Toronto Symphony Orchestra Receives $1 Million Gift to Support New Music Commissions

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has announced a $1 million gift from long-time patrons Peter and Margie Kelk to support new music commissions over the next six seasons.

The donation will fund commissions from a range of composers, including Francisco Coll, Bekah Simms, and participants in the 2025/26 NextGen Composer program: Darren Xu, Jesse Plessis, and Sophie Dupuis.

This initiative reflects TSO’s ongoing commitment to contemporary music, expanding its repertoire and offering audiences a more diverse and forward-looking concert experience.

The Kelk gift follows other significant recent donations to the orchestra, including a $15 million contribution from the Barrett Family Foundation in 2024 to support education and community engagement programs, and a $1 million legacy gift from Robin Korthals for music education and outreach.

TSO Chief Development Officer Robert Dixon commented, “Peter and Margie Kelk’s generosity reflects a profound dedication to music and community. Support like this is essential to advancing artistic innovation and expanding our impact.”

Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected orchestras, known for its high-level performances and extensive education initiatives.