaikovsky and Bizet using everyday household items. You might even get a chance to join Vern and the TSO on stage!
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
MASTERWORKS
Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation THU SAT
TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA NOV
November 9 at 8:00 pm November 11 at 8:00 pm
TSYO Fall Concert SUN
NOV
November 12 at 3:00pm*
Earl Lee, conductor Tania Miller, conductor Measha Brueggergosman, soprano Allyson McHardy, mezzo-soprano Colin Ainsworth, tenor Brett Polegato, baritone Toronto Children’s Chorus Toronto Mendelssohn Choir PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Julien Bilodeau: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Nov 9 only) Jordan Pal: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Nov 11 only) Jeffrey Ryan/text by Suzanne Steele: Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation
To commemorate Remembrance Day, the TSO presents Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation, a soul-searching work by Canadian composer Jeffrey Ryan and Suzanne Steele, Canada’s war poet in Afghanistan. The concert, directed by Canadian conductor Tania Miller, includes readings from famous war-related poems, and a warm-hearted selection by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, featuring TSO Concertmaster Jonathan Crow.
Verdi: Overture to La forza del destino Smetana: “The Moldau” from Má vlast Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5
The TSYO opens its season under the direction of its Artistic Director & Conductor Earl Lee with an emotionally charged program. It begins with the intertwining motifs of Fate and Destiny in Verdi’s overture to his opera La forza del destino, then journeys through Smetana’s rippling symphonic poem “The Moldau”. Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 brings a haunting intensity to the second half of the concert. * George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts
MASTERWORKS
Oundjian Conducts Vaughan Williams WED THU
NOV
November 15 at 8:00 pm November 16 at 2:00 pm
Measha Brueggergosman
Peter Oundjian, conductor; Louis Lortie, piano; Sarah Jeffrey, oboe; Teng Li, viola; Carla Huhtanen, soprano; Emily D’Angelo, mezzo-soprano; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Tyler Duncan, baritone; Elmer Iseler Singers Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on “Greensleeves”; Concerto for Oboe and String Orchestra; Serenade to Music; Flos Campi; Piano Concerto in C; The Wasps Overture
This rich program explores works by the great English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Performed by an all-Canadian cast of soloists, it includes two full concertos— a pastoral piece for oboe, and a dynamic one for piano—and the unique Flos Campi, a sensuous suite for solo viola, chorus, and orchestra.
CONCERT CALENDAR
13
MASTERWORKS NOV
SAT
November 18 at 8:00 pm SUN
November 19 at 3:00 pm* * Nov 19 at George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts
Nov 18, 23, 25 & Dec 6 performances part of Canada Mosaic, a Canada 150 Signature Project/un projet Signature Canada 150
14
Angela Hewitt Angela Hewitt, leader & piano Andrew Ager: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Nov 18 only) J.S. Bach: Keyboard Concerto No. 3, BWV 1054 Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9, K. 271 “Jeunehomme” J.S. Bach: Keyboard Concerto No. 7, BWV 1058 Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20, K. 466
Acclaimed pianist Angela Hewitt, praised by the Sunday Times (London) as “the outstanding Bach pianist of her generation,” plays the solo part and leads the Orchestra in two of J.S. Bach’s finest concertos. She displays equal insight into two glorious concertos by Mozart.
Angela Hewitt
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
MASTERWORKS / CASUAL NOV
Mahler Symphony 6 THU SAT
November 23 at 8:00 pm November 25 at 7:30 pm
Donald Runnicles, conductor Tobin Stokes: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Nov 23 only) Abigail Richardson-Schulte: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Nov 25 only) Mahler: Symphony No. 6
In Mahler’s emotionally devastating Sixth Symphony, he looked back nostalgically at bygone innocence, included a sweeping, ecstatic theme to represent his adored wife, Alma, and ultimately felt the harsh hammer blows of fate. Donald Runnicles, General Music Director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, brings decades of experience in lateRomantic music to this powerful score. Donald Runnicles
MASTERWORKS DEC
Best of Tchaikovsky December 5 at 8:00pm December 6 at 8:00 pm THU December 7 at 8:00 pm TUE
WED
Keri-Lynn Wilson, conductor Joseph Johnson, cello Laura Pettigrew: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Dec 6 only) Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme (original version) Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
Melody, colour, and emotions of all kinds rule at this all-Tchaikovsky extravaganza, conducted by Canadian Keri-Lynn Wilson. Though it begins in gloom, the Fifth Symphony rises to the shining heights of victory. The TSO’s outstanding Principal Cello performs the rarely heard—and superior—original version of the elegant Rococo Variations.
CONCERT CALENDAR
Joseph Johnson, TSO Principal Cello
15
NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 23, 2017
Christmas with the TSO
Experience the magic of Christmas with sparkling holiday concerts for the whole family!
CHRISTMAS: SPECIAL DEC
THU
November 30 at 7:30pm FRI
December 1 at 7:30 pm SAT
December 2 at 2:00 pm SAT
Constantine Kitsopoulos, conductor Etobicoke School of the Arts Junior Chorus
A box office smash hit when it was released in 1990, this madcap family comedy has become a certified holiday classic. Macaulay Culkin stars as an inventive eight-year-old, accidentally left alone over Christmas, who repeatedly outsmarts a couple of bone-headed burglars. John Williams’s delightful score packs extra punch and sparkle when the TSO—and the lively voices of the Etobicoke School of the Arts Junior Chorus— perform it live with the film!
