Toronto Symphony Orchestra Announces Christmas Events

The month of December casts a magic spell on the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), as the films with live orchestra series continues, followed by a Tchaikovsky extravaganza. The TSO then welcomes the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal as a guest before launching into the sparkling, uplifting Christmas season.

On December 1, 2, and 3, guest conductor Ludwig Wicki leads the combined forces of the TSO, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and the Canadian Children's Opera Company, along with brilliant soloists Kaitlyn Lusk (soprano) and Alastair Thorburn-Vitols (boy soprano) for The Lord of the Rings-The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert, presented in partnership with TIFF. The epic movie by Sir Peter Jackson (an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy classic) is presented on the big screen as Howard Shore's sweeping, Academy Award-winning score comes to life.

December 7 brings an attractive all-Tchaikovsky program, marking the TSO début of Moscow-born pianist Lukas Geniušas, and the return of distinguished conductor John Storgårds. "With Storgårds, instinct and refinement become one, which is a rare gift indeed," notes The Telegraph. And The TSO Chamber Soloists series continues with a pre-concert performance of Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, led by John Storgårds (admission is included in the price of a regular concert ticket).

The celebrated Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and its Music Director Kent Nagano return for their annual visit on December 8. The evening includes Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4-featuring Till Fellner-along with works by Dutilleux and Ravel.

The holiday season kicks off on December 9 and 11 with The Twelve Days of Christmas, a delightful concert for the whole family featuring beloved comedian Colin Mochrie. The TSO's RBC Resident Conductor Earl Lee leads the TSO, the Highland Creek Pipe Band, the Resonance Youth Choir, and Tha Spot Holiday Dancers for a festive evening, complete with sing-along holiday classics, and a hilarious live-action pageant.

On December 13 and 14, A Jann Arden Christmas brings the charismatic Canadian songstress to the TSO stage. With her warm voice, witty personality, and legendary charm, Jann Arden offers a memorable assortment of timeless numbers and audience favourites. The TSO is joined by the Etobicoke School of the Arts Chorus, under the baton of TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.

The holiday season culminates with highly anticipated performances of Handel's glorious oratorio Messiah. Acclaimed Baroque-music specialist Nicholas McGegan conducts the Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Messiah-perhaps the most famous piece of British music ever composed-features an outstanding quartet of soloists comprising soprano Yulia Van Doren, mezzo-soprano Abigail Levis, tenor Isaiah Bell, and bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch.

The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO Financial Group.
The 2016/17 season is dedicated to H. Thomas Beck in recognition of his vital and long-standing support of the TSO.

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About the TSO: Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada's most important cultural institutions, recognized internationally. Music Director Peter Oundjian leads the TSO with a commitment to innovative programming and audience development through a broad range of performances that showcase the exceptional talents of the Orchestra along with a roster of distinguished guest artists and conductors. The TSO also serves the larger community with TSOUNDCHECK, the original under-35 ticket program; the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra; and music-education programs that reach tens of thousands of students each year.