Board Succession
The firm foundation on which the TSO continues to build can also be attributed to the expert volunteer leadership of the TSO Board of Directors, and especially Tom Smee, who concluded a two-year term as Chair, and decade of service on the Board, at the AGM. In a seamless transition of leadership, Smee was succeeded by former Board Vice-Chair Colleen Sexsmith, who has been elected for a three-year term and has a distinguished track record of non-profit board leadership. \u200b
In his departing remarks, Smee said, “Over the past decade, I have watched the TSO grow in artistic ambition, deepen its connection to our community, strengthen its financial foundation, and earn its place among the world’s leading orchestras. Serving as Chair for the past two years has been an immense privilege, and as I step down from both this role and the Board, I do so with profound gratitude—and tremendous confidence in what is to come. Our extraordinary musicians continue to set the highest standard of artistic excellence, and, together, Gustavo and Mark have strengthened the TSO’s place in Toronto’s cultural life while positioning it for a bold and sustainable future. To my fellow Board members, thank you for your wisdom, generosity, and steadfast commitment. It has been an honour to serve alongside you. And to my successor, Colleen, I hope that you derive the same depth of satisfaction at the TSO’s ongoing success as I have.”
“I am honoured to succeed Tom as Chair at such an exciting moment for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra,” said Sexsmith. “We enter this next chapter with outstanding artistic leadership, a strong financial foundation, growing audiences, and an ambitious vision for the TSO’s role in our city and beyond. I look forward to working with our exceptional musicians, Mark, Gustavo, my fellow directors, and the entire TSO community to build on that momentum, sharing the beauty and extraordinary power of music.”
TSO leadership also expressed its gratitude to departing Board members Ross Kerr and Noelle Richardson, after nine and ten years of devoted service, respectively, and warmly welcomed incoming director Rami Thabet.
Invaluable Support
Emphasized in the remarks of all AGM speakers was the vital importance of the unwavering support of donors, government, corporate partners, and foundations to the TSO’s continued success in every area. This support directly enables the organization’s education and community-engagement initiatives in addition to its artistic endeavours, acting as a vital catalyst for both the long-term sustainability of the TSO and its growth.
“Every great orchestra is built on extraordinary artistry, but lasting artistic excellence is only possible when an entire organization is working together toward a shared purpose,” summarized Williams in his address. “At the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, I see that purpose every day—in our musicians, our guest artists, our staff, our volunteers, our Board, our donors, and our audiences. Together, they make it possible for the TSO to not only present exceptional performances, but also to serve as one of Toronto’s most important cultural institutions. The response from audiences this season was extraordinary. Thousands more people chose to make the TSO part of their lives, telling us that what we do continues to resonate in our city and far beyond. Equally important, we further strengthened the organization’s financial position, giving us the ability to invest in ambitious artistic projects, expand education and community programs, support our musicians, and plan boldly for the future. None of this happens without an extraordinary community of people. To everyone who chose to Symphony With Us last season—thank you. This orchestra belongs to its community, and every performance is made richer by your presence.”
Read the TSO’s 2025/26 Annual Letter to the Community.
Download the TSO’s Financial Statements for fiscal year 2026.
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About the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
For more than a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has been a defining part of Toronto’s cultural landscape. Through concerts, recordings, tours, and community partnerships, the TSO is shaped by the energy, diversity, and creativity of one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Led by Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, the TSO brings orchestral music to life through performances that span centuries of repertoire, champion today’s composers, and connect audiences with extraordinary artists from around the world. With programs and partnerships across the GTA, the TSO serves Toronto through education initiatives, Relaxed Performances, open rehearsals, and the tuition-free Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, which has helped young people build artistry, confidence, and lifelong skills through music for more than 50 years. The TSO’s work is sustained by a community of audiences, donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters who believe in the power of live orchestral music to bring people together. Each year, the TSO presents more than 120 concerts at Roy Thomson Hall and George Weston Recital Hall, while its education, health-and-well-being, and community programs reach people throughout the GTA. Visit TSO.CA or Newsroom.TSO.CA.
The TSO relies on the generosity of thousands of donors and partners who provide a critical base of funding that makes possible all of the TSO’s music-making on stage and in the community.
The TSO Season Presenting Sponsor is BMO.
The TSO acknowledges Mary Beck as the Musicians’ Patron in perpetuity for her generous and longstanding support.
The TSO’s Education and Community Engagement programs are generously supported by the Barrett Family Foundation.
The TSO is grateful for the support of the Toronto Symphony Foundation and our government funding partners, including the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario.
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