Noteworthy

In a groundbreaking moment for the arts in Canada, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has received a transformative $15 million gift from the Barrett Family Foundation. This unprecedented pledge, announced at the TSO’s annual Open House & Free Community Concert, marks the largest gift in the orchestra’s history and will support vital community engagement and education programs over the next 15 years.

This donation—the largest pledge in the TSO’s 102-year history and the most significant commitment ever made to support programming at a Canadian performing arts organization—will support the TSO’s Education and Community Engagement programs, including School Concerts, Young People’s Concerts, Relaxed Performances, and programs in the community that use music to support mental health and social cohesion for young people, seniors, people living in care, and diverse communities across the region. The gift will also support the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra program, dedicated to providing a tuition-free, high-level orchestral experience for talented young musicians aged 22 and under.

“We have always believed in the power of music to inspire, educate, and bring people together,” said the Foundation. “The Barrett Family Foundation’s commitment to the TSO reflects our passion for ensuring that children and youth across Toronto have access to the enriching experience of live orchestral music. By supporting the TSO’s community and education programs, we hope to create opportunities for young people to discover the joy and inspiration that music can bring into their lives.”

In recognition of this transformative gift, the TSO’s Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser will continue to be known as the Barrett Principal Education Conductor & Community Ambassador. “I am truly honoured to carry the Barrett name in my title,” says Daniel. “One of my missions at the TSO is to bring live orchestral music to anyone who might not have had access to it or who may have felt unwelcome in traditional spaces. I am immensely grateful to the Barrett Family Foundation for supporting this work.”

The Barrett Family Foundation was established to support educational, environmental, and humanitarian causes, as well as health and the arts. The Barrett family’s significant philanthropy has supported a broad range of organizations including Humber College, Durham College, the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and World Vision Canada. 

The TSO is grateful to the Barrett Family Foundation for their extraordinary support, which will enrich hundreds of thousands of lives through music. 

Read more about this historic announcement in our newsroom.