Top symphony orchestras in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) was founded in 1922 as the New Symphony Orchestra. Since then, it has become one of Canada’s most respected arts organizations and is vital to the city’s cultural life.

The orchestra performs at downtown Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. Its vibrant musical performances, educational activities and programs resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. View the upcoming concert calendar and purchase tickets online.

Location: 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Toronto-based Tafelmusik, founded in 1979, has performed in front of millions worldwide. The ensemble specializes in Baroque music and performs with period instruments.

The orchestra has been complemented by the choral talents of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir in productions such as the Sing-Along Messiah, an interactive way to learn about Handel’s masterpiece and a holiday ritual for many. Various events and performances are held in several venues, including cathedral and concert halls, like Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall.

Locations:
Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street, Toronto
Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto

National Youth Orchestra of Canada

Each year, hundreds of young classical musicians compete for a spot in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO).

Successful candidates in this elite orchestral program spend five intense weeks learning to improve their craft. Then, the orchestra tours Canada, performing in front of a live audience in various locations and venues. Witness the dedication of this talented homegrown ensemble at one of the Ontario performances, including Koerner Hall at The Royal Conservatory.

Location: 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

York, Durham and Headwaters

Kindred Spirits Orchestra

Kindred Spirits Orchestra (KSO) is a civic, audition-based orchestra in Markham that performs at the Flato Markham Theatre and other venues in Markham, Unionville and Toronto.

The KSO presents musical performances of both classical and contemporary works. Concerts vary in length and complexity and include many works by Canadian composers such as Brian Current, Gary Kulesha and Larysa Kuzmenko. Review the upcoming concert season to find a performance near you.

Location: 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham

Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra

Based in Oshawa, the Ontario Philharmonic (OP) has evolved into one of the leading performance arts organizations in the Durham Region.

Led by one of Canada’s most distinguished conductors, the orchestra repertoire ranges from classic symphonies to modern pieces. It performs its main concert program at the Regent Theatre.

Location: 50 King Street East, Oshawa

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra

One of Canada’s major professional orchestras, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, has entertained audiences with outstanding newly commissioned and classical works since 1884.

Purchase tickets or curate a package for the upcoming season. Performances primarily take place at FirstOntario Concert Hall.

Location: 1 Summers Line, Hamilton

Brantford Symphony Orchestra

A professional orchestra which has been providing world-class entertainment for over 60 years, including seasonal specials such as Christmastime in the City.

Performances take place at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.

Location : 88 Dalhousie Street, Brantford

Niagara Region

Niagara Symphony Orchestra

For over 70 years, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has been treating audiences to classical and contemporary orchestral musical performances.

The orchestra includes over 50 professional musicians and performs classical and contemporary orchestral music. Each season, concerts are held in Partridge Hall at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and feature international and national guest stars.

Location: 250 St Paul Street, St. Catharines

Ottawa Region

National Arts Centre Orchestra

Formed in 1969, the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO or NAC Orchestra) is the resident orchestra of Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. 

NACO performs classical to contemporary music with a variety of acclaimed special musical guests and conductors and has toured across Canada. It is also involved in various educational outreach programs in the Ottawa community.

It features a carefully curated calendar of shows that will appeal to both first-timers and seasoned orchestra fans.

Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO) nurtures and mentors young musicians, many of whom attend Carlton University, an OSO partner.

Performances are held at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, a stately historical church that Carleton University acquired and transformed into a performance and learning centre. Check for upcoming event showtimes and reserve seats.

Location: 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa

Southeastern Ontario

Kingston Symphony

The Kingston Symphony (KSO) is a 45-person orchestra that performs at two Queen’s University venues: Grand Theatre and Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

KSO programs include a Masterworks series dedicated to classic composers like Beethoven and Brahms. It also performs a Pop series honouring contemporary musical figures like John Williams and Leonard Cohen.

Locations:
Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King Street West, Kingston

Southwestern Ontario

Windsor Symphony Orchestra

Founded as the Windsor Concert Orchestra in 1941, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) changed its name in 1948 yet retained its mission.

Staging classical and popular music pieces, WSO performs at several venues throughout the Windsor-Essex area but has found its home base at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor.

Location: 121 University Avenue West, Windsor

London Symphonia

London Symphonia delivers vibrant and bold musical experiences, including well-known classics and Canadian content, during the concert season, which runs from October to the end of May. Most performances are held at the Metropolitan United.

Location: 468 Wellington Street, London

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Peterborough Symphony Orchestra

The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has been a cornerstone of culture in the community for over 50 years and has grown into one of Canada’s finest community-based orchestras.

The PSO is committed to high-quality musical performances, education and community outreach. In addition to the concert series staged at Showplace Performance Centre, the orchestra participates in local community events, festivals and celebrations.

Location: 290 George Street North, Peterborough

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Sault Symphony Orchestra

Formed in 1956, this vibrant non-profit orchestra was developed through cross-border collaboration.

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, it consistently delivers exciting programs and showcases Canadian, American and international soloists at various venues across Algoma Country and beyond. Local concerts take place at the Machine Shop in the Canal District.

Location: 83 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie

Northeastern Ontario

North Bay Symphony Orchestra

Since 1977, the North Bay Symphony Orchestra (NBSO) has entertained with live performances. Music patrons are treated to a diverse repertoire, from riveting compositions by the world’s greatest classical composers to performances customized for family enjoyment.

Most performances occur in the historic Capitol Centre, which boasts exceptional acoustics, although the orchestra plays chamber music at other venues.

Location: 150 Main Street East, North Bay

Sudbury Symphony Orchestra

The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has entertained the Sudbury and the surrounding region since 1953.

The orchestra, consisting of volunteers and professional musicians, is committed to increasing awareness and appreciation of music and the arts. Each season features a diverse range of exceptional performances at Fraser Auditorium in Laurentian University and other venues across the city.

Location: 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury

Northwest Ontario

Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra

The Juno-nominated Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO) is a fully professional orchestra that regularly performs at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and other venues in the area.

TBSO prides itself on being an ever-evolving orchestra that supports Canadian compositions in its repertoire and celebrates the inclusion of Northern Ontario’s Indigenous, Francophone, European and world culture performances.

Location: 1 Paul Shaffer Drive, Thunder Bay