© 1990 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
December 2 at 7:30 pm
Home Alone in Concert
CONCERT CALENDAR
17
CHRISTMAS: FAMILY HOLIDAY CONCERT DEC
The Snowman SUN
December 10 at 3:00 pm
David Amado, conductor Resonance Youth Choir Tha Spot Holiday Dancers
This beloved holiday film returns to the stage and screen in a program filled with your holiday favourites. The TSO performs Howard Blake’s beautiful score to the animated film The Snowman, featuring the much-loved song “Walking in the Air”. Filled with magic and adventure, The Snowman is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! You’ll also hear holiday classics featuring Tha Spot Holiday Dancers that are sure to get your toes tapping.
© Snowman Enterprises Limited “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs is published by Puffin
CHRISTMAS: POPS DEC
Canadian Brass Christmas TUE
December 12 at 8:00 pm December 13 at 2:00 pm WED December 13 at 8:00 pm WED
Lucas Waldin, conductor Canadian Brass, brass quintet Etobicoke School of the Arts Holiday Chorus PROGRAM INCLUDES:
John McPherson: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th (Dec 12 only)
The TSO lights up the year-end holidays with a delightful program of familiar and beloved seasonal favourites. The Canadian Brass and a special choir add extra lustre to the program— and of course you’ll have a chance to join in for the traditional carol sing-along! Dec 12 performance part of Canada Mosaic, a Canada 150 Signature Project/un projet Signature Canada 150
18
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
CHRISTMAS: SPECIAL DEC
Messiah
MON
December 18 at 8:00 pm TUE
December 19 at 8:00 pm
Matthew Halls, conductor Karina Gauvin, soprano Krisztina Szabó, mezzo-soprano Frédéric Antoun, tenor Joshua Hopkins, baritone Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Handel: Messiah
WED
December 20 at 8:00 pm FRI
December 22 at 8:00 pm SAT
December 23 at 3:00 pm
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without Handel’s Messiah—performed with matchless spirit by the TSO! Conductor Matthew Halls, Artistic Director of the Oregon Bach Festival, and a stellar line-up of Canadian vocalists and chorus, are featured in these tremendous performances of the immortal oratorio.
Matthew Halls
Karina Gauvin
Frédéric Antoun
Joshua Hopkins
Krisztina Szabó
CONCERT CALENDAR
19
JANUARY 10–21, 2018
Mozart is timeless. Experience some of the most beloved masterworks ever written, in this festival co-curated by Bernard Labadie and Peter Oundjian.
Mozart@262 Festival
M@262: MASTERWORKS
Majestic Mozart WED SAT
M@262: EXPOSED JAN
January 10 at 8:00 pm January 13 at 8:00 pm
Bernard Labadie, conductor Mozart: Serenade No. 10, K. 370a/361 “Gran Partita” Mozart: Symphony No. 39, K. 543
This program features one of Mozart’s last and most elegant symphonies, No. 39, and offers the rare and welcome opportunity to experience the sublime “Gran Partita”, an extended and luxuriously scored work for 12 wind instruments and double bass. When the Salieri of Amadeus hears the ravishing third movement of this work for the first time, he says, “it seemed to me that I was hearing the voice of God.”
20
What Makes It Great?® Mozart Clarinet Concerto FRI
JAN
January 12 at 7:30 pm
Rob Kapilow, conductor & host Joaquin Valdepeñas, clarinet Mozart: Clarinet Concerto, K. 622
Mozart’s final concerto—and one of the last of all his works—the Clarinet Concerto is a haunting, soulful piece. The mellow tones of the clarinet were the perfect medium to express his late-life emotions, including his dismay at the ill health of his deeply cherished wife, Constanze. Rob Kapilow and the TSO’s distinguished Principal Clarinet first take you to the piece’s heart; then they perform it, complete.
