Just in: Toronto scraps half of 2021

The Toronto Symphony has just called off its 2020/21 subscription season in Roy Thomson Hall.

The plan is to play smaller venues to smaller audiences around the city, to be announced.

This could be an opportunity, if only to reassess the hall as an inhibiting factor to the orchestra’s creativity.

First response from Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt:

I’m so sorry, but I think you’re taking a wise decision. By being flexible you’ll be able to do some wonderful programming and perhaps be even more creative. We all have to adapt, and be ready to do so at the drop of a hat. Love to all.

— Angela Hewitt (@HewittJSB) July 6, 2020

press release:

Toronto, Ontario—July 6, 2020: In light of the uncertainty and continually evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has made the difficult decision to cancel all previously announced concerts in the 2020/21 season. The TSO plans to perform redesigned concerts and programs in communities across the GTA, including at Roy Thomson Hall, for audience and ensemble sizes that align with current health regulations. The TSO’s aspiration is for its musicians to perform and engage with diverse communities, connecting with new and existing patrons through concerts and initiatives scattered throughout the region, with robust online offerings also being planned. More information about these programs will be available in early fall.

“We are fiercely committed to continuing to perform for Torontonians as the pandemic situation permits. The TSO has spent the past year developing a strategic plan to evolve our Orchestra in a way that reflects Toronto’s vibrancy, diversity, and creativity. A key pillar of that work has always been to expand our activities outside our traditional concert venue and to listen to our community. This approach also gives us the opportunity to listen to a wide range of voices as we strengthen our diversity, inclusion, and equity plans. As devastating as it is to lose our subscription season, we are also eager to find unique musical moments in our home at Roy Thomson Hall while we explore how music plays a role in city-building and the well-being of our citizens,” said Matthew Loden, CEO, Toronto Symphony Orchestra.