My friend really wanted to go to a TSO concert while we were visiting Toronto, so we got tickets on a Saturday night. The lobby of the concert hall was a bit dated (think lots of beige carpeting), but overall, it was a beautiful space. We sat behind the orchestra in the choir loft, which was such a fun experience. Great way to spend an evening! read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

If you are looking for an unforgettable night out in Toronto, don't miss the Toronto Symphony Orchestra! I saw La Vida Loca on May 13th, and it was hands down one of the most entertaining performances I have ever experienced. The musicians were incredible, and the whole show was bursting with energy and emotion. The TSO really knows how to bring a crowd to life. Five stars all the way. I can't wait to go back! read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Before the pandemic, this was my hiding place on Saturday nights. The TSO is a wonder place eith lots of space, washroom amenities, concession stand and flat rate parking. I have gone about half a dozen times 2018 and 2019 pre pandemic. Reason I went was because of the Youth Rate. To pay $19 for any seat pre 2018 was an awesome price and to be able to try the mezzanine, balcony and floor seats on separate occasions made me appreciate the acoustic beautify of the mezzanine center seats. In 2019 rates increased with rates staggered from floor, to balcony , to mezzanine seats so when I went with first time TSO patrons, we chose the most economical seats, the balcony. Considered the less better acoustic seats but a nice view which the first time patrons wanted. In 2020 the TSO was closed for all shows running surprise pop up performance at the AGO with a smaller quartet setup and in 2021 the youth rate was open again-but seat restrictions were the floor seats and required about 4 show purchases per patron -which arent shareable. But there were also greater access to shows that were not available like the John William's shows (that's the Star Wars theme songs fyi). If you do get around to visiting the TSO remember to arrive punctually, carry light purse bags. Dont arrive with backpack because you will be searched. There is security at the door to minimize snack carry in because there are profit options at the concessions. WHAT I suggest is grab a light bite and then dine locally after. One of my friends missed half the show after showing up late, the shows wait for no one so, expect to be locked out until intermission. If you are worried about sitting the whole show, there is an intermission for washroom break but expect line ups. Do not film during the show, expect staff to be giving you issues if you're caught. But do take a selfie from your seat before the show starts, that's allowed. Some special guest do after show intimate performances, I remember in 2019 enjoying an Icelandic artist doing a show after. I also remember another viola based show doing an "extra" segment after being received well by everyone. Performers are humans so give them the attention and recognition they deserve. What I like about the TSO is the youth rate, it curates an appreciation for the arts and allows youths to work hard at their passions to afford the full rate in the future. :) I cannot wait to return when the individual youth rate tickets are available. Stay safe. read more

Awe-inspiring; an absolute symphony of sound. Thanks to TSOundcheck, TSO's program for 18-35 year olds, my boyfriend and I scored Valentine's Day tickets to Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet for $20. And main floor seats, right in the centre of the concert hall? It's almost too good to be true. There were two featured artists that night: famed former TSO music director Sir Andrew Davis, and Juilliard school alumni harpist Heidi Van Housen Gorton. We absolutely loved the Profokiev set. Sir Davis demonstrated a mastery in conducting the pieces. As another reviewer mentioned, the orchestra's forte is definitely one of their strengths. It was my first time going to an orchestra concert and just being in front of the orchestra in person brought an entirely new dimension to everything I was listening to. Pure, unadulterated classical music. An evening at Roy Thomson Hall is a must, especially for those able to take advantage of TSOundcheck. read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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As a musician I have heard of a lot of good orchestra live. For example New York Phil, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, etc. I have to say: Toronto, you are blessed with this wonderful orchestra. There are a lot of musicians in the orchestra that I was lucky to learn with at school. If you live in the city or visit the city, don't miss the opportunity to hear one of the best orchestras in the North America. read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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 (http://www.tsoundcheck.com/). 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. read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Roy Thomson Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Like I said when reviewing Roy Thompson Hall, I am honestly quite surprised I never got around to reviewing both RTH and the TSO on Yelp. However, as you as my witness, that is changing right here, and right now. Full disclosure, as a kid, I was raised both listening to classical music and playing musical instruments so I will admit I am a tad biased since I have averaged about 7-10+ concerts a year. Granted, the TSO is an institution to be proud of, and I am certain the individual musicians as world class, however, the TSO as a whole, has over, say the last 20 years, been a bit touch and go at times when it comes to selection. It is quickly worth mentioning that RTH made renovations to the venue in 2002 which did improve the general acoustics, which made the TSO sound better! I was happy about that. However, that is more about the venue than the TSO however, even though by now, they are both almost intrinsically linked. It is challenging, for sure, trying to appease long time lovers of Classical music while at the same time trying to reach out to a younger audience who may *generally* not think of the genre as a staple when picking their music preferences. Not to mention an overall declining audience as the older base continues to die off and a younger demographic who might not be willing to fork out the money to keep the TSO afloat for years to come. Not to mention finding a right balance between what we could call "classical works," some of which may focus on the skills of the performer(s) --DAMN YOU, Franz Liszt-- to more populist, arguably more accessible works, like modern film scores, such as John William's Schindler's List, whenever the gifted Itzhak Perlman "pops" for a visit, and other POPS concerts. I thought they hit marketing GOLD with TSO Soundcheck, which allows younger audiences --under 30 at first, later extended to 35(!!)-- to experience performances for very, very affordable prices ($16+) which fill what otherwise would have been empty seats. The trade-off? You will not get to pick your own seats but I think that is more than a fair trade when you think you are getting a night at the symphony. Which in my opinion, it is an awesome way to expose younger minds to the Classics. Not to mention that these days, the TSO may throw in a post-performance, "performance" after the classical concert, which is really cool! They are definitely worth staying for, I have seen Lemon Bucket Orchestra (an AWESOME eclectic Polka ensemble) to some other interesting bands from different genres (Jazz, Turn of the century Canadiana, experimental) for *free,* included in the price admission. Something they did not do back in the day when I started coming in as a teenager back in the late 90's. All in all, a night at the TSO should not be reserved for a "grand night out" or to celebrate anniversaries-only-type events but rather something to be enjoy as often as a really welcomed meal. Oh, and if you are under 35, you HAVE to take advantage of Soundcheck. The TSO is as much as part of Toronto as the CN Tower, High Park or us saying "ToronNo" instead of "ToronTo." We should not risk losing it. Definitely, and highly recommended. read more

