Toronto Chinese Orchestra Tickets

The Toronto Chinese Orchestra is one of the oldest Chinese Orchestral groups hailing from Canada. Working as a non-profit organization, the company has a fifty plus member base today. The orchestra company had humble beginnings in the early Nineties and now, more than twenty years later, this Orchestra has become one of the most respected companies in the country and has provided international exposure for Chinese music. Since 1993, the group has been bringing the tradition of China to the forefront, and this year, they carry on their endeavors with various concerts and shows scheduled for this year's season.

The mission statement of the company is as simple as it could be. They strive to make the best possible music, aim to bring together Chinese music enthusiasts, collaborate with international artists, maintain the Chinese music movement in Canada and above all inspire an interest in others to pursue Chinese music. While the goals might be simplistic, they have done a phenomenal job in bringing the Chinese Orchestral tradition to mainstream audiences and above all, they've given the music a global outlook. And therein lays their feat.

A Chinese orchestra is a musical practice that traces its roots as far back as the Shang dynasty in China.  While the ancient orchestra used traditional settings and instruments for their performances, the modern day Chinese Orchestra draws a heavy influence from Western styles of orchestral groups. Using traditional Chinese instruments, the orchestra creates a distinct guoyue sound that is enchanting. Guoyue refers to the traditional music originating from Mainland China.

The layout of the orchestra is based on the instruments and their division into different sections. Just like modern orchestras, the Chinese Orchestra uses wind, strings, percussion and other instruments to create the indigenous music of the country. Some of the instruments that the Toronto Chinese Orchestra uses are as follows; the Lion Drum, the Luo, the Dizi, Huqin, the Liuqin and the Daruan. The company has also recently started using western instruments such as the Cello and the Double Bass.  The incorporation of these modern day instruments allows for a more mainstream sound and makes the company more appealing to a wider audience.

The current leadership of the Toronto Chinese Orchestra includes some of the most talented musicians and Chinese music experts out there. The position of Chief Conductor and Music Director is taken by Karl Pang. Prior to joining the this group, Pang toured with various other companies, most notably the Hong Kong Music Lover Orchestra, Saint Paul Boys Symphony Orchestra and Singapore Ga Hong Chinese Orchestra.  His work has taken him all over the world and he brings experience and knowledge to the group.

Pang is joined by Elaine Choi as the Associate Conductor and Tony K.T. Leung as the Resident Composer. Apart from that, maestros such as Lai Hon-ming and Chen Ningchi also come on board as advisors to the group. All of them have a vast repertory of experience and together they have shaped the Toronto Chinese Orchestra into one of the most famous and loved orchestral groups around.

A true cultural treasure trove, the Toronto Chinese Orchestra is a group that is not only reviving the Chinese tradition, but also giving it a place on the global map. This year, they return with various recitals such as Exquisite Flavours and 2014 Year of the Horse. Performances of classical Chinese pieces such as Kavalan, Moonlit Lake in Autumn and Harvest Festival are already confirmed. Apart from the concerts, the group will also hold various fundraising dinners and sponsorship concerts. To experience music that will take you to another world, purchase Toronto Chinese Orchestra tickets today.