Sinfonia Toronto is starting the New Year with the announcement of a formal environmental policy. The orchestra’s board of directors has approved a set of guidelines, stating, “Our goal is to offer a rich musical experience with a low carbon footprint. We are taking purposeful steps to reduce the climate and environmental impact of our events. We are working to make our policy inclusive of all stakeholders: our musicians, our patrons, our board and volunteers, and our sponsors and other partners.”
In hailing this development the orchestra’s music director Nurhan Arman noted, “since our founding days we have been environmentally cautious in many aspects of our operations. This has been an ongoing concern that was publicly expressed in our 2003-2004 season programming – that entire season was thematically programmed and titled “Playing for our fragile environment.” Every concert included music inspired by the environment.”
Maestro Arman added that another major environmental initiative will be revealed at the orchestra’s next concert, on March 4 in George Weston Recital Hall.
The orchestra has already been print-free in a number of aspects of operations for some years, transitioning from printed promotional materials to online marketing, discarding printed concert programs for digital programs, and implementing electronic accounting records and audits.
The full environmental policy is available under Discover on the orchestra’s website, www.sinfoniatoronto.com
Now in its 24th season, Sinfonia Toronto has toured twice in Europe, in the US, South America and China, receiving glowing reviews. It has released four CD’s, including a JUNO Award winner, and performs in many Ontario cities. Its extensive repertoire includes all the major string orchestra works of the 18th through 21st centuries, and it has premiered many new works. Under the baton of Nurhan Arman the orchestra’s performances present outstanding international guest artists and prominent Canadian musicians. The orchestra is supported by operating grants from the Canada Council, Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council.
