NOTE F15 | V01 In This Issue: Opening Night Gala: Our City. Our Symphony. Spotlight on Renette Berman & Trish Moran Meet Your 2015/16 Individual Giving Team
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CONTENTS 3 A Note from Joseph Johnson, TSO Principal Cello 4 Corporate Champion: BMO Financial Group 4 Meet Your 2015/16 Individual Giving Team 5 Orchestra News 6-7 Opening Night Gala: Our City. Our Symphony. 8-9 Spotlight on Renette Berman & Trish Moran 10 Corporate Champion: RBC 10 Defining Philanthropy: Maestro’s Club Ambassadors 11 Upcoming Events 11 Bravo to Our Sponsors
Design: Haft2 Inc.
Photography: (pg. 2) Christopher Wahl (pgs. 4, 6–10) Paul Alexander, Sarjoun Faour, and Jag Gundu (pg. 10) Dale Wilcox (pg. 4) Josh Clavir
Noteworthy is distributed free of charge to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s donor community. Charitable Reg. No. 10525 5335 RR0001
A NOTE FROM
JOSEPH JOHNSON TSO Principal Cello
Dear supporter, The 2015/16 season is off to a tremendous start. It all began with our Opening Night concert—featuring the amazing Pinchas Zukerman, who stepped in at the last minute for his friend Itzhak Perlman. This was followed by a tremendously successful Gala at The RitzCarlton, Toronto, envisioned by Gala Co-Chairs Renette Berman and Trish Moran, to whom I am most grateful. It was a magnificent evening of music and celebration—truly launching the cultural season in Toronto. The last six weeks have been packed with concerts. As always, one of the defining masterworks of our art form, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, was as fun to play now as it
was when I was in Youth Orchestra. As part of the same program, I was honoured to be the featured soloist alongside my friend TSO Concertmaster Jonathan Crow in Brahms’s passionate Double Concerto. Accompanying one of the masterworks of film, Psycho, as well as the modern movie classic Back to the Future, was exhilarating. And playing under the baton of Barbara Hannigan while watching her perform was a delightful first. It was also a pleasure to join a number of the Orchestra’s other principal musicians as part of The TSO Chamber Soloists performances, which were held before the concert on October 21 and at the Art Gallery
of Ontario on October 25. One more pre-concert performance will be taking place on November 14, so be sure to mark your calendars. Of course, none of this would be possible without your incredibly generous support. Regardless of your level of giving, your gift makes a profound difference. The future of the TSO is bright because of your continuing passion, and, on behalf of the Orchestra, I thank you most sincerely.
Joseph Johnson
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CORPORATE CHAMPION:
We, at BMO, are proud of our longstanding partnership with the TSO. The Orchestra and its talented musicians make the TSO one of the great cultural institutions in our country.
—Nada Ristich, Director, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial Group TSO Board Secretary Eileen Jurczak, Director, Trading Products, BMO Capital Markets, with BMO guest Michael daCosta on the “pink carpet” at the TSO’s 2015/16 Opening Night Gala
The TSO’s 2015/16 season marks the fifth consecutive year that BMO Financial Group has generously assumed the essential role of Season Presenting Sponsor—our organization’s highest level of corporate sponsorship. This vital financial support makes it possible for the TSO to inspire, engage, and enhance the City of Toronto through musical excellence, education, community outreach, and artistic innovation.
BMO’s support of the TSO spans far longer than five years, however. For almost three decades, BMO Financial Group has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the Orchestra, and to the development of art and culture in this city and beyond.
members Luke Seabrook, Global Head of Trading Products, BMO Capital Markets, and Eileen Jurczak, Director, Trading Products, BMO Capital Markets, for their steadfast dedication to the TSO. Photo by Jag Gundu
We would like to specifically acknowledge Nada Ristich, Director, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial Group, and TSO Board
MEET YOUR 2015/16
If you are a member of the Maestro’s Club,
INDIVIDUAL GIVING TEAM
Music Director’s Circle, or Founders Club Photos by Josh Clavir
and wish to purchase tickets, review your subscription, or make ticket exchanges, please contact:
Alison Dalglish-Pottow Managing Director, Major Gifts
Angela Nelson-Heesch Director of Annual Giving (Interim)
Marion York Director of Planned Giving
Jenny Kerr Ticketing Coordinator
416.593.7769 X 566 adalglish-pottow@TSO.CA
416.593.7769 X 259 anelson-heesch@TSO.CA
416.593.7769 X 292 myork@TSO.CA
416.598.5380
Adam Bailey Manager of Annual Giving
Cynthia Foo Foundations Officer
Catherine Laird Stewardship Officer
416.593.7769 X 215 cfoo@TSO.CA
416.593.7769 X 272 claird@TSO.CA
Steve Kwan Individual Giving Coordinator
416.593.7769 X 257 abailey@TSO.CA
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416.593.7769 X 414 skwan@TSO.CA
ORCHESTRA NEWS
We are very pleased to announce the additions of TSO Cello Britton Riley, TSO Viola Ivan Ivanovich, and TSO Associate Principal Bassoon Catherine Chen to the Orchestra: Britton received degrees in Cello Performance and Music Industry from the University of Southern California, and went on to earn his Master of Music and Doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan. He is the former Assistant Principal Cello of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and a coach to many young musicians. Ivan has performed in the viola sections of the Canadian Opera Company, National Arts Center, National Ballet of Canada, Esprit, and Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestras. He studied violin with the late Lorand Fenyves, and viola with Steven Dann at The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory in Toronto. He also holds a Master’s degree from The Juilliard School.
