Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Meet the TSO flute section: a small but mighty team built on trust, instinct and a deep sense of connection.

When chatting with flutist Leonie Wall about what makes the section work so well together, she spoke about the importance of supporting one another in every setting: “We rely on one another to give our best... whether performing on stage at Roy Thomson Hall, working in a school classroom or participating in a community event. That shared commitment is what makes this section so special.”

That same spirit of connection carries beyond the stage.

If you believe music should continue reaching people wherever they are, now is the perfect time to give: donations made by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar by the TSO Board of Directors. Head to TSO.CA/Match to donate today.

A full house at Roy Thomson Hall last week for Anoushka Shankar’s unforgettable TSO début 👏

Awww, marking our final Young People’s Concerts of the season with these adorable snaps from some of our Education team 🥺

“It’s been a vivid reality for 35 years and right now, everything is so sweet—I’m just appreciating everything and everyone.”

As she wrapped up her final season after 35 years, TSO flute and piccolo Camille Watts took it all in: every minute, every moment, every person and every tune: “The sound of this orchestra, the sounds that we make are extraordinary. And that’s the pinnacle that I will miss.”

But beyond the music, it’s the people she holds closest: “As for my flutes, there is so much love. Kelly, Kayla, Leonie, and behind them Julie Ranti, Nora Shulman and Virginia Markson, all generous musicians and humans, playful, collaborative, close on stage and off. I have been blessed knowing and playing with these women.”

“it was clear that everyone was looking forward to seeing the conductors’ work alongside the TSO, and perhaps even more importantly, to get a sneak peek at how conducting, well, works”

What a morning at Roy Thomson Hall this past weekend for our Women in Musical Leadership Masterclass with Tapestry Opera and fellows Serena Reuten, Monica Chen and Eve Legault 👏

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of conducting and to Stacy Lee Kong for so thoughtfully capturing the experience—give it a read here: bit.ly/4dBJgd5

📸 Photos by Dahlia Katz

We are deeply saddened by the passing of composer and cellist Cris Derksen.

Over the years, Cris shared her extraordinary artistry with the TSO community including performing at the New Creations Festival, bringing to life her TSO100 celebration prelude Parkdale, and most recently through the Art of Healing program in partnership with CAMH. 

Just weeks ago, we witnessed the incredible world première of Still Here at Roy Thomson Hall.
Created alongside CAMH participants and TSO musicians, Still Here was shaped by lived experiences, conversations, and everyday sounds gathered through the creative process. Cris had a remarkable ability to listen deeply to people’s stories and transform them into something meaningful and shared. She approached this work, and everyone involved in it, with extraordinary compassion, curiosity, and care.

Our hearts are broken for Cris’ family, loved ones, collaborators, and community. Her music will remain with us.