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
M@262: MASTERWORKS
Essential Mozart WED THU
M@262: MASTERWORKS JAN
January 17 at 8:00 pm January 18 at 8:00 pm*
Jan 17 6:45pm Free pre-concert performance by The TSO Chamber Soloists (see page 4 for details)
Bernard Labadie, conductor Jonathan Crow, violin Teng Li, viola Mozart: Overture to The Magic Flute, K. 620 Mozart: Sinfonia concertante for Violin and Viola, K. 364/320d Mozart: Overture to The Impresario, K. 486 Mozart: Symphony No. 36, K. 425 “Linz”
The Mozart@262 Festival continues with an entertaining yet substantial program of masterworks, from a “double concerto”— with the TSO’s Concertmaster and Principal Viola as soloists—to the symphony that he composed at top speed but with unflagging skill for a visit to the Austrian city of Linz. Two merry operatic overtures complete the bill. * Jan 18 at Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning
Mozart Jupiter Symphony
JAN
FRI
January 19 at 7:30pm January 20 at 2:00pm* SAT January 20 at 8:00pm* SUN January 21 at 3:00pm† SAT
Peter Oundjian, conductor Charles Richard-Hamelin, piano Adrian Anantawan, violin Mozart: Rondo for Violin and Orchestra, K. 250/248b “Haffner” Mozart: Adagio for Violin and Orchestra, K. 261 Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23, K. 488 Mozart: Symphony No. 41, K. 551 “Jupiter”
Peter Oundjian crowns his final performances in the treasured annual Mozart Festival that he created, with Mozart’s symphonic masterpiece: the exhilarating “Jupiter” Symphony. Charles Richard-Hamelin takes centre stage for a graceful piano concerto, and emerging Canadian violinist Adrian Anantawan performs two engaging short works. * Jan 20 at Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning † Jan 21 at George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts
Teng Li, TSO Principal Viola
CONCERT CALENDAR
21
P. 23 / MASTERWORKS / CASUAL
P. 27 / SPECIAL
P. 29 / SPECIAL
Holst The Planets January 25–27
Lang Lang March 1
Jaws in Concert March 21–23
Winter concerts
January to March
MASTERWORKS / CASUAL
Holst The Planets
MASTERWORKS JAN
January 25 at 8:00 pm January 26 at 7:30 pm SAT January 27 at 7:30 pm
A European Romance
THU
WED
FRI
FRI
Liadov: The Enchanted Lake Falla: Nights in the Gardens of Spain R. Strauss: Don Juan R. Strauss: Suite from Der Rosenkavalier
Stravinsky: Funeral Song (Canadian Première; Jan 25 & 26 only) John Estacio: Trumpet Concerto (TSO Co-commission) Holst: The Planets
Conductor John Storgårds returns to the TSO for this program, which opens with the Canadian première of Stravinsky’s recently rediscovered Funeral Song. In an extraordinary act of coproduction, the TSO, featuring its brilliant Principal Trumpet as soloist, is one of more than 20 Canadian orchestras to perform John Estacio’s new Trumpet Concerto. The program concludes with Holst’s majestic planetary suite. TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
SUN
A double helping from Richard Strauss’s magnificent catalogue anchors this program, conducted by Juraj Valčuha in his TSO début. You will be enthralled by the lilting waltzes from his most beloved opera, and the ardent escapades of the amorous Spanish rake, Don Juan. Argentinean pianist Ingrid Fliter strikes sparks from Falla’s exotic nocturnal evocation of Spain.
MASTERWORKS FEB
February 4 at 3:00pm*
Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet WED THU
Earl Lee, conductor Sarah Pollard, flute Dukas: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 1, K. 313/285c Dvořák: Symphony No. 8
The TSYO takes on Dukas’s magical and exhilarating tone poem The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in their second concert of the season. The program also features flutist Sarah Pollard—a 2016/17 TSYO Concerto Competition Winner—and Dvořák’s optimistic and colourful Symphony No. 8, inspired by the social life and landscape of his Czech homeland. * George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts
CONCERT CALENDAR
January 31 at 8:00 pm February 2 at 7:30 pm
Juraj Valčuha, conductor Ingrid Fliter, piano
John Storgårds, conductor Andrew McCandless, trumpet Elmer Iseler Singers
TSYO Winter Concert
JAN FEB
FEB
February 14 at 8:00 pm February 15 at 8:00 pm
Sir Andrew Davis, conductor Heidi Van Hoesen Gorton, harp Balakirev: Overture on Three Russian Folk Songs Glière: Harp Concerto Prokofiev: Suite from Romeo and Juliet
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the TSO’s esteemed Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis presents his selections from Prokofiev’s masterpiece, the passionate ballet Romeo and Juliet. The Orchestra’s gifted Principal Harp is featured in Reinhold Glière’s thoroughly romantic Harp Concerto, and a tuneful overture by 19th-century Russian composer Mily Balakirev opens the program.
23
TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian, photographed in his studio, at home in The Annex, Toronto, November 2016.
Q&A WITH PETER OUNDJIAN
Ode to Joy!
After 13 illustrious years on the TSO podium, and an international concert career spanning decades, TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian invites you inside his triumphant 2017/18 season.
