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SYMPHONIC MUSIC, LIVE AND LOCAL

Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra has a long history of presenting the power of live orchestral music to the local community in Scarborough and Greater Toronto. 

BRINGING TO LIFE CLASSICAL WORKS SINCE 1985

Founded in 1985, Cathedral Bluffs has brought to life some of the greatest musical masterpieces.

INTRODUCING RISING STARS IN DEBUT PERFORMANCES

We have presented internationally acclaimed performers and helped to introduce some of Canada’s rising stars in their symphony debuts.

Our 2022 – 2023 Season

up next – aPOTHEOSIS OF dANCE, sATURAY, aPRIL 15, 2023 AT 8PM

Saturday, april 15, 2023 8pm

8 PM | Saturday, April 15, 2023
Pre-Concert talk: 7:15pm

PC Ho Theatre
Chinese Cultural Centre Of Greater Toronto
5183 Sheppard Avenue East,
Toronto, M1B 5Z5

Emily Doolittle (Canadian) – …and some fireworks (2007)
Massenet – Le Cid: Ballet Music
Strauss, Jr. – Wiener Blut, Op. 354
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

This program is dedicated to music inspired by dance. Nova Scotia-born Emily Doolittle’s “…and some fireworks” explores inventive takes on folk jigs, airs, and reels. Le Cid is a wildly colourful yet rarely performed ballet suite, and Strauss’ Vienna Blood will allow the orchestra to shine with vivid imagery. Premiered in Vienna, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is a sparkling array of flowing textures and endless dance rhythms. Richard Wagner declared this symphony the “apotheosis of the dance.”

sATURDAY, mAY 27, 2023 8PM

8 PM | Saturday, May 27, 2023
Pre-Concert talk: 7:15pm

PC Ho Theatre
Chinese Cultural Centre Of Greater Toronto
5183 Sheppard Avenue East,
Toronto, M1B 5Z5

Elgar – Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
Rachel Mercer, cello
Brahms – Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

A grand finale with two symphonic masterpieces. Elgar’s Cello Concerto is one of the most lush and romantic concerti in the repertoire. As well as being Principal Cellist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Rachel Mercer is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician and she will bring the Elgar to life with her passionate playing. Brahms Symphony No. 2 is considered the most joyous and positive of all his symphonies, and gives a clear and decisive opportunity for the orchestra to perform with great strength and musicality. A fitting finale to a tremendous season of music making.

Concert #5
Apotheosis of the Dance

8 PM | Saturday, April 15, 2023

Concert #6
Grand Finale: Elgar’s Passion & Brahms’ Splendour

8 PM | Saturday, May 27, 2023

Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer orchestra composed of a diverse group of musicians from many walks of life that come together to perform some of the most challenging works of the symphonic repertoire in exciting and enjoyable programmes, under the baton of Music Director Martin MacDonald.

We believe our role in the arts community is to push the boundaries of artistic performance and achievement with high performance standards, thereby inspiring all musicians to bring their best.

SINGLE TICKETS AND FLEX PACKS NOW AVAILABLE
for OUR 2022 – 2023 SEASON!

MANDATE / MISSION

  • To enrich our community by performing great music, at a very high artistic standard, in an engaging and accessible forum for both musicians and audience members.
  • To provide a meaningful performance environment in which committed volunteer musicians have the opportunity to perform in a full symphony orchestra directed by a professional conductor.
  • To support the artistic growth of young emerging musicians by engaging them as soloists with a symphony orchestra.

Audience Safety Measures

The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra will continue our ongoing commitment to keeping our patrons, musicians, and staff safe. For the safety of everyone attending a CBSO performance, we strongly encourage wearing a mask.

Equity Statement 

The  CBSO has adopted and upholds its commitment to a policy of non-discrimination and right to be free of hate activity based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, disability, citizenship, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family status, receipt of public assistance, political affiliation, religious affiliation, record of offenses, level of literacy or any other personal characteristics.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.