Toronto Symphony Orchestra Welcomes the Year of the Dragon

Acclaimed artists Timothy Chooi, Eric Guo, and Xiaoxia Zhao join the festivities as the TSO’s Lunar New Year celebrations return for one night only, featuring an Asian-Canadian vendor market.

Lunar New Year, by Paige Jung Illustration
Lunar New Year, by Paige Jung Illustration

Toronto, December 6, 2023 — The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is delighted to ring in the Year of the Dragon with a spectacular Lunar New Year concert at Roy Thomson Hall on February 13, 2024. Back by enthusiastic demand, this year’s festivities, Year of the Dragon: A Lunar New Year Celebration, is a vibrant cultural experience hosted and narrated by renowned comedian Dashan (Mark Rowswell). Under the baton of conductor Naomi Woo, the TSO will perform a variety of beloved classics from both the Western and Chinese classical canons and festive favourites befitting of the season, including The Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto and Ballad of the Pipa.

This must-see performance will showcase diverse Pan-Asian guest artists. Among them are internationally acclaimed Indonesian-Canadian violinist Timothy Chooi, and Toronto pianist Eric Guo, recent winner of the 2nd International Chopin Competition on Period Instruments. The program will also feature dance performances by The Soaring Eagles and the Chinese Collective Arts Association.

The evening kicks off at 7:00 pm with a pre-concert celebration in the Roy Thomson Hall lobby, offering concert-goers a chance to enjoy numerous cultural activities. The lobby will come alive with thrilling acrobatic pole lion dance and dragon dance performances by The Soaring Eagles, and a display of traditional folk dances by the Chinese Collective Arts Association. Attendees can also explore a market of Chinese-Canadian vendors offering a diverse array of goods.

Naomi Woo (photo by Christa Holka)Naomi Woo (photo by Christa Holka)Dashan (Mark Roswell)Dashan (Mark Roswell)Timothy Chooi (photo by Den Sweeney)Timothy Chooi (photo by Den Sweeney)
Lion Dance (TSO Year of the Dog, 2018) (photo by Jag Gundu)Lion Dance (TSO Year of the Dog, 2018) (photo by Jag Gundu)
Lion Dance (TSO Year of the Dog, 2018) (photo by Jag Gundu) Lion Dance (TSO Year of the Dog, 2018) (photo by Jag Gundu)

Information & Tickets

Year of the Dragon: A Lunar New Year Celebration

Tue, February 13, 2024

Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.

  • Lobby Festivities: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Concert: 8:00pm to 9:30pm

Artists:

  • Naomi Woo, conductor
  • Timothy Chooi, violin
  • Eric Guo, piano
  • Dashan (Mark Rowswell), narrator/host
  • The Soaring Eagles 
  • Chinese Collective Arts Association

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets for the performance are on sale now.​ To purchase, visit TSO.CA, call 416.598.3375, or visit the TSO Patron Services Centre.

Group Tickets

Groups of 10 or more save 20% on tickets. To purchase, visit TSO.CA/Groups, email us at [email protected], or call 416.593.5338 for details.

About the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

For over a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a fundamental role in shaping and celebrating Canadian culture. Now in our 101st year, the TSO’s commitment to musical excellence and ability to spark connection remain as strong as ever. With a storied history of acclaimed concerts and recordings, Canadian and international tours, and impactful community partnerships, we are dedicated to engaging and enriching local and national communities through vibrant musical experiences. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings an expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity, and sense of adventure to programming the 93-musician Orchestra that serves Toronto—one of the world’s most diverse cities. As a group of artists, teachers, and advocates who share the belief that music has the power to heal, inspire, and connect people from all walks of life, we engage audiences young and old through an array of education, community-access, and health-and-wellness initiatives. The 2023/24 season marks the 50th anniversary of the TSO-affiliated Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra—a tuition-free training program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Canadian artists. Join us for a concert at Roy Thomson Hall, or experience the TSO in your neighbourhood. Visit TSO.CA or Newsroom.TSO.CA.

The TSO acknowledges Mary Beck as the Musicians’ Patron in perpetuity for her generous and longstanding support.

The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO Financial Group.

Gustavo Gimeno’s appearances are generously supported by Susan Brenninkmeyer, in memory of Hans Brenninkmeyer. 

The TSO is grateful for the support of the Toronto Symphony Foundation and all levels of government, including the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario.

Media Contact

For media requests, please contact:

Patrick Iun (阮懷德), Communications Coordinator

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

piun@TSO.CA

Visit Newsroom.TSO.CA

About Toronto Symphony Orchestra

For over a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a fundamental role in shaping and celebrating Canadian culture. Now in our 101st year, the TSO’s commitment to musical excellence and ability to spark connection remain as strong as ever. With a storied history of acclaimed concerts and recordings, Canadian and international tours, and impactful community partnerships, we are dedicated to engaging and enriching local and national communities through vibrant musical experiences. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings an expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity, and sense of adventure to programming the nearly 100-musician orchestra that serves Toronto—one of the world’s most diverse cities. As a group of artists, teachers, and advocates who share the belief that music has the power to heal, inspire, and connect people from all walks of life, we engage audiences young and old through an array of education, community access and health and wellness initiatives. The 2023/24 season marks the 50th anniversary of the TSO-affiliated Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra—a tuition-free training program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Canadian artists. Join us for a concert at Roy Thomson Hall, or experience the TSO in your neighbourhood. Visit TSO.CA or newsroom.tso.ca.

Contact

500-145 Wellington St. W. Toronto, ON M5J 1H8

416.593.7769

[email protected]

tso.ca