Our Mission

Mission Statement

We create quality Symphonic and Choral music and educate musicians of all ages through our symphony orchestra, music school, choir and performance programs in our Northern community. As a community supported organization, we value accessibility, inclusivity and fiscal responsibility.

Vision Statement

Working together for the joy, benefits and love of music.

Core Values

Accessibility, Adaptability & Flexibility, Balance, Challenge, Inclusivity, Enjoyment, Fun & Celebration, Progressive Approach, Self Sustaining, Working Together

About the TIMMINS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Timmins Symphony Orchestra began in 1979 under the baton of the late Emil First. It was formed by an ambitious group of musicians and supporters who were inspired after a successful woodwind recital in the July of that year. Past conductors include Dr. Joshua Wood. Matthew Jones, the late Geoffrey James Lee, Roy Takayesu, and Tony Ciccone.     

Our present music director Andrei Popkov comes to us from Russia via Newfoundland with fresh and inspiring ideas and skills that will guarantee a continued success for our ensembles. The over 40 community players are mentored by a core group of professional musicians who are also on faculty with the School of Music.

The Timmins Symphony Chorus was formed in 2004. A crowd pleaser, the Chorus has performed such ambitious works as Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Mozart's Requiem, Fauré's Requiem, Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance and selections from Carmina Burana. 

The Timmins Symphony Orchestra’s Geoffrey James Lee School of Music (renamed in 2000 after the TSO's late conductor) began at the local college with conductor Emil First offering lessons to a small group of students. The school of music is housed above Don's Pizzeria on Pine Street South in Timmins. Employing a faculty of four professional teachers, individual and ensemble lessons are offered for strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, and theory. The school offers a adult band, string ensembles, a summer camp, masterclasses, and performance opportunities.

 The Timmins Symphony Orchestra has evolved from its modest beginnings as a volunteer group to a well-respected icon in the community. Our outreach to Timmins and the surrounding region includes free concerts, performance at senior residences and community events, and collaborations with other community groups. Our twelve member Board of Directors is drawn from the community and the orchestra, and the TSO is supported by a full time music director/conductor.