Exclusive Performance by Renowned Itzhak Perlman Launches 2015/16 TSO Season

Fall highlights include:

• Not-to-be missed exclusive gala
• Barbara Hannigan makes her Canadian conducting début
• Launch of The Decades Project
• Back to the Future and Psycho films with live orchestra
• The TSO Chamber Soloists kick off second annual series

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Led by Music Director Peter Oundjian, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) opens its 94th season on Thursday, September 24 at Roy Thomson Hall with an incomparable performance by legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman that celebrates music and artistic friendship. The concert will be followed by a sold-out gala at The Ritz-Carlton—an extraordinary experience envisioned by Gala Co-Chairs Renette Berman and Trish Moran, and presented by RBC.

The TSO continues its almost 50-year relationship with Itzhak Perlman as he celebrates his 70th birthday (on August 31). Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to the irrepressible joy he experiences in making music. Along with Perlman's incomparable performance of the warm-hearted and beloved Bruch concerto, the Orchestra performs fanciful and familiar music by Dukas and Grieg.

The TSO's fall schedule includes the following highlights:

September

• TSO's 94th season opens with a special performance by master violinist Itzhak Perlman on September 24.
• Beethoven's Symphony 5 features solid-gold favourites by the "Three Great Bs" of music—Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.
• Guest conductor James Gaffigan and pianist Kirill Gerstein return to the TSO to perform Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Gershwin.

October

• Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan returns to the TSO with her Canadian conducting début and demonstrates another facet of her enormous talent on a program that also showcases her stunning vocal artistry.
• Launching the Pops Series, TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke shares the stage with a cast of star vocalists, including Storm Large (of Pink Martini) and Canadian singer Ryan Silverman, in Let's Be Frank: Sinatra Hits—a 100th birthday celebration for legendary singer Frank Sinatra.
• Back to the Future with Live Orchestra, featuring Alan Silvestri's dynamic score performed live by the TSO under Steven Reineke, as audiences enjoy the film on the big screen.
• Launching The Decades Project—which will present cross-disciplinary programming that explores the decades of the 20th century in chronological order over five seasons—La Mer & A Sea Symphony features Debussy and Vaughan Williams's vibrant portraits of the sea. Conducted by Peter Oundjian, the program showcases soprano Erin Wall, baritone Russell Braun, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
• The TSO Chamber Soloists series returns for a second season, with their first performance on October 21. Comprising some of the TSO's principal musicians, The TSO Chamber Soloists perform concerts of chamber music, which, this season, complement the orchestral programs of The Decades Project. Curated and hosted by TSO Concertmaster Jonathan Crow, these performances feature striking works by notable composers of the early 20th century.
• The Decades Project continues with Sibelius Symphony 2, with guest conductor John Storgårds and violinist Benjamin Schmid, making his TSO début with Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 1.
• On October 31, guest conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos joins the TSO as Alfred Hitchcock's supreme suspense film Psycho is projected on the big screen. Bernard Herrmann's iconic score, played live, highlights every spine-tingling scene.

The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO Financial Group.
The Pops Series and Special Performances are presented by Scotiabank.
The TSO Season Patron is The Renette and David Berman Family Foundation.
The September 25 concert is generously supported by James and Joyce Gutmann.
The Three at the Weston Series performances are generously supported by Margaret and Jim Fleck.
Russell Braun's October 21 appearance is generously supported by Earlaine Collins.

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About the TSO: Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada's most important cultural institutions, recognized internationally as an outstanding orchestra. Music Director Peter Oundjian leads the TSO with a commitment to innovative programming and audience development through a broad range of performances that showcase the exceptional talents of the Orchestra along with a roster of distinguished guest artists and conductors. The TSO also serves the larger community with TSOUNDCHECK, the original under-35 ticket program; the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra; and music-education programs that reach over 50,000 students each year.

SOURCE Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO)

Image with caption: "The Toronto Symphony Orchestra launches its 2015/16 season on September 24, 2015 at Roy Thomson Hall with a special performance by legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. (CNW Group/Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150909_C6621_PHOTO_EN_493225.jpg

Media Contacts: Francine Labelle, Manager, Publicity, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, 416.593.7769 X 267, [email protected]; Melissa Prince, NATIONAL Public Relations, 416.586.1939, [email protected]; Alison Crocker, NATIONAL Public Relations, 416.848.1624, [email protected]