FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2021
Two Grants Strike the Right Note with local Orchestra
Scarborough, ON – On Saturday night, MPP Raymond Cho and Nishant Nayak, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, stopped by the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra’s concert at the P.C. Ho Theatre in the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto to share the news that the group has received two important grants this year. Both grants were delivered by OTF to help non-profit groups to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our government has been committed to supporting those in need,” said the Honourable Raymond Cho, MPP for Scarborough North. “The Community Building Fund and Resilient Communities Fund were designed to help non-profit organizations to remain viable so they can continue to improve quality of life and provide services, jobs, opportunities and programming for Ontarians.”
The Community Building Fund grant’s operating stream program is delivered for the province by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A few months ago, the Orchestra learned it was successful in its application for a $50,000 Community Building Fund grant to help with staffing and operational costs, developing more program options and ensuring health and safety protocols are in place. This grant allows the Orchestra to transform operations to meet public health requirements and maintain viability to operate facilities and deliver programs now, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Late last year, the group also learned that it was successful in receiving an OTF Resilient Communities Fund grant, totalling $31,500. Over the last year, the OTF grant has allowed the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra to adapt its performances, adding live streamed concerts to meet the needs of the community. The grant also helped buy new technology including contactless ticket scanning equipment, adding new plexiglass barriers for musicians, and purchasing PPE.
The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra brings to life the power, emotion and dynamism of the classical symphonic repertoire for an engaged audience of supportive listeners. Its members are drawn from the local community and it champions the performance of some of the greatest music ever written to inspire new and existing audiences. Cathedral Bluffs is proud of its long-standing role in the development of young artists and furthering the musical growth of its members. Founded in 1985, Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra is one of Toronto’s leading community orchestras. Currently engaged in a search for its new Artistic Director, Cathedral Bluffs is known for its musicianship, diverse repertoire, and engaging programs. Cathedral Bluffs presents a dynamic six-concert subscription series, along with a variety of additional performances in the community.
The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra is a registered charitable organization that rehearses and performs in a fully accessible venue. The CBSO is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Learn more about our season, please visit: www.cathedralbluffs.com.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.