Toronto Symphony Receives Largest Donation in its History

The estate of Tom and Mary Beck has gifted $14.7 million to the orchestra

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has received a historic donation from the estate of its longtime supporters H. Thomas and Mary Beck. The gift, which is valued at $14.7 million, brings the Beck family's total donations to the TSO up to $50 million over the course of a 60-year relationship.

The couple first began attending TSO concerts in the 1950s, after immigrating to Canada from Europe and getting married. They became supporters of the orchestra and its mission for their whole lives. Tom sadly died in 2016, with Mary following two years later.

Several of the couple's gifts, which had been increasing in value over the years, qualified as the orchestra's largest-ever donations at the time — with this current gift breaking that record once again.

Two new endowments have been made as a result of the donation: the Cathy and Liddy Beck Principal Oboe Chair, and the Beck Family Chief Executive Officer.

"The Beck family’s long-standing commitment to this city has been exemplified by their unwavering support of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and our mission to serve this community with extraordinary and meaningful musical experiences," said Mark Williams, the CEO of the Toronto Symphony.

"Their contributions to the TSO significantly amplify our reach and ability to bring music to Toronto’s diverse communities and to those who need it the most. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the support of the Beck family, whose exceptional generosity has now exceeded $50 million in donations in support of the TSO — the largest cumulative gift we have ever been given."

"On behalf of my brother, my sister, and myself, I would like to express how deeply proud we are that the TSO’s Principal Oboe Chair and CEO position will be endowed in our family’s name, in addition to the Tom Beck Concertmaster Chair," said Catherine Beck. "It is a great privilege to continue my parents’ legacy of support."

"We hope that, in playing our part, we may inspire others to similarly invest in the future of the institution that means so much to us and to this community."