The Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra

Conceived in Spring 2007, the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra (GTPO) holds a unique position in Toronto and region amongst the community orchestras:

• it serves a very broad geographic community in the City of Toronto, with performances at multiple facilities in communities throughout the GTA,
• provides a vital link in the career development of our core ensemble of performers bridging the divide between community-based and professional musicians,
• offers a confidence-enhancing experience of performance by exposing young, community-based musicians to the experience garnered under the direction of established professional conductors and live audiences,
• is a trusted partner for small community arts groups looking for presentation partners and a supportive showcase for youthful, talented performers, and
• provides low cost of entry to experience live orchestral performances.

For over a decade, our main venue has become the Calvin Presbyterian Church, conveniently located at Yonge & St. Clair and easily accessible for our uptown Toronto audience as well as others coming from all areas in the City.

Building on the momentum of past seasons, the GTPO has already enjoyed the benefits of its growing reputation. Communities, festivals and concert series have sought out partnership with GTPO to add value to their work.  GTPO has been invited to performed special events in some of Toronto’s most prestigious concert venues such as Glenn Gould Sutdio CBC, George Weston Hall in the Toronto Centre for the Arts, Mel Lastman square, and the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts as well as Markham Flatto Theatre, Mississauga Living Arts Centre, River Run Centre in Guelph.

Renowned Canadian guest artists who have performed with the GTPO include:  Juno Award artists Emily D’Angelo mezzo-soprano, Robert Michaels guitar/vocal, Michael Bridge accordion, Kornel  Wolak clarinet, Jeffrey McFadden guitar, Viva Trio.

During the most recent seasons, the number of core musicians has grown significantly to a full size orchestra of 50+ musicians for each concert. They are professional and amateur musicians who are committed and capable of handling an extended season and challenged to give their best performance in a demanding, supportive, non-competitive atmosphere.

The GTPO is unique in its commitment to bringing full orchestral performances to areas of the City that are currently under-served working together with groups rooted in those communities to expand the availability of public performance opportunities. Through performances at non-traditional venues such as community centers, retirement residences, outdoor parks the GTPO continues to expand its community outreach areas across the City of Toronto while serving various communities outside of its base area. GTPO has performed outreach and special concerts in various venues and places, such as: Villa Colombo, Columbus Centre, Armenian Cultural Centre (North York), Mimico Square (South Etobicoke), St. Philips Church (North Etobicoke), Lawrence Park Community Church (Lawrence & Bayview), Liberty Village (downtown Toronto), Isabel Bader Theatre.