Reflecting on your enviable tenure at the helm of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, how does it feel to be entering 2017/18— your final TSO season? My final season. It’s incredible. I was born in Toronto, and lived here with my family for five years. To think that I’ve been able to come back to my city of birth and have this kind of involvement in the cultural life of Toronto . . . it’s an astonishing piece of fate. To stand on the TSO podium is an exhilarating experience. That’s really the biggest joy. 24
What do you look forward to in 2017/18? It has been a pleasure for us to work together to create a season that is truly celebratory. I have so many great friends coming to play. And I’m especially looking forward to the grand finale in June, when Roy Thomson Hall will be filled with the sounds of Beethoven 9! How is the Toronto audience special, or different? Torontonians have an appetite for culture, a taste for discovery. We have an audience TSO 2017/18 SEASON
PETER OUNDJIAN CONDUCTS
Opening Night: Life of Pi September 19, 2017 A Tribute to Glenn Gould September 22 & 23, 2017 Brahms German Requiem September 27–30, 2017 A Tribute to Maureen Forrester October 19 & 20, 2017 Oundjian Conducts Vaughan Williams November 15 & 16, 2017 Mozart Jupiter Symphony January 19–21, 2018 Lang Lang March 1, 2018 New Creations Festival March 3–10, 2018 Mozart & Bruckner May 2 & 3, 2018 Brahms Symphony 1 June 13 & 14, 2018 Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 3 June 16, 2018 Mahler Symphony 9 June 20 & 23, 2018 Bravo, Peter! June 26, 2018 Beethoven Symphony 9 June 28–30, 2018
that concentrates, responds, that’s respectful, that gets involved in the music they’re listening to. It has always been a rather inspiring audience to play for. The TSO is part of the cultural fabric, something that we’re all proud of. So many people have been touched by the TSO, one way or another. I trust Torontonians are aware they have a great, thriving orchestra. We are very lucky. What would you add, on a personal note? I have been surrounded with exceptional human beings, who have been kind and CONCERT CALENDAR
generous. I could walk into my library and look at many hundreds of scores, all of which have the potential to be very beautiful or very dramatic—but none of it is possible without the human beings. Being Music Director of the TSO will always be the most incredible highlight and privilege of my life. Don’t miss your chance to see Peter Oundjian take to the spotlight during his celebratory final season as Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra! Shows will sell out— order superb seats today at TSO.CA. 25
SPECIAL FEB
The Wizard of Oz with Live Orchestra SAT SUN
February 17 at 7:30 pm February 18 at 3:00 pm
Emil de Cou, conductor
Perfect for Family Day weekend! Join the TSO to journey over the rainbow and down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. Every scene of this classic movie’s timeless enchantment is enriched with the unique glories of a live orchestra!
MASTERWORKS
Dvořák & Beethoven WED THU
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT FEB
February 21 at 8:00 pm February 22 at 8:00 pm
FEB
The Year of the Dog: A Chinese New Year Celebration SAT SAT
February 24 at 2:00 pm February 24 at 4:00 pm
Gustavo Gimeno, conductor Johannes Moser, cello
Carolyn Kuan, conductor Wen Zhao, pipa
Ligeti: Concert Românesc (Romanian Concerto) Dvořák: Cello Concerto Beethoven: Symphony No. 4
Welcome the Year of the Dog with the TSO! This dazzling celebration for the whole family features fun-filled music from both Chinese and Western origins, plus costumes, dancing, and more. You won’t want to miss the festivities!
The greatest of all cello concertos comes robustly to life under the expert fingers of Canadian Johannes Moser. Gustavo Gimeno, the charismatic Principal Conductor of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Luxembourg, mines all the vitality and humour of Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony. You will also enjoy Ligeti’s diverting orchestral concerto on Romanian folk tunes.
26
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
SPECIAL MAR
THU
March 1 at 7:00 pm
Lang Lang Peter Oundjian, conductor Lang Lang, piano Dukas: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice* Esa-Pekka Salonen: Insomnia (Canadian Première) Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 * Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra performs with TSO
Superstar pianist Lang Lang brings his drive and his poetry to Beethoven’s tempestuous Third Piano Concerto. The blossoming artists of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra play side-by-side with the TSO to give a supersize reading of the magical tone poem, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The TSO also performs the Canadian première of Insomnia, a vivid portrait of a sleepless night by Finnish composer Esa-Pekka Salonen.
CONCERT CALENDAR
27
MARCH 3–10, 2018
New Creations Festival
NCF: CASUAL MAR
Processions SAT
Bold. Experimental. Unmissable. TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian celebrates over a decade of extraordinarily successful New Creations Festivals with three concerts of his personal favourites.
March 3 at 7:30 pm
Peter Oundjian, conductor & host Daníel Bjarnason, conductor Víkingur Ólafsson, piano Vivian Fung: Dust Devils Larry Alan Smith: Symphony No. 4 (Canadian Première) Daníel Bjarnason: Processions (North American Première)
The Festival gets off to a roaring start with the blazing Piano Concerto by Icelandic composer Daníel Bjarnason. Also on the bill is the latest symphony by American composer Larry Alan Smith. The concert leads off with a piece by JUNO Award–winning Canadian composer Vivian Fung that she describes as “full of raw and intense energy.” Víkingur Ólafsson
NCF: MASTERWORKS
Little Mass WED
NCF: MASTERWORKS MAR
March 7 at 8:00 pm
Peter Oundjian, conductor & host Mira Wang, violin Jan Vogler, cello Toronto Children’s Chorus Festival Composer Competition Winner Wolfgang Rihm: Duo Concerto (Canadian Première) James MacMillan: Little Mass (North American Première)
At the centre of this riveting program is the Little Mass for children’s chorus and orchestra by Scotland’s James MacMillan, “full of sepulchral trombones, explosive crescendos and heavy-duty use of a thunder-sheet,” as one reviewer has described it. Also featured is German composer Wolfgang Rihm’s Duo Concerto, written expressly for accomplished soloists Mira Wang and Jan Vogler.
