Top symphony orchestras in Ontario
Toronto | TSO, Jag Gundu
Ontario’s award-winning, world-class orchestras perform everything from classical to contemporary symphonies that will leave you spellbound.
Typically, a symphony orchestra is a large ensemble of musicians on string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments led by a conductor. The collective musical result of intricate harmonies and dynamic range transports audience members to another world.
These orchestral companies showcase professional and up-and-coming talent and celebrate the artistry of Canadian works.
Greater Toronto Area
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) was founded in 1922 as the New Symphony Orchestra. Since then, it has become one of Canada’s most respected arts organizations and is vital to the city’s cultural life.
The orchestra performs at downtown Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. Its vibrant musical performances, educational activities and programs resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. View the upcoming concert calendar and purchase tickets online.
Location: 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
Toronto-based Tafelmusik, founded in 1979, has performed in front of millions worldwide. The ensemble specializes in Baroque music and performs with period instruments.
The orchestra has been complemented by the choral talents of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir in productions such as the Sing-Along Messiah, an interactive way to learn about Handel’s masterpiece and a holiday ritual for many. Various events and performances are held in several venues, including cathedral and concert halls, like Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall.
Locations:
Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street, Toronto
Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto
National Youth Orchestra of Canada
Each year, hundreds of young classical musicians compete for a spot in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO).
Successful candidates in this elite orchestral program spend five intense weeks learning to improve their craft. Then, the orchestra tours Canada, performing in front of a live audience in various locations and venues. Witness the dedication of this talented homegrown ensemble at one of the Ontario performances, including Koerner Hall at The Royal Conservatory.
Location: 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto
York, Durham and Headwaters
Kindred Spirits Orchestra
Kindred Spirits Orchestra (KSO) is a civic, audition-based orchestra in Markham that performs at the Flato Markham Theatre and other venues in Markham, Unionville and Toronto.
The KSO presents musical performances of both classical and contemporary works. Concerts vary in length and complexity and include many works by Canadian composers such as Brian Current, Gary Kulesha and Larysa Kuzmenko. Review the upcoming concert season to find a performance near you.
Location: 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham
Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra
Based in Oshawa, the Ontario Philharmonic (OP) has evolved into one of the leading performance arts organizations in the Durham Region.
Led by one of Canada’s most distinguished conductors, the orchestra repertoire ranges from classic symphonies to modern pieces. It performs its main concert program at the Regent Theatre.
Location: 50 King Street East, Oshawa
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
One of Canada’s major professional orchestras, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, has entertained audiences with outstanding newly commissioned and classical works since 1884.
Purchase tickets or curate a package for the upcoming season. Performances primarily take place at FirstOntario Concert Hall.
Location: 1 Summers Line, Hamilton
Niagara Region
Niagara Symphony Orchestra
For over 70 years, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has been treating audiences to classical and contemporary orchestral musical performances.
The orchestra includes over 50 professional musicians and performs classical and contemporary orchestral music. Each season, concerts are held in Partridge Hall at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and feature international and national guest stars.
Location: 250 St Paul Street, St. Catharines
Ottawa Region
National Arts Centre Orchestra
Formed in 1969, the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO or NAC Orchestra) is the resident orchestra of Ottawa’s National Arts Centre.
NACO performs classical to contemporary music with a variety of acclaimed special musical guests and conductors and has toured across Canada. It is also involved in various educational outreach programs in the Ottawa community.
It features a carefully curated calendar of shows that will appeal to both first-timers and seasoned orchestra fans.
Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO) nurtures and mentors young musicians, many of whom attend Carlton University, an OSO partner.
Performances are held at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, a stately historical church that Carleton University acquired and transformed into a performance and learning centre. Check for upcoming event showtimes and reserve seats.
Location: 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa
Southeastern Ontario
Kingston Symphony
The Kingston Symphony (KSO) is a 45-person orchestra that performs at two Queen’s University venues: Grand Theatre and Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.
KSO programs include a Masterworks series dedicated to classic composers like Beethoven and Brahms. It also performs a Pop series honouring contemporary musical figures like John Williams and Leonard Cohen.
Locations:
Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King Street West, Kingston
Southwestern Ontario
Windsor Symphony Orchestra
Founded as the Windsor Concert Orchestra in 1941, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) changed its name in 1948 yet retained its mission.
Staging classical and popular music pieces, WSO performs at several venues throughout the Windsor-Essex area but has found its home base at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor.
Location: 121 University Avenue West, Windsor
London Symphonia
London Symphonia delivers vibrant and bold musical experiences, including well-known classics and Canadian content, during the concert season, which runs from October to the end of May. Most performances are held at the Metropolitan United.
Location: 468 Wellington Street, London
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has been a cornerstone of culture in the community for over 50 years and has grown into one of Canada’s finest community-based orchestras.
The PSO is committed to high-quality musical performances, education and community outreach. In addition to the concert series staged at Showplace Performance Centre, the orchestra participates in local community events, festivals and celebrations.
Location: 290 George Street North, Peterborough
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Sault Symphony Orchestra
Formed in 1956, this vibrant non-profit orchestra was developed through cross-border collaboration.
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, it consistently delivers exciting programs and showcases Canadian, American and international soloists at various venues across Algoma Country and beyond. Local concerts take place at the Machine Shop in the Canal District.
Location: 83 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie
Northeastern Ontario
North Bay Symphony Orchestra
Since 1977, the North Bay Symphony Orchestra (NBSO) has entertained with live performances. Music patrons are treated to a diverse repertoire, from riveting compositions by the world’s greatest classical composers to performances customized for family enjoyment.
Most performances occur in the historic Capitol Centre, which boasts exceptional acoustics, although the orchestra plays chamber music at other venues.
Location: 150 Main Street East, North Bay
Sudbury Symphony Orchestra
The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has entertained the Sudbury and the surrounding region since 1953.
The orchestra, consisting of volunteers and professional musicians, is committed to increasing awareness and appreciation of music and the arts. Each season features a diverse range of exceptional performances at Fraser Auditorium in Laurentian University and other venues across the city.
Location: 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury
Northwest Ontario
Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
The Juno-nominated Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO) is a fully professional orchestra that regularly performs at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and other venues in the area.
TBSO prides itself on being an ever-evolving orchestra that supports Canadian compositions in its repertoire and celebrates the inclusion of Northern Ontario’s Indigenous, Francophone, European and world culture performances.
Location: 1 Paul Shaffer Drive, Thunder Bay
Last updated: September 16, 2024