Theresa Rudolph, TSO Assistant Principal Viola, and her husband, Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet of Canada violinist Csaba Koczó, recently welcomed an adorable baby girl into their family. Klara Virginia Koczó was born on June 14 and weighed 6 lbs, 12 oz at birth. Congratulations, Theresa and Csaba! This also makes TSO Principal Percussion John Rudolph a proud grandfather.
Catherine received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Daniel Matsukawa. She is the former principal bassoonist with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra. She has also won a number of awards and competitions.
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On September 24, 2015, the TSO’s muchanticipated 2015/16 season was fittingly inaugurated at our highly successful fundraising event, Opening Night Gala: Our City. Our Symphony.—which was envisioned by Gala Committee Co-Chairs Renette Berman and Trish Moran, and proudly presented by RBC.
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The sold-out Gala followed an enchanting, one-night-only concert at Roy Thomson Hall with world-renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman, and included a dazzling and unforgettable dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, as well as an online auction. It was an incomparable evening of music and magic that we were delighted to share with many of you.
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Pam Hodgson, Board member and Gala Committee Co-Chair Renette Berman, and Board Chair Chris Hodgson
Gala Committee member Sonja Berman and Gary Berman
Board member Bob Corcoran and Ann Corcoran
Jim and Sandi Treliving with Leanne Lewis and Board member George Lewis
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Pam Spackman and Board member Allan Kimberley
Belinda Goldring and Board Vice-Chair Blake Goldring
Board member Rags Davloor and Indra Davloor
Bob Rae and Arlene Perly Rae with Isabel Bassett and Ernie Eves
Guest artist Pinchas Zukerman with TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian
Fran and Ed Clark
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SPOTLIGHT ON
opposite page
Board members and Gala Committee Co-Chairs Trish Moran and Renette Berman
RENETTE BERMAN
Renette Berman is a passionate supporter of the arts and has been involved with many other local and international charitable organizations. She has acted as an Advisor to the Board of the Tel Aviv/Jaffa Foundation and has served as the National President of ORT Canada; the Chair of Israel Bonds— Women’s Division, Toronto; a Director of Jewish Family & Child Services; and a Member of the Special Gifts Committee for Women’s College Hospital. Renette was raised in South Africa, and music had a strong presence in her upbringing—both of her parents were opera singers. Her mother, who was also an accomplished piano teacher and concert pianist, was Renette’s first music teacher when, at the age of four, Renette learned to play the piano. Then, at age seven,
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&
TRISH MORAN
she took up the violin and later the viola. She eventually received her BA in Music from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa and has played in a chamber quartet and an orchestra as both a violinist and a violist.
was appointed by the RTH Board of Governors as their liaison to the TSO Board. In February 2013, she became an Honorary Governor of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall and was elected to the TSO Board of Directors.
...music had a strong presence in her upbringing—both of her parents were opera singers.
Renette describes herself as a “disruptive innovator” and imbues the TSO with creative ideas that are forward-thinking while also respectful of past traditions. As Co-Chair of this year’s Opening Night Gala, she has used these talents to orchestrate an evening that will long be remembered by all those who attended.
In 2006, Renette joined the Board of Governors of the Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall (RTH). Her relationship with the TSO began in March 2011, when she
Trish (Moran) Reed is an arts enthusiast. A proud Canadian, she was born in northern Ontario and developed a love for music that was fostered by her parents at an early age. She remembers the joy of listening to the classical-music broadcast coming from the local radio station on Sunday evenings, which led her to play the clarinet in the school orchestra, further solidifying her passion. Professionally, Trish has more than 20 years of investor relations, financial services, and capital markets experience as well as long-standing relationships with the global investment community. She provides
...has her own ďŹ rm, servicing primarily mid- and large-cap Canadian public companies. hands-on strategic advice to boards and senior executives regarding public disclosure, investor relations, and reputation management, and has her own firm, servicing primarily mid- and large-cap Canadian public companies.
Trish was asked to join the TSO’s Board of Directors in 2013 and is a member of the Corporate Governance Committee. She was delighted and honoured to be asked by Renette Berman to be Co-Chair of the TSO’s 2015/16 Opening Night Gala and would like to thank her Co-Chair, everyone on the organizing committee, and her fellow Board members for their support as the TSO launches another year of providing extraordinary music to our world-class city.