28
MAR
Doctor Atomic SAT
March 10 at 8:00 pm
Peter Oundjian, conductor & host Jonathan Crow, violin Teng Li, viola Esa-Pekka Salonen: Insomnia Gary Kulesha: Double Concerto (TSO Commission/ World Première) John Adams: Doctor Atomic Symphony
For the Festival’s finale, Gary Kulesha has written a double concerto as a showcase for two brilliant members of the Orchestra: Concertmaster Jonathan Crow and Principal Viola Teng Li. Rounding out this exciting program are the vibrant concert symphony that John Adams drew from his opera Doctor Atomic, and Insomnia, a vivid portrait of a sleepless night by Finnish composer Esa-Pekka Salonen.
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
SPECIAL MAR
Jaws in Concert WED
March 21 at 7:30 pm March 22 at 7:30 pm FRI March 23 at 7:30 pm THU
Constantine Kitsopoulos, conductor
™ & © UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
The classic thriller movie that emptied beaches in 1975 and became the first summer mega-blockbuster rises to a whole new level of heart-pounding suspense when the TSO performs the iconic John Williams score live with the film! “You’re going to need a bigger boat . . .”
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT
Classical Kids: Gershwin’s Magic Key SAT SAT
MASTERWORKS MAR
March 24 at 2:00 pm March 24 at 4:00 pm
Michelle Merrill, conductor Classical Kids LIVE!, actors
Join the TSO and the cast from Classical Kids Live! as you learn the story of Gershwin and his music. With over 20 of Gershwin’s most popular works featured in this concert, including Rhapsody in Blue, I Got Rhythm, and An American in Paris, this program is sure to please kids of all ages!
CONCERT CALENDAR
National Arts Centre Orchestra SAT
MAR
March 24 at 8:00 pm
Alexander Shelley, conductor Boris Giltburg, piano National Arts Centre Orchestra, guest orchestra Vivian Fung: New Work (NACO Commission) Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2 Brahms: Symphony No. 2
Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra returns for another highly anticipated visit. The heart of their program lies in Brahms’s most serene and refreshing symphony. Russian-born Israeli pianist Boris Giltburg is the soloist in the lively piano concerto that Dmitri Shostakovich composed specifically for his 19-year-old son, Maxim.
29
P. 33 / MASTERWORKS
P. 34 / MASTERWORKS
P. 37 / LIGHT CLASSICS
Bernstein’s Candide April 26 & 28
Mozart & Bruckner May 2 & 3
Water Music June 2 & 3
Spring concerts
March to June
MASTERWORKS
Brahms & Rachmaninoff WED THU
MASTERWORKS / CASUAL MAR
March 28 at 8:00 pm March 29 at 2:00 pm
Sibelius Symphony 5
APR
THU
April 5 at 8:00 pm April 7 at 7:30 pm SUN April 8 at 3:00 pm* SAT
Stéphane Denève, conductor Lars Vogt, piano
Apr 5 6:45pm Free pre-concert performance by The TSO Chamber Soloists (see page 5 for details)
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances
Sir Andrew Davis, conductor Ray Chen, violin
Renowned German pianist Lars Vogt joins the TSO and the enormously popular conductor Stéphane Denève to explore the strong and wide-ranging emotions—from heroic and stormy to serene and graceful— of Brahms’s Concerto No. 2. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances—his final composition and one his greatest—presents a satisfying blend of propulsive energy, poignant lyricism, and a stormy conflict between the powers of light and the powers of darkness.
Mendelssohn: The Fair Melusina Overture Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 Stenhammar: Intermezzo from Sången (Apr 5 & 8 only) Sibelius: Symphony No. 5
TSO Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis leads a hearty and varied program, anchored by Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring violinist Ray Chen as soloist, and Sibelius’s towering Symphony No. 5. It also offers a sparkling fairy-tale overture by Mendelssohn. * Apr 8 at George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts
POPS
On Broadway
APR
TUE
April 10 at 8:00 pm April 11 at 2:00 pm WED April 11 at 8:00 pm WED
Steven Reineke, conductor
Join Steven Reineke and two of Broadway’s brightest stars for an unforgettable tribute to the Great White Way! The program draws together the crème de la crème of American musical theatre, presenting favourite, toe-tapping songs from such vintage classic shows as Carousel, Funny Girl, The King and I, and Gypsy, and from more recent hit productions including Wicked, Company, and Into the Woods.
Steven Reineke, TSO Principal Pops Conductor
CONCERT CALENDAR
31
MASTERWORKS
Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal FRI
LIGHT CLASSICS APR
April 13 at 8:00 pm
SAT SUN
Kent Nagano, conductor Christian Tetzlaff, violin Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, guest orchestra
APR
All Beethoven April 14 at 7:30 pm April 15 at 3:00 pm
Earl Lee, conductor Blake Pouliot, violin
Berg: Violin Concerto Bruckner: Symphony No. 7
Beethoven: Overture to Egmont; Violin Romances Nos. 1 & 2; Coriolan Overture; Symphony No. 5
The highly accomplished musicians of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and music director Kent Nagano make their eagerly awaited annual appearance. German violinist Christian Tetzlaff explores the poetry of Alban Berg’s Violin Concerto. Maestro Nagano and the orchestra also guide you through the grandiose expanses of Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony.
Experience Beethoven in all his unsurpassed variety—in a single concert! Selections range from the tempestuous Fifth Symphony to a pair of sweet-natured romances for violin and orchestra with soloist Blake Pouliot, the Grand Prize winner of the 2016 Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Manulife Competition, and two forceful, dramatic overtures.
TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT
TSYO Spring Concert TUE
APR
April 17 at 7:30pm*
The Animated Orchestra SAT SAT
APR
April 21 at 2:00 pm April 21 at 4:00 pm
Earl Lee, conductor PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Ravel: Mother Goose Suite Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra
Artistic Director & Conductor Earl Lee guides the TSYO’s season to a grand close with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra— a thrilling showpiece for the talents of the orchestra’s brilliant young musicians. The lush colours of Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite provide a striking contrast in the first half of the program. * Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning
32
Dina Gilbert, conductor Greg Smith, narrator & composer
It’s time to use your imagination and go on an adventure with the TSO! The perfect concert for the daydreamer in all of us, The Animated Orchestra introduces us to a curious and creative ferret named Ari who leads the audience on a journey through which we discover the magic of music and the orchestra. Be a part of creating the story with narrator Greg Smith and the TSO. Also, enjoy orchestral favourites with the TSO that spark your imagination, including an audience sing-along!
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
MASTERWORKS APR
THU
April 26 at 8:00 pm SAT
April 28 at 8:00 pm
Bernstein’s Candide Bramwell Tovey, conductor Tracy Dahl, soprano (Cunegonde) Judith Forst, mezzo-soprano (The Old Lady) Nicholas Phan, tenor (Candide) Richard Suart, baritone (Pangloss & other roles) Members of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Bernstein: Candide (opera-in-concert)
Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990)
The TSO makes its major contribution to the global tributes to Leonard Bernstein’s centenary. Bramwell Tovey— whose early career was given a major boost through conducting Bernstein’s music in the composer’s presence—leads a brilliant cast of vocalists, members of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and the Orchestra in Bernstein’s enchanting operetta based on Voltaire’s satirical story about a guileless young man’s education in the ways of the world.
CONCERT CALENDAR
33
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION, NYWT&S COLLECTION, LC-USZ62-127784
MASTERWORKS MAY
WED
May 2 at 8:00 pm THU
May 3 at 2:00 pm
Mozart & Bruckner Peter Oundjian, conductor Leon Fleisher, piano Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 12, K. 414 Bruckner/ed. Paul Hawkshaw (Canadian Première): Symphony No. 8
Peter Oundjian and the TSO give the Canadian première of a new edition of Anton Bruckner’s colossal Symphony No. 8. The distinguished Yale University professor Paul Hawkshaw published it in 2014 after years of research. Legendary American pianist Leon Fleisher brings decades of experience and insight to an exquisite Mozart concerto.
Leon Fleisher
34
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
EXPOSED MAY
What Makes It Great?® Vivaldi The Four Seasons FRI SAT
May 11 at 7:30 pm May 12 at 7:30 pm
Rob Kapilow, conductor & host Timothy Chooi, violin Vivaldi: “Spring” from The Four Seasons Vivaldi: “Summer” from The Four Seasons
As an early and enduringly popular example of program music—the kind that paints pictures or tells a story—Vivaldi’s set of violin concertos that he himself called The Four Seasons is the perfect piece for Rob Kapilow. He explores it through spoken introductions and musical examples, then conducts two of the four concertos with Timothy Chooi, the 25-year-old Canadian violin sensation, as the soloist. Timothy Chooi
MASTERWORKS MAY
Beethoven Emperor Concerto WED THU
May 23 at 8:00 pm May 24 at 8:00 pm
Osmo Vänskä, conductor Yefim Bronfman, piano Kaija Saariaho: Ciel d’hiver Ives: Symphony No. 2 Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”
Beethoven’s “Emperor”—the most eloquent of all piano concertos, and a bold declaration of artistic and moral freedom—comes vibrantly to life in the adept hands of pianist Yefim Bronfman. Conductor Osmo Vänskä leads the TSO in American maverick composer Charles Ives’s Second Symphony, a highly original work fusing European symphonic form with popular American tunes. Osmo Vänskä
CONCERT CALENDAR
35
MASTERWORKS
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra SAT
POPS MAY
May 26 at 8:00 pm
Bramwell Tovey, conductor James Ehnes, violin Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, guest orchestra Bramwell Tovey: Time Tracks Brahms: Violin Concerto Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme “Enigma”
Love, Lust, and Rock & Roll May 29 at 8:00 pm May 30 at 2:00 pm WED May 30 at 8:00 pm TUE
WED
Steven Reineke, conductor Storm Large, vocalist
The TSO welcomes the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on a tour honouring Bramwell Tovey’s final season as Music Director. He pays homage to his English heritage with the quintessential English orchestral work, the beguiling book of character sketches that makes up Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations. His frequent concerto partner, famed Canadian violinist James Ehnes, is the soloist for the profoundly expressive concerto by Brahms, plus a suite from Bramwell Tovey’s opera The Inventor.
James Ehnes
36
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
LIGHT CLASSICS MAY
Water Music SAT SUN
From Frank Sinatra to Elton John, Led Zeppelin, and Queen, experience your favourite hits from the 1930s to today! Guest vocalist Storm Large will lend her pitch-perfect chops to I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Somebody to Love, and more.
