Toronto Symphony Orchestra Invites Audiences to Feel the Possibilities of Music in 2026/27 Season as It Announces Four New & Diverse Special Performan

Tickets for all concerts go on sale July 15. Newly added programs include performances by celebrated artists Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, and Wendy from Red Velvet, and the award-winning documentary Ocean with David Attenborough with live orchestra.

Toronto, July 13, 2026—The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), expanding an already diverse array of evocative musical experiences curated by Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, is thrilled to announce the addition of four new Special Performances to its previously revealed 2026/27 season lineup. These standout programs span genres—from classical and jazz to film and K-pop—and rank among next season’s most anticipated events: Globally revered cellist and long-time TSO collaborator Yo-Yo Ma joins the orchestra for one unforgettable evening of music, as does six-time GRAMMY® Award–winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy. In partnership with World Wildlife Fund Canada, the acclaimed 2025 nature documentary Ocean with David Attenborough will be screened with live orchestral accompaniment. And the TSO teams up with SM Entertainment for a symphonic K-pop celebration, featuring a special appearance by superstar K-pop artist Wendy from Red Velvet.

Further, due to popular demand, the TSO has added to its season calendar additional performances of two already-announced concert programs—Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live-to-Film (Oct 18, 2026 at 7:30pm) and Sci-Fi Throwdown (Apr 2, 2027 at 7:30pm).

Tickets for these concerts, as well as all other performances in the TSO’s 2026/27 season (running from September 2026 to June 2027), will go on sale to the public beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2026. A dedicated presale for TSO donors and subscribers is being held July 13–14, 2026. 

 

Concert Details

• Samara Joy (Dec 2, 2026 at 7:30pm, Roy Thomson Hall): Hailed by NPR as a “classic jazz singer from a new generation,” Joy has emerged as a masterful interpreter and a worthy heir to the legends. She joins the TSO, led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, for an unforgettable showcase of her singular voice and magnetic stage presence.

Please note: This performance is co-presented by Roy Thomson Hall and the TSO, and tickets are on sale through the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office. As such, TSO ticket exchanges, account credit, and gift cards do not apply. Visit roythomsonhall.com or call 416.872.4255.

• Ocean in Concert (May 8, 2027 at 7:30pm & May 9, 2027 at 2:00pm, Roy Thomson Hall): Presented in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund Canada, and conducted by Steven Reineke, this film-in-concert experience takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through our wondrous oceans. With narration by David Attenborough and music by Oscar®-winning composer Steven Price.

• Yo-Yo Ma Returns (May 14, 2027 at 7:30pm, Roy Thomson Hall): A singular artist with a rare ability to connect with audiences, Ma returns to the TSO for a one-night-only, can’t-miss performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1. Led by Conductor Emeritus Peter Oundjian, this propulsive program also includes Gary Kulesha’s Torque and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances.   

• TSO x K-pop: SM CLASSICS LIVE (Jun 29 & 30, 2027 at 7:30pm, Roy Thomson Hall): In collaboration with SM Entertainment’s classical and jazz label, SM Classics, conducted by Yuwon Kim, and featuring Wendy from Red Velvet, this vibrant fusion of pop culture and symphonic spectacle blends the energy of K-pop with sweeping orchestral arrangements.

 

A Season of Extraordinary Resonance

These programs build on a season defined by an extraordinary collection of orchestral encounters that are sure to move audiences from all walks of life, and delight all musical palates—from time-honoured and contemporary gems, and beloved hits from stage, screen, and radio, to nostalgic and entrancing films with live orchestra, and lively and amusing adventures for youth and families.

In addition to the recently added Special Performances, highlights of the 2026/27 season include an electric season-opening concert with internationally renowned pianist Yuja Wang; the completion of a two-year Beethoven symphony cycle; separate appearances by three members of the incomparable Kanneh-Mason family; a celebratory Lunar New Year week featuring dedicated programs performed across three concert series; the Canadian Première of famed Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi’s new piano concerto, which he will conduct; crowd-pleasing salutes to the music of James Bond, Whitney Houston, Broadway, swing, and sci-fi films; and the triumphant finale that is Mahler’s colossal Eighth—the “Symphony of a Thousand”. 

 

TSO Unveils Refreshed Brand Identity

Coinciding with the public on-sale of tickets for the 2026/27 season, the TSO is introducing a refreshed brand identity. More than a new visual identity, the refresh is a clearer expression of the orchestra the TSO has become—one shaped by Toronto’s diversity, creativity, and energy, and inviting more people to experience the power of live orchestral music. Audiences can explore the new brand and watch the launch film at TSO.CA/feel, while media can learn more about the project in the TSO’s refreshed brand identity press release.

 

Read the 2026/27 season announcement press release.

 

Purchasing Tickets

Individual Tickets

Tickets for all TSO 2026/27 performances will be on sale to the public starting at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (a dedicated presale for donors and subscribers is taking place on July 13 and 14, 2026). Tickets for most performances start at just $30. Book early for the best available seats and prices. To purchase, visit TSO.CA, call 416.598.3375, or visit the TSO Patron Services Centre.

Subscription Packages

Subscription packages are also available and offer the best value. Subscribers save substantially on ticket prices and service charges, receive priority access to special events before the general public, and enjoy flexible ticket exchanges. Choose from the following options:

Pick 5 Packages

Assemble your own perfect season—mix and match five or more Classics, Pops, and/or Young People’s Concerts, and save 20% compared to single-ticket prices. Book now at TSO.CA/Pick5, call 416.598.3375, or visit the TSO Patron Services Centre.

Curated Packages

Pre-selected by day of the week and time of day, Curated Packages remove the guesswork—just choose the series that fits your schedule and concert-series preference. You’ll enjoy your preferred seats at every performance in your series all season long and save up to 35% off single-ticket prices, among other benefits. Subscribe today at TSO.CA/Subscribe, call 416.598.3375, or visit the TSO Patron Services Centre.

TSOUNDCHECK (Discounted tickets for ages 15–35)

The TSO’s free membership program for ages 15–35 offers discounted online rush tickets for select TSO performances, or purchase a TSOUNDCHECK subscription for the best discount, the best seats, and access to perks like free coat check. Intrigued? See TSO.CA/TSOUNDCHECK for details.

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About the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

For more than a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has been a defining part of Toronto’s cultural landscape. Through concerts, recordings, tours, and community partnerships, the TSO is shaped by the energy, diversity, and creativity of one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Led by Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, the TSO brings orchestral music to life through performances that span centuries of repertoire, champion today’s composers, and connect audiences with extraordinary artists from around the world. With programs and partnerships across the GTA, the TSO serves Toronto through education initiatives, Relaxed Performances, open rehearsals, and the tuition-free Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, which has helped young people build artistry, confidence, and lifelong skills through music for more than 50 years. The TSO’s work is sustained by a community of audiences, donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters who believe in the power of live orchestral music to bring people together. Each year, the TSO presents more than 120 concerts at Roy Thomson Hall and George Weston Recital Hall, while its education, health-and-well-being, and community programs reach people throughout the GTA. Visit TSO.CA or Newsroom.TSO.CA.

 

The TSO acknowledges Mary Beck as the Musicians’ Patron in perpetuity for her generous and longstanding support.

The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO.

The TSO’s Education and Community Engagement programs are generously supported by the Barrett Family Foundation.

Performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 are generously made possible by Myrna Lo.

The TSO is grateful for the support of the Toronto Symphony Foundation and all levels of government, including the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario.

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Media Contact

For media requests please contact:

Tat Read, Senior Director, Brand & Communications

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

tread@TSO.CA

Visit Newsroom.TSO.CA