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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). read more

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). read more

There's something to be said about a live orchestra; the power of the drums, the sweet sound of the strings, the deep hum of the cello, and the gentle strum of the harp. If you're a fan of classical music, or live music in general you'll love an evening at the TSO. Although I end up going only once or twice a year to the symphony I do love going to the TSO at the Roy Thompson Hall. My boyfriend and I make it an event, we get dressed up, have a drink before the show, take some pictures, enjoy the concert and have a post-theatre dinner. Because I am not too familiar with classical music, I do some research and listen to which shows I would actually enjoy as if you're like me you may or may not like all varieties of classical music. I would also advise that if you're relatively flexible about which shows you want to go to and where you want to sit, to wait for the various sales the TSO offers throughout the season. Also they do sometimes offer show tickets via groupon, where you can attend a concert for as low as $25. read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - View from floor section C1 row N. - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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 (c) 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 (http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/classical/article7048605.ece) 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 19th 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 (http://reason.com/archives/2010/02/24/weoponizing-mozart), 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. read more

What's not to love about an Orchestra night at Roy Thompson. Just choose your seats wisely and if you're under 35, enjoy the amazing discounts you're eligible for. read more

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. read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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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. read more

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 3rd 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! read more

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. http://www.tsoundcheck.com/ read more

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. read more

I bought tickets for a show last year in December. We confused the day the show was on and showed up the day after our tickets expired. We ended up buying new tickets but was assured by the TSO that we could redeem the 2 tickets for another show the following year. Now that it about a month to December, I called them to redeem my tickets and got told that the tickets can only be redeemed during the 2016/2017 season which ended in September. I went on to explain that I understood their original reassurance to mean that I could redeem the tickets in the next "year" which to me meant until December 2017. TSO management called me and refused to make any sort of amendment to this rule. I have essentially paid them over $120 in two tickets for free. This is a very disappointing and categorically unethical practice for such an institution. As I mentioned to the manager I spoke to, this is akin to tactics one would expect from a sleezy second had car salesman. Very very disappointed and will never go to the TSO again. read more

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 (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/roy-thomson-hall-toronto), 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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

$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. read more

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. read more

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - As seen on TV - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The TSO has been making a worthwhile effort to reach out to a younger audience in recent years, but it's still frustratingly mediocre. To be fair, it's definitely worth checking out; and if you're under 35, you'd be mad not to take advantage of their incredible prices. But given how big and wealthy Toronto is, you'd think it would have one of the best orchestras in North America. It doesn't. The TSO is far behind the top tier (Cleveland, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia), and doesn't even make it into the second tier (Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Montreal, San Francisco, among others). If I was running the TSO, I'd ruthlessly cannibalize the Cleveland and Pittsburgh orchestras. Wouldn't most players in those orchestras prefer to live in Toronto? Can the TSO really not afford to pay competitive salaries? Apparently, part of the problem for the TSO is that they don't have their own building. Orchestras normally own the building in which they play, and derive revenues from renting it out to others. It's high time for Toronto to get its act together and build a proper hall for the TSO! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more