JUN
June 2 at 7:30 pm June 3 at 3:00 pm
Christoph Altstaedt, conductor Leslie Ann Bradley, soprano PROGRAM INCLUDES:
J. Strauss II: Blue Danube Waltz Schubert: Die Forelle (The Trout) for Soprano and Orchestra Dvořák: “Song to the Moon” from Rusalka Britten: Four Sea Interludes Smetana: “The Moldau” from Má vlast
This enthralling celebration of music inspired by water brings such tuneful and familiar favourites as Johann Strauss II’s most famous waltz, and Smetana’s glowing portrait of his Czech homeland’s principal river. Canadian soprano Leslie Ann Bradley lends her beautiful voice to songs by Schubert, Mozart, and Dvořák.
MASTERWORKS / CASUAL
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto FRI SAT
JUN
June 8 at 7:30 pm June 9 at 7:30 pm
Thomas Dausgaard, conductor Vadim Gluzman, violin Wagner: Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde (Jun 8 only) Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Dvořák: Symphony No. 8
Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard, a regular guest of the TSO, returns with a program of outstanding works from the summit of the Romantic era. Deeply rooted in the soil of his beloved homeland, Czech composer Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony offers a feast of lush and spirited melodies. Soloist Vadim Gluzman, whose recordings of Russian music have been hailed as “spellbinding” in BBC Music magazine, ignites all the fireworks of Tchaikovsky’s marvellous Concerto. CONCERT CALENDAR
37
JUNE 13–29, 2018
Bravo, Peter! Join us for a month-long musical celebration of Peter Oundjian’s TSO career.
MASTERWORKS JUN
Brahms Symphony 1 WED THU
June 13 at 8:00 pm June 14 at 8:00 pm
Jun 14 6:45pm Free pre-concert performance by The TSO Chamber Soloists (see page 5 for details)
Peter Oundjian, conductor Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano Bernstein: Three Dances from Fancy Free Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F Brahms: Symphony No. 1
Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Two jaunty, jazz-flavoured American classics— Bernstein’s bouncy sailors-on-leave-inNew York ballet, and Gershwin’s captivating, bluesy concerto—launch this program in high style. Peter Oundjian pairs them with one of the grandest of all symphonies: the heartening, darkness-to-light emotional journey that Brahms shares with us in Symphony No. 1.
MASTERWORKS
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 3 SAT
JUN
June 16 at 8:00 pm
Peter Oundjian, conductor Daniil Trifonov, piano Glinka: Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 Mussorgsky/orch. Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov, named Artist of the Year by Gramophone magazine, and who at age 20 won the Gold Medal at the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition, joins the TSO for one night only! He meets every challenge of Rachmaninoff’s monumental Concerto No. 3, then Maestro Oundjian and the Orchestra guide you through the kaleidoscopic imagery of Mussorgsky’s picture gallery. Daniil Trifonov
CONCERT CALENDAR
39
MASTERWORKS JUN
Mahler Symphony 9 WED SAT
June 20 at 8:00 pm June 23 at 8:00 pm
Peter Oundjian, conductor Emanuel Ax, piano Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 16, K. 451 Mahler: Symphony No. 9
Peter Oundjian conducts the final Mahler performances of his tenure with one of the most achingly romantic of all symphonies: Mahler’s Ninth. Mahler’s last completed work, it bids farewell to everything he held dear: love, the dances of the central European countryside, the bustle of the big city, and finally to life itself. Mirroring the opening week of Peter Oundjian’s TSO directorship in 2004, pianist Emanuel Ax once again weaves his magic with a concerto by Mozart. Emanuel Ax
SPECIAL
Bravo, Peter! TUE
JUN
June 26 at 8:00 pm
Peter Oundjian, conductor Christopher Plummer, narrator
Oscar and Tony Award–winning actor Christopher Plummer narrates this uplifting blend of Shakespeare’s immortal words from Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry V, The Tempest, and more, with music by many of the great composers who have been inspired by their magic.
Christopher Plummer
40
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
SPECIAL JUN
THU
June 28 at 8:00 pm FRI
June 29 at 8:00 pm
Beethoven Symphony 9 Peter Oundjian, conductor Kirsten MacKinnon, soprano Lauren Segal, mezzo-soprano Andrew Haji, tenor Tyler Duncan, baritone Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
SAT
June 30 at 7:00 pm
CONCERT CALENDAR
Peter Oundjian concludes his 14-year term as Music Director with one of the enduring icons of music: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. An all-Canadian cast of exciting soloists and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir join him and the Orchestra for this stirring testament to joy and brotherhood.
41
Joaquin ValdepeĂąas TSO Principal Clarinet
So many ways to connect with the TSO
From brilliant music to backstage exclusives, get insider access to the TSO and at concerts. Find us on Facebook @torontosymphonyorchestra Follow us on Twitter @torontosymphony Watch us on YouTube @torontosymphony Like us on Instagram @torontosymphony Follow us on Snapchat @torontosymphony Stream us on Spotify @torontosymphonyorchestra Listen to us on Soundcloud @torontosymphony Follow us on Tumblr @torontosymphony
Pre-concert and intermission events
Relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’s unforgettable score live to picture, October 12–14, 2017, at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Presented by the Sony Centre and Attila Glatz Concert Productions. sonycentre.ca
CONCERT CALENDAR
Visit the lobby before or during intermission at select concerts for special performances by TSO musicians and guest artists, as well as chats about the music performed, hosted by music experts.
