For immediate release—May 6, 2019: The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) is proud to announce that Duncan McDougall is the recipient of the 2018/19 TSYO Stingray Rising Stars Award. The announcement was made on Sunday, May 5, during the TSYO’s season-finale concert at Roy Thomson Hall, marking the end of the orchestra’s 45th season.
The Stingray Rising Stars Award was launched in 1998 as Galaxie Rising Stars. This original program sets out to discover, encourage, promote, and champion new up-and-coming Canadian artists. The award, with a value of $1,000, will help Duncan advance his career.
“Contributing to the career advancement of up-and-coming artists and their breakthrough into new markets is one of Stingray’s core values. The inspiring talent of Canadian artists makes them true ambassadors of our creativity. Stingray wishes to tangibly participate in their success. It is therefore with enthusiasm that we renew every year our commitment by presenting Stingray Rising Stars Awards at numerous events across the country,” said Mathieu Péloquin, Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Communications at Stingray.
“Throughout the 2018/19 season, Duncan has demonstrated professionalism, artistic excellence, and overall improvement,” comments Simon Rivard, TSO RBC Resident Conductor & TSYO Conductor. “We congratulate Duncan and thank him for his commitment and leadership. We envision a bright future ahead for Duncan.”
For 45 years, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra has been dedicated to providing a high-level orchestral experience for talented young musicians aged 22 and under. The TSYO program delivers a unique, powerful, and life-enriching opportunity that encourages significant achievement, regardless of the career path participants choose to pursue. The TSYO has a close affiliation with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO): TSO musicians serve as coaches through the season, TSO guest artists lead masterclasses for TSYO members, and the TSYO performs annually with the TSO in a side-by-side concert at Roy Thomson Hall.
For more information about the TSYO, please visit TSO.CA/TSYO.
Please visit the following website to learn more about previous Stingray Rising Stars: music.stingray.com/en/CA/
About Stingray:
Montreal-based Stingray (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B) is a leading music, media, and technology company with over 1,200 employees worldwide. Stingray is a premium provider of curated direct-to-consumer and B2B services, including audio television channels, more than 100 radio licences, SVOD content, 4K UHD television channels, karaoke products, digital signage, in-store music, and music apps, which have been downloaded over 100 million times. Stingray reaches 400 million subscribers (or users) in 156 countries.
About the TSO:
One of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) plays a vital role in the city’s dynamic cultural life. Committed to serving local and national communities through vibrant performances and expansive educational activities, the TSO offers a wide range of programming that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. With a notable recording and broadcast history complementing international touring engagements, the TSO is a unique musical ambassador for Canada around the world.
The TSO continues its long-established history of connecting younger generations with orchestral music. Two core programs include School Concerts, performed for over 40,000 students annually, and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO), which, in a tuition-free model, offers high-level orchestral training for talented young musicians aged 22 and under. Additionally, the TSO supports the development of next-generation artists through its annual open call for Canadian orchestral scores, and its essential Resident Conductor and Affiliate Composer positions.
Peter Oundjian was named TSO Conductor Emeritus at the end of his 14-year tenure as Music Director in June 2018. In the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, Sir Andrew Davis will serve as Interim Artistic Director, prior to the arrival of the TSO’s new Music Director in 2020. Sir Andrew Davis is well known to Toronto audiences, having a 44-year relationship with the TSO. Maestro Davis opens the 2018/19 season and returns to the TSO stage regularly in each of his two seasons as Interim Artistic Director. Gustavo Gimeno will begin serving as the TSO’s Music Director in 2020/21.
The TSO was founded in 1922 by a group of Toronto musicians and gave its first performance at the historic Massey Hall. Since 1982, Toronto’s iconic Roy Thomson Hall has been the TSO’s home, drawing patrons from around the world. Soon to celebrate its centenary, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s name remains synonymous with musical versatility and growth, and artistic distinction
