Toronto Symphony Orchestra Receives Landmark Gift to Support Canada's Performing Arts

The $15 million donation from the Barrett Family Foundation will be used to support the orchestra's education and outreach activities

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has received a generous donation of $15 million from the Barrett Family Foundation. The gift is the largest that the orchestra has ever received — and has also set a national record as the largest donation ever made towards performing arts programming in Canada.

The Foundation has been donating to the TSO for decades, with contributions rising to highly generous sums in recent years. The funding will be put towards the TSO's community engagement and education programs, which make music accessible to children from a broad range of backgrounds from across the city.

Some of the components of these programs include Young People's Concerts, Relaxed Concerts, virtual learning programs, school concerts, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and a range of community concerts in suburban Toronto.

In recognition of the Foundation's longstanding commitment, the TSO's community leadership role is named the Barrett Principal Education Conductor & Community Ambassador. This position is presently held by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser.

"We have always believed in the power of music to inspire, educate, and bring people together," said the Barrett Family Foundation in a statement. "Our commitment to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra reflects our passion for ensuring that children and youth across Toronto have access to the enriching experience of live orchestral music. By supporting the TSO’s community and education programs, we hope to create opportunities for young people to discover the joy and inspiration that music can bring into their lives."

"The Barrett Family Foundation’s landmark generosity will leave an indelible mark on our orchestra and the broader community," added Mark Williams, CEO of the TSO. "Their steadfast commitment to education and community engagement has been nothing short of inspiring. We are deeply honored to have their partnership as we kick off our season, knowing that their support will help us bring the joy of music to even more people throughout Toronto."