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 TIMMINS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Timmins Symphony Orchestra began in 1979 under the baton of the late Emil First and 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 including Tony Ciccone, Roy Takayesu, Matthew Jones and the late Geoffrey James Lee have led the orchestra and chorus throughout the years.  Concert posters of days gone by bring back fond memories of wonderful performances.   

Our present music director Dr. Joshua Wood comes to us from southern Ontario with fresh and inspiring ideas and set skills that will guaranty a continued success for our ensembles. The over 50 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 by Matthew Jones in 2004 and its membership has grown to upwards of 45 members. 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 Chorus’ bi-annual showcase performance of Messiah has garnered full houses at its accessible pay-what-you-can performance.

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. This community school of music is housed above Christopher's Coffee on Pine Street South– we have several teaching studios, a music library, a large ensemble room and an administration office. Employing a Faculty of three full-time professional teachers who teach over 120 music students each week, individual and ensemble lessons are offered for strings, woodwind brass, piano and voice instruments.  We also offer music theory, music history and music harmony lessons.  The Timmins Symphony Orchestra has evolved from its modest beginnings as a volunteer group to a well-respected icon in the community. 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.