Toronto Symphony Orchestra Performs at CityView Drive-In for a Unique Live Concert Experience

As part of its resolute commitment to perform for Greater Toronto Area audiences, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is collaborating with CityView Drive-In for three live performances this October (7, 16 & 17). Close to 20 TSO musicians will be live on-stage performing audience favourites, while also displayed on massive LED screens and piped into patrons’ cars. This unique series marks the largest ensemble of TSO musicians performing together since the beginning of the pandemic.

“We are delighted to be partnering with CityView Drive-In, Toronto’s first outdoor concert and entertainment venue, to bring audiences the music they love. Our musical offerings will appeal to long-time orchestra-music fans, and audiences who would like to explore the orchestral experience for the first time,” said Matthew Loden, CEO of the TSO.

Launched in July, CityView Drive-In offers a contactless, seamless, safe, and physically distanced environment for audience members. Safety measures will also be adhered to on stage and by the TSO musicians.

The concerts at CityView Drive-In take place on the heels of the week-long TSO in the City series (September 21–27), which will see musicians performing in neighbourhoods across Toronto in small ensembles. The TSO is also part of the Art Gallery of Ontario’s performance series, AGO Live. The TSO has plans to perform whenever, however, and wherever possible this season, and will announce more concerts in the coming weeks. 

Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00pm

Kings of Ragtime

One of the building-blocks of jazz, ragtime exploded in popularity at the turn of the 20th century in America and around the world. The undisputed King of Ragtime was composer Scott Joplin, whose syncopated standards—including the ever-popular “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer”—are on the program, which also features lively works by Jelly Roll Morton, George Gershwin, and others.

This concert is approximately one hour in length and will feature a smaller ensemble of musicians from the Orchestra, conducted by Regina Symphony Orchestra Music Director Gordon Gerrard.

Friday, October 16 at 8:00pm

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

“Full of passionate virtuosity yet finely nuanced in his playing,” (Toronto Star) Concertmaster Jonathan Crow performs as soloist and leads his TSO colleagues in Vivaldi’s timeless The Four Seasons.

He also leads two dynamic works by living composers—Gabriela Lena Frank’s melodic Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout and Sri Lankan–born Canadian composer Dinuk Wijeratne’s poetic “A letter from the After-life” from 2 Pops Songs on Antique Poems.

This concert is approximately one hour in length and will feature a smaller ensemble of musicians from the Orchestra.

Saturday, October 17 at 8:00pm

First Ladies of Soul

Ella Fitzgerald. Billie Holiday. Nina Simone. Aretha Franklin. Whitney Houston. Tina Turner. Beyoncé—and more in this symphonic tribute to the voices that changed society and music. From Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”, these legendary queens come to life through Canadian blues vocalist Shakura S’Aida.  

This concert is approximately one hour in length and will feature a smaller ensemble of musicians from the Orchestra, led by TSO Principal Education Conductor & Community Ambassador Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser. 

For more information: CityView Drive-In, 20 Polson Street, Toronto 

For tickets:

Tickets are $80–$200 per car, and go on sale to the public on Monday, September 21 at 10:00am through Ticketmaster online and the TSO Patron Services phone line (416.598.3375). 

TSO subscribers and donors may purchase tickets beginning Friday, September 18 at 11:00am by calling TSO Patron Services directly at 416.598.3375.

About the TSO:

One of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a vital role in the city’s dynamic cultural life for 98 years. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings an expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity, and sense of adventure to programming the 92-musician Orchestra. The TSO is committed to serving local and national communities through vibrant performances, extensive educational activities, and impactful community relationships. It has a notable recording and broadcast history and has been celebrated internationally during its many tours. Toronto’s iconic Roy Thomson Hall is the TSO’s home, drawing patrons from around the world. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s name remains synonymous with musical versatility and growth, and artistic distinction.

The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO Financial Group. 

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Toronto Arts Council.

Twitter: @TorontoSymphony

Facebook: facebook.com/torontosymphonyorchestra

YouTube: youtube.com/torontosymphony

Instagram: instagram.com/torontosymphony

About CityView Drive-In:

Presented by hospitality powerhouse INK Entertainment, CityView Drive-In is Toronto’s first outdoor concert and entertainment venue. Presenting concerts, movie nights, corporate events and more, CityView is an entirely contactless experience in the parking lot of 20 Polson Street.

From the safety of a vehicle, guests will capture world class talent on a massive 238-foot stage with the Toronto skyline in the background. Contactless, seamless, safe & physically distanced, CityView Drive-In is an official partner of the City of Toronto for DriveInTO.

Find CityView Drive-In on:

• Website: www.cityviewdrivein.com 
• Instagram & Facebook: @cityviewdrivein