The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) brings to life the power, emotion and dynamism of the classical symphonic repertoire for an engaged audience of supportive listeners. Our members are drawn from the local community and we champion the performance of some of the greatest music ever written to inspire new and existing audiences. We are proud of our long-standing role in the development of young artists and furthering the musical growth of our members.

Founded in 1985, CBSO is one of Toronto’s leading community orchestras. Led by Artistic Director Norman Reintamm, the orchestra is known for its musicianship, diverse repertoire, and engaging programs. We present a dynamic five-concert subscription series and a gala annual fundraising concert, along with a variety of additional performances in the community.

Collaborations

Recent featured guest performers have included All’Amore Ensemble, Canadian Jazz Quartet, Peter Longworth, Jack McFadden Trio, Arthur Ozolins, Pax Christi, Sultans of String, Valerie Tryon, Tryptych Concert & Opera, and the YOU dance artists of the National Ballet of Canada.

Nurturing Young Artists

CBSO prides itself on nurturing aspiring young artists. The annual Young Artists Concert has given many young and pre-professional musicians their first opportunity to perform with a symphony orchestra. In addition to rehearsing and performing with the orchestra, these young artists also receive coaching and training in advance of the performance.

CBSO hosts the biennial Clifford Poole Competition, which is organized in the style of large European classical music competitions. The competition is named after Clifford Poole, the famous Canadian pianist, composer and music teacher who was the founding conductor of CBSO. The competition provides young Canadian musicians an invaluable opportunity to work with a full symphony orchestra and gives them a taste of what to expect on the international stage. Previous winners include: soprano Jenavieve Moore, who now performs in Europe and has made her BBC debut; pianist Annie Zhou, who has appeared with the Montreal, Minnesota, and Toronto symphonies; and soprano Chantale Nurse, who sings with the Atelier Lyrique of Opéra de Montréal.

Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra is a member of Orchestras Canada, PineRidge Arts Council and the Scarborough Arts Council.

Our Mission

• To provide an accessible and exciting performance environment in which gifted volunteer musicians have the opportunity to perform in a full symphony orchestra directed by a qualified professional conductor.

• To provide an opportunity for young musicians to perform as soloists with a symphony orchestra.

• To nurture a love of music among youth by featuring young soloists each season.

• To provide an opportunity for choirs, ballet and dance groups to perform with a symphony orchestra.

• To promote symphony concerts as a family outing by giving free admission to concerts for children under 12 years of age.

• To provide area residents the opportunity to attend affordable symphony concerts in their own community.

• To perform great music at the highest possible level of artistic performance that can be achieved while both musicians and audience members are having fun.