“We have something wonderful here. Our orchestra is a gemstone in our Boreal culture,” Arts reviewer Michael Sobota said of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. This statement has been true for over 60 years. This season is our diamond anniversary, and we will continue to shine. The TBSO has been a part of the fabric of our community for the entire history of our city. There has never been a Thunder Bay without a TBSO. We are incredibly proud of our long history and look forward to continuing to play a part in the culture of our region.
As we celebrate our 60th concert season, we recognize the past year has been tough. The whole world has faced incredible challenges and as we continue to move through these uncertain times, it seems that will continue. We are thrilled that last season we were able to continue to play virtual concerts and provide music and entertainment in an accessible way. This season, the TBSO remains committed to bringing more music to our community. We have a full season of concerts planned and look forward to welcoming audiences to share in a live music experience. We also anticipate more streamed concerts – allowing us to come to you when you cannot come to us.
Our goal is to continue to create a strong musical culture in our city and region. This season, we are starting small, focusing on the world class musicians in our very own orchestra, and building to truly brilliant heights – as restrictions allow. We will begin with a Concert Series at Hilldale Lutheran Church, we are calling The Hilldale Concert Series. Our first concert will see Concertmaster, Thomas Cosbey, performing The Lark Ascending and subsequent concerts will feature Violist Patrick Horn, and Violinist, Madonna Lee. In addition, we are partnering with a number of local artists for our Northern Lights Series, highlighting talent originating right here in our community. Nancy Freeborn will kick off the series with a breakout performance you won’t want to miss. Nick Sherman will bring his unique voice to an intimate show and Robin Ranger’s northern jazz will dazzle.
We will also be presenting some concerts that had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. We have Jim Whitter’s Piano Men coming in the new year as well as a ground-breaking Earth Day concert featuring our very own Paul Haas and the multi-talented composer, Paul Fowler, that is sure to both challenge and delight the senses.
It’s not an easy feat to put on live performances during a pandemic. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to ensure we are able to safely present an in-person concert. That said, we are excited to be able to move forward. We are thrilled at the idea of entertaining our community and having a shared musical experience. That live experience is what we love and what our audiences love. It has been the bedrock of our existence and what has kept us playing for over half a century.
There’s no ignoring that this is a complicated time. Restrictions will continue and we will face more challenges, but we have found ways to keep playing through and will continue to do so. Having had the ongoing support of our sponsors and donors, and most importantly our audiences, has been invaluable.
“I was moved by the warmth, joy and generosity extended by the musicians and how it was returned by the community many fold,” Board President, Linda Penner said. And it couldn’t be more true, we are so grateful to have had our community on our side throughout the last season and look forward to having you back with us in person this season.