Toronto Symphony Orchestra and YMCA of Greater Toronto Bring Live Music to Older Adults
Toronto, ON—March 23, 2021: As part of its ongoing partnership with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is offering a series of personal virtual performances for older adults. Music with the TSO is held weekly as part of the YMCA’s The Bright Spot virtual community. Recognizing that social isolation has intensified in older adults during the pandemic, the program builds community connections through the musical performances, and musicians interact with the virtual audience by answering questions and adding commentary to their music.
“This was such a wonderful experience for me. I feel very lucky to have access to these virtual music sessions, along with all the other great activities on The Bright Spot. It really makes me feel like I’m connected to my community during these strange times. Really lovely.” —Jo-Ann, The Bright Spot participant
“As a musician, I feel that these virtual concerts are an incredibly meaningful and rewarding way to contribute to making other people’s lives a bit better during the pandemic. Any opportunity to perform during these challenging days feels like a gift, but the response by this audience of older adults reminds me of the power of music in good times, and bad.” —Bridget Hunt, TSO Violin
Music with the TSO takes place on Mondays at 4:00p.m. Sessions are free of charge, and can be accessed by signing into Zoom via the link provided in The Bright Spot’s event calendar. These events are open to everyone and offered on a first come, first served basis.
About the YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead and give back to their communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors. Serving diverse communities across the Greater Toronto Area with kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect and optimism, last year the YMCA made more than 700,000 connections across 450 locations. For more information visit ymcagta.org.
About the TSO
One of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a vital role in the city’s dynamic cultural life for 99 years. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings an expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity, and sense of adventure to programming the 92-musician Orchestra. The TSO is committed to serving local and national communities through vibrant performances, extensive educational activities, and impactful community relationships. It has a notable recording and broadcast history and has been celebrated internationally during its many tours. Toronto’s iconic Roy Thomson Hall is the TSO’s home, drawing patrons from around the world. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s name remains synonymous with musical versatility and growth, and artistic distinction.
