Orchestra Toronto Celebrates the Spirit of the Season with A Winter Festival
Canadian Children’s Opera Company joins the orchestra for a myriad of joyful, seasonal selections
Toronto, Ontario – November 09, 2023 – Orchestra Toronto is bringing holiday joy with A Winter Festival concert in the George Weston Recital Hall at the Meridian Arts Centre on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 3:00pm. With the angelic voices of The Canadian Children’s Opera Company joining the Orchestra, this concert will be a magical afternoon for all ages.
“We are excited to have the Canadian Children’s Opera Company join us for this special winter concert that celebrates the beauty and wonder of winter,” said Michael Newnham, Music Director of Orchestra Toronto. “The variety of the program features OT and the CCOC in various musical settings, from the familiar richness of the Nutcracker to carols and music for Hanukkah, as well as many popular favourites.”
In keeping with its commitment to foster new talent, the orchestra will be playing a new piece by Anthony Gunadi, the winner of a special competition for this concert for young composers under the age of 25. His piece, “Snowflakes by the Hearth”, celebrates the Winter Solstice and, according to the composer, “people gathering by a warm fire on the longest night of the year.”
Since being founded in 1968, the Canadian Children’s Opera Company has grown from a single chorus to over six choruses, reaching hundreds of young people and their families annually through its outreach initiatives, professional self-produced operas and commissioning of new operas specifically for young voices, as well as performances and collaborations with other renowned artists and leading Canadian arts organizations. In addition to deepening young people’s interest in opera, music and storytelling, along with empowering their voices, CCOC nurtures their growth and development in becoming confident, kind, empathetic, community-minded and curious humans. Working alongside professional conductors, drama coaches, directors, collaborative pianists and other guest artists, CCOC has a deep and rich history of providing exceptional music education and performance opportunities for young people from all walks of life.
The full performance includes:
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Selections from “The Nutcracker”
Vaughan Williams Folk Songs of the Four Seasons
Anthony Gunadi Snowflakes by the Hearth
John Debney Suite from “Elf”
Further information on Season 2023-2024, including the sale of subscription seats or individual concert tickets, can be found on Orchestra Toronto’s website (www.orchestratoronto.ca). Orchestra Toronto has welcomed hundreds of newcomers to Canada at its concerts as part of its Welcome Seat program. In addition, music lovers of all generations can interact with and listen to Orchestra Toronto on Twitter (@OrchToronto), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OrchestraToronto), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJ-IHjJQ_TP7rJL5fIopUg) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/orchtoronto/).
About Orchestra Toronto
Comprised of 90 musicians, Orchestra Toronto is an orchestra created by passionate musicians within the community, for the community. We offer the enjoyment of music, foster education and music appreciation and support emerging Canadian talent. Our organization of volunteers is committed to making symphonic music accessible to a broad and diverse public beyond the concert hall.
For more information or to arrange interviews with artists, guest artists or the Music Director, please contact:
Julianna Cole, Orchestra Toronto’s Executive Director at: executive.director@orchestratoronto.ca
