The Toronto Symphony Orchestra To Tour Israel and Europe

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is pleased to announce a major tour of Israel and Europe under the leadership of its Music Director, Peter Oundjian, that will run from May 7 to 22, 2017.

The TSO will make its first-ever touring appearances in Israel, with performances in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, before travelling to Europe and appearing in Vienna, Prague-as part of the famous Prague Spring International Music Festival-Regensburg, and Essen. The TSO will perform seven concerts in four countries.

Peter Oundjian stated, "The TSO is pleased to be returning to Europe as well as visiting Israel for the first time. A dynamic and world-class city like Toronto should export its excellence. We are proud to represent Toronto and Canadian culture with our outstanding Orchestra."

The TSO's 2017 tour will be happening in a year when Canada is celebrating the country's 150th anniversary. During this special year, the TSO is honoured to be touring internationally, acting as a global ambassador for Toronto and the country at a number of European festivals and premier concert halls across both Israel and Europe.

TSO Interim Chief Executive Officer Gary Hanson stated, "This is an important tour for the TSO at an important time in Canada. In 2017, the country will celebrate our sesquicentennial year, and the TSO will be performing on the world stage in Europe and Israel. Our supporters make touring possible and because of their support the TSO can be a cultural emissary representing Canada at its very best in its 150th year."

City of Toronto Mayor John Tory commented, "By visiting Israel and Europe, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will showcase the talent and spirit that makes Toronto a must-see cultural destination and an artistic hotspot. The TSO is one of Toronto's most important cultural assets, and I have no doubt they will make us proud on the world stage and will encourage more people to visit our city."

The 2017 Tour of Israel & Europe has receivEd Strong support and leadership from TSO Board members Renette Berman and Rags Davloor. Their efforts to secure support and financial sponsorship for the tour have made this announcement possible.

Over the course of the seven-concert tour, distinguished Israeli-Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov, celebrated Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki, and dazzling Canadian soprano Carla Huhtanen will join the TSO as featured soloists. The repertoire will include Brahms's Violin Concerto in D Major (featuring Vengerov), Schumann's Piano Concerto in A Minor (featuring Lisiecki), Boulez's Le soleil des eaux (featuring Huhtanen), as well as Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra, Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherazade (featuring TSO Concertmaster Jonathan Crow), and Dvo?ák's Symphony No. 7. The TSO will also perform On the Double by RBC Affiliate Composer Jordan Pal as well as other works. Performances in Prague will be dedicated to former TSO Music Director Karel An?erl. Born in Czechoslovakia, An?erl led the TSO from 1969 to 1973.

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