43
44
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
Play your part in the artistic life of our vibrant city. Please give today.
Every gift you make helps your Orchestra share history’s greatest music by bringing it to life in concert halls, for students, in recordings, and online. Our performances are not possible without donor support. Every donation to the Orchestra ensures the artistic excellence of the TSO and delivers life-enriching musical experiences to your community. Only donors earn exclusive benefits like: · Open Rehearsals · Backstage Tours · Access to our donor lounge To learn more, please visit TSO.CA/Giving.
Violinist Esther Yoo and conductor Karina Canellakis shine in their TSO débuts, Roy Thomson Hall, October 2016
CONCERT CALENDAR
45
Great music lives here.
BMO is proud to be the 2017/2018 Season Presenting Sponsor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Bravo to our partners
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is a charitable organization that relies on the support of its vibrant community to deliver outstanding programming and music education. Thank you for your support!
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA. / NOUS RECONNAISSONS L’APPUI FINANCIER DU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA.
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
OFFICIAL AIRLINE
TS
Volunteer Committee
SPECIAL THANKS
The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall
Divine Furniture Rental Grano
Quince Flowers The Shore Club
MEDIA & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
CONCERT CALENDAR
47
How to order tickets
Online TSO.CA Phone Toronto Symphony Orchestra Patron Services Centre 416.598.3375 · Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Have a question? — Email contactus@TSO.CA — Call TSO Patron Services 416.598.3375 Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm — Live chat at TSO.CA Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Please note that there is a service charge of $6.00 per ticket (including HST) on all phone and online orders for non-subscribers.
— Roy Thomson Hall Box Office 416.593.1285 · Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 6:00pm, or until the concert start time · Saturday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm · Sunday & Holidays: Three hours prior to performance
In person Please visit TSO.CA/PlanYourVisit for hours of operation and ticket sales information. There are no service charges for in-person purchases at the TSO Patron Services Centre, Roy Thomson Hall Box Office, or George Weston Recital Hall Box Office. Tickets purchased at the Weston Family Box Office (Koerner Hall) include service charges in the ticket price for this venue. Groups Groups of 10 or more enjoy discounts of up to 40% off regular ticket prices. We can help plan your educational outing, fundraising event, or special gathering of clients, employees, and friends. To book your group, please call 416.598.5338, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Exchanges If you cannot make it to the scheduled performance, please call TSO Patron Services 48 hours prior to your concert and ask about exchanging your tickets for another performance. This service is free for subscribers, and single-ticket exchanges are subject to an $8 per-ticket exchange fee. For more information, please visit TSO.CA/Exchanges.
48
TSO 2017/18 SEASON
Plan your visit
For seating maps, parking info, restaurant recommendations, and directions, please visit TSO.CA/PlanYourVisit
Accessible services The TSO is committed to excellence in serving all patrons, including people with disabilities. Please visit TSO.CA/Access to find out about the programs and services offered for all TSO venues.
To contact other venues, please call: — George Weston Recital Hall 416.250.3708 — Koerner Hall 416.408.0208 — For seating maps of George Weston Recital Hall and Koerner Hall, please visit TSO.CA/PlanYourVisit.
Privacy The TSO treats your personal information with respect. For our full privacy policy, please visit TSO.CA.
Roy Thomson Hall Seating map
C7 C8
C6
C9
C5
C3 C4 R6
R9
SECTIONS
L6 RP
R5 R8
Main Floor: R1–RP, C1, L1–LP
C2
LP
C1
R1
L8
L1
R4
Mezzanine: R4–R6, C2–C4, L4–L6
L4
R7
L7
STAGE
R3
Balcony: R7–R9, C5–C9, L7–L9
L9
L5
L3
Choir Loft: R3, Side Choir Loft, Rear Choir Loft, L3 CHOIR LOFT
R7
R4 R3
C8
C9
R9
R8
R5
R6
C4
C7
C3
RP
C6
C2
C5
L6
LP C1
R1
L1
L9
L5
L8
L4 L3
L7
Shows sell out— order superb seats now!
By phone: 416.593.1285
Online: TSO.CA
ALL ARTISTS, PROGRAMS, DATES, PRICES, AND CHATS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. All
sales are final. There are no refunds or cancellations. If you cannot use your tickets, contact TSO Patron Services to ask about exchanging your tickets for another concert. Subscribers who are unable to attend and do not wish to exchange may return their tickets for a tax receipt. Please contact TSO Patron Services at least 48 hours prior to your concert.
Shows sell out— order superb seats now!
Toronto Symphony Orchestra By phone: Online: 500–145 Wellington St.TSO.CA W. 416.593.1285 Toronto, ON M5J 1H8 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm 416.593.1285 TSO.CA
ODE TO JOY
The cover of this TSO volume is an abstract visualization of the “Ode to Joy” theme from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Experience this transformative masterwork during Music Director Peter Oundjian’s final TSO season!