The city comes alive in September—even during a pandemic. Toronto is currently exploding with incredible arts events that will bring immeasurable joy and are safe to attend. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s (TSO) return to CityView Drive-in is a must-do on our autumn culture-fix hit list.

It’s been nearly a year since the TSO has performed live together, which saddens us, but seeing that musicians will reunite for four concerts this fall fills us with good feelings. The programming looks fantastic and guests can look forward to enjoying the sounds they love alongside stunning sunset city views.

On September 24 and 25 (7:30pm) they will delight with Mozart & Martines, a concert featuring the composer’s most beloved repertoire, and will return to CityView Drive-in on Oct 1 and 2 (7:30pm) for Pride Together, described as “a glittering rainbow of genre-spanning music.”  

Both programs are based on concerts that the TSO was forced to cancel last season due to the pandemic lockdown, with the Pride concert originally scheduled for June. “These drive-in concerts are another example of how the TSO finds ways to share music no matter the circumstances. As disappointed as we were to cancel in the spring, I know audiences will enjoy these programs, filled with themes of celebration and resilience. This is just the beginning of the reunion between TSO musicians and patrons,” says Gustavo Gimeno, Music Director.

Details for both concert programs: 

Mozart & Martines
Hum along to two of Mozart’s best known works—pulsating rhythms dominate and sonic sparks fly in Symphony No. 40, and Eine kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music) are guaranteed to delight one and all. An overture by Marianna Martines, a Viennese classical period composer living at the same time as Mozart, rounds out the evening.

This concert is approximately one hour in length, and is conducted by the TSO’s RBC Resident Conductor and TSYO Conductor, Simon Rivard.

Pride Together
From Tchaikovsky to Lady Gaga, Saint-Saëns to Sister Sledge, this high-energy program parallels the journey of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Unifying themes like desire, protest, and acceptance are depicted through songs like “Vogue”, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, “Time Warp”, and more.

This concert is approximately one hour in length, and is conducted by TSO Barrett Principal Education Conductor and Community Ambassador Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00am, Friday, September 3, 2021, and will be available through TSO.CA, or by contacting TSO Patron Services at 416.598.3375. Surprise a music lover in your life with an unforgettable evening.