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CORPORATE CHAMPION: Photo by Sarjoun Faour
RBC is passionately committed to the cultivation of the arts in Toronto, which is why it continues to be an invaluable partner to the TSO. Our 2015/16 season began with our wildly successful Opening Night Gala: Our City.
At RBC, we believe that the arts have the power to enrich our lives and enhance our communities. That is why we are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and to be the Presenting Sponsor of the TSO’s Opening Season Concert and Gala.
TSO President & CEO Jeff Melanson with Board member George Lewis, Group Head, RBC Wealth Management & Insurance, at the TSO’s 2015/16 Opening Night Gala
Our Symphony.—which was generously presented by RBC, and raised over $500,000 in support of the Orchestra and its artistic, education, and outreach initiatives. In addition to the gala, and through the RBC Foundation, RBC renewed its support of the TSO’s RBC Emerging Artists Program with the announcement of the appointment of Jordan
DEFINING PHILANTHROPY: MAESTRO’S CLUB AMBASSADORS “Someone once defined philanthropy as giving people the opportunity to connect their resources to their passions,” says David G. Hallman, TSO Maestro’s Club Ambassador. “Well,” he continues, “I’m passionate about music.” The Maestro’s Club is a group of dedicated philanthropists and city-builders whose significant gifts support the TSO in becoming the world’s most innovative orchestra. As a Maestro’s Club Ambassador, David hosts the Maestro’s Club Lounge at concerts, enjoying the company of the TSO community, the
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benefit of concierge service, and, “Let us not forget, the complimentary drinks!” “When the TSO gives a free concert, I love walking through the crowds that come. There are children and elderly people, students, gay couples, people from every ethnic community in the city. They’re excited to hear the TSO live. I suspect many have never set foot in Roy Thomson Hall. Maybe they’re intimidated. It’s certainly not because they’re uninterested! The enthusiasm they express at those concerts is exhilarating. So that’s one of my fondest wishes, that we can welcome more of Toronto’s citizens and visitors to join us in the TSO family.” Photo by Dale Wilcox
—George Lewis, Group Head, RBC Wealth Management & Insurance
Pal to the position of RBC Affiliate Composer. Moreover, Earl Lee is enjoying his second season as RBC Resident Conductor. We would like to extend a special thank you to former TSO Board Chair George Lewis, Group Head, RBC Wealth Management & Insurance, for his many years of support.
Maestro’s Club Ambassador David G. Hallman
UPCOMING EVENTS
BRAVO TO OUR SPONSORS
OPEN REHEARSALS
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
Experience the fascinating steps the Orchestra takes to prepare for a performance. Messiah Sun, Dec 6, 2015 2:00–4:30pm
Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets Wed, Mar 2, 2016 10:00am–12:30pm
Mahler Symphony 1 Thu, Apr 28, 2016 10:00am–12:30pm
Shostakovich Symphony 13 “Babi Yar” Thu, May 12, 2016 7:30–10:00pm
MAJOR SPONSORS
OFFICIAL AIRLINE
OPENING NIGHT GALA SPONSOR
POPS SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR
PERFORMANCE AND TOUR CARTAGE SPONSOR
SERIES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS SPONSORS
(with Audio Commentary by TSO Composer Advisor Gary Kulesha) PERFORMANCE SPONSORS
BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCES Join TSO Production Manager Chris Walroth and Principal Librarian Gary Corrin for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Roy Thomson Hall.
TORONTO SYMPHONY VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
For Brass-level donors and above ($325+). Limited space available. MEDIA AND CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
Backstage Tour #1 Tue, Nov 10, 2015 7:00–9:00pm
Backstage Tour #2 Mon, Mar 21, 2016 7:00–9:00pm
RSVP
AFG Management Limited Canadian Tire CBC Radio 2 CIBC Deloitte LLP Diamante Development Corporation EY Flor de Sal Restaurant Fogler Rubinoff LLP
Foresters Goodmans LLP Grano Hansell LLP HelloGbye Inc. Henry’s Huntress Company LiberTerre (Retail Ready Foods Inc.) Livewire Communications
Oliver Wyman PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP RioCan Management Inc. TD Bank Group TD Securities The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall The New AM 740 The New Classical FM The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
The Toronto Star Torys LLP Tricon Capital Wentworth Technologies Worldwide Quest
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
We look forward to seeing you. To RSVP for an event, please contact Patron Services at 416.598.3375 or friends@TSO.CA. *List reflects sponsors as of July 1, 2015
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On behalf of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the many talented artists and students who benefit from your gift, Thank you for your support.
212 King Street West, 1st Floor Toronto, ON M5H 1K5
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
OFFICIAL AIRLINE
SEASON PATRON
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