Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada's major cultural
institutions. Under the leadership of Music Director Peter Oundjian, the TSO is committed
to innovative programming and showcases a roster of distinguished guest artists and
conductors. The TSO's 2010-2011 season highlights include the world premiere of TSO
Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis's re-orchestration of Handel's Messiah; a
Slavic Celebration that showcases works from Eastern European composers; and the annual New
Creations Festival, this season featuring the Canadian premiere of City Noir, a
TSO co-commission from American composer John Adams, and the world premiere of Symphony No.
1 in C minor, commissioned by the TSO from Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer.
In addition to performing more than 100 concerts, the TSO serves the community with one of
the largest educational programs in Canada, connecting students throughout Ontario with
curriculum-based outreach. In fall 2010, Mr. Oundjian and the TSO performed for more than
10,000 adults and students in North Bay and Timmins as part of the orchestra's annual
Northern Residency program. In Toronto, one out of every four TSO concerts at Roy Thomson
Hall is performed for young audiences.
During the 2007-2008 season, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra launched tsoLIVE, a
self-produced label of live concert recordings conducted by Mr. Oundjian. Current tsoLIVE
recordings include Holst's The Planets (March 2011); Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7
(June 2010); Mahler's Symphony No. 4 (October 2008); Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 (June 2008);
and Elgar's "Enigma" Variations and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition
(January 2008). Visit tso.ca for more information.
Peter Oundjian
Toronto-born conductor Peter Oundjian, noted for his probing musicality, collaborative
spirit, and engaging personality, has been an instrumental figure in the rebirth of the
Toronto Symphony Orchestra since his appointment as Music Director in 2004. In addition to
conducting the orchestra in dynamic performances that have achieved significant artistic
acclaim, he has been greatly involved in a variety of new initiatives, which have
strengthened the ensemble's presence in the community and attracted a young and diverse
audience. In 2004, he helped establish an annual celebration of new music, showcasing new
and commissioned works. Now an audience favorite, the New Creations Festival celebrates the
best in contemporary orchestral music and attracts celebrated contemporary composers.
In addition to his post in Toronto, Mr. Oundjian has been named Music Director of the
Royal Scottish National Orchestra, starting in the 2012-2013 season. Mr. Oundjian was
principal guest conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra from 2006-2010 and played a
major role at the Caramoor International Music Festival in New York from 1997-2007.
During the 2011-2012 season, Mr. Oundjian will conduct the Colorado Symphony, Dallas
Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic
Orchestra, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Mr. Oundjian was educated in England and attended the Royal College of Music in London. He
completed his violin training at The Juilliard School, where he studied with Ivan Galamian,
Itzhak Perlman, and Dorothy DeLay. He was the first violinist of the renowned Tokyo String
Quartet, a position he held for 14 years. Mr. Oundjian is now in his 30th year as a
visiting professor at the Yale School of Music. He and his wife Nadine have two children,
Lara and Peter.
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