“Music has a way of reminding us what it means to be human,” Tom Smee reflects from his quiet cottage, just north of Muskoka’s biggest lakes. When we sat down with Tom in the late summer, it became abundantly clear that his passion for music runs deep—from his early days as a professional trombonist to his current role as a dedicated supporter of the arts.
Taking the helm as our new Board Chair beginning October 1, 2024, Tom brings a rich blend of experience and heart. Following in the footsteps of Catherine Beck, he is ready to embrace the future of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. We chatted about everything from his legal career to what he’s most excited to bring to his new role. Curious to know what makes Tom tick? Read on to discover more.
Noteworthy: What is your earliest memory of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra?
Tom Smee: My first memory was from when I was in Calgary, playing in the orchestra there. The TSO came through the city on tour and performed at our concert hall. It was incredibly inspiring—what a phenomenal orchestra! The musicianship, energy, and artistry they brought were remarkable. I admired them deeply. After moving to Toronto in 1982, one of my first concerts here was Mahler’s Second Symphony at Roy Thomson Hall shortly after it opened. The experience was almost overwhelming, and it reminded me of how incredible it is to witness the thrill of live concerts in person.
NW: Your career has taken you from the stage as a musician to the boardroom as a lawyer. How did that transition come about?
TS: It might have seemed like foolish optimism over common sense at the time! I studied music in university and got my job in the orchestra at 20, which was young. After five years, I started thinking about my future and other interests, particularly law. So, I took the leap and applied to law school, not sure if I’d get in. Luckily, I did. Interestingly, being a musician turned out to be a secret weapon. The discipline, long-term-goal setting, and performing under pressure—all attributes of being a professional musician—translated seamlessly into a legal career. In both music and law, there’s a balance between detail and big-picture thinking.
NW: As a long-time supporter and now Board Chair, how has your relationship with the TSO evolved?
TS: It’s really about my belief in the orchestra’s mission and values. While thrilling artistic experiences and community engagement are at the core of what we do, it’s also about belonging, being one of many pursuing a common goal we believe in, and with people we admire. Personally, it’s been enriching to be engaged, not just as a Board member but as an active supporter. I believe deeply in the transformative power of music in people’s lives, and that’s what has motivated me throughout my involvement with the TSO.
NW: You’ve been involved in several community projects with the TSO. Can you tell us more about that?
TS: One project close to my heart is the Art of Healing initiative, where we bring our artistry to clients at CAMH, and they bring their life experience and what music means to them, and those things mesh to create new meaning, and also to inspire a new composition that the participants can hear the TSO perform. It’s a collaborative process that has a powerful impact. For instance, a woman involved in the program was so inspired that she entered a drug-rehabilitation program. She later returned and felt that the life she began to imagine through these sessions helped her heal. It’s remarkable what music can do for people on such a deep level.
NW: You’ve toured with the TSO. How did those experiences shape your understanding of the orchestra’s impact beyond Toronto?
TS: Touring showcases the TSO’s excellence to the world. I remember the orchestra performing in Prague, for a sold-out, mostly Czech audience, a symphony by their beloved composer Dvořák. The energy and response from the crowd were incredible, with multiple callbacks and a standing ovation. That moment reinforced how the TSO not only represents Toronto but also brings its greatness to global stages, showing what a remarkable place Toronto is.
NW: What are your plans for the TSO as you step into this new role?
TS: One of my goals is to further deepen the connection between the orchestra and our patrons and donors. They play a key role in supporting the TSO’s mission, and I want to ensure they continue to feel engaged and connected—not just with the organization as a whole but with the individual people who make up the TSO. It’s important to show that while community and artistic excellence may seem separate, they are intrinsically linked.
NW: We hear you’re a lifelong learner and have even picked up the cello recently. How has that influenced you?
TS: After facing some health challenges, I couldn’t play the trombone anymore, so I decided to learn the cello. It’s been humbling, but also rewarding now that I can play, and even perform, music I love with friends to have unforgettable experiences. Learning something new later in life has been a reminder of the importance of lifelong learning. Music is a core part of who I am, and continuing to engage with it in new ways keeps me growing.
NW: If you could have dinner with any musical figure, living or dead, who would it be?
TS: I’d love to have dinner with Claudio Abbado, one of Gustavo’s mentors. He seemed like a wonderful human being and a brilliant musician. I’d love to talk to him about leadership in music—how he led while also learning from the musicians around him. He created an environment where everyone felt engaged and performed at their highest level.
NW: Do you have any hobbies or surprising talents?
TS: I’ve been meditating since 1977, which has been a consistent practice throughout my life. It’s helped me navigate stress and stay grounded, especially during difficult times. It’s aligned with my approach to continuous learning and development.
NW: Lastly, what do you love most about Toronto?
TS: Toronto is a wonderfully welcoming city. It’s a place where you experience such rich diversity—different cultures, food, languages. That diversity truly enhances the experience of living here, making it such an incredible city to call home.