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20 December 2025 - 7:30 pm TBCA

Holiday Pops

Program

Get ready to celebrate the season with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops, an evening brimming with festive cheer, heartwarming traditions, and musical surprises! This delightful program features beloved selections from The Nutcracker, and a lively audience sing-along. Adding to the festivities is Adam Shugar’s Hanukkah Overture, complete with a surprise klezmer clarinet solo that’s sure to dazzle. With something for everyone, this joyful concert is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season. Gather your friends and family, and join us for a night of unforgettable holiday music!

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Featuring

Jeff Christmas, Conductor

Carly Martin, Vocalist

Robert Perrier, Vocalist

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16 January 2026 - 2:00 pm Trinity United Church

Matinee World (music) Tour

Program

Pack your musical passport and join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a thrilling World Music Tour! Desinged for those audiences members who are unable to join us for an evening show, or just want to enjoy a musical afternoon, this vibrant concert will take you on a journey across the globe, featuring popular music inspired by cultures and landscapes from around the world. From lively Latin rhythms to soulful European melodies, rich African beats to enchanting Asian harmonies, this performance is a celebration of global soundscapes and musical diversity. Whether you’re drawn to bold brass, sweeping strings, or toe-tapping percussion, this exciting program offers something for every listener. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical adventure, no passport required!

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16 January 2026 - 7:00 pm Trinity United Church

World (music) Tour

Program

Pack your musical passport and join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a thrilling World Music Tour! This vibrant concert will take you on a journey across the globe, featuring popular music inspired by cultures and landscapes from around the world. From lively Latin rhythms to soulful European melodies, rich African beats to enchanting Asian harmonies, this performance is a celebration of global soundscapes and musical diversity. Whether you’re drawn to bold brass, sweeping strings, or toe-tapping percussion, this exciting program offers something for every listener. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical adventure, no passport required!

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24 January 2026 - 7:30 pm Delta Thunder Bay

The Mayor’s Ball

Program

Join us for an unforgettable night of elegance, music, and community spirit at The Mayor’s Ball, a prestigious gala fundraising event in support of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO). This exquisite evening will feature a captivating performance by the TBSO, showcasing a dazzling selection of classical masterpieces and contemporary favorites. Under the direction of our acclaimed conductor, the orchestra will transport you through a musical journey that highlights the power and beauty of live symphonic music. Set against the elegant backdrop of the Delta Hotel, guests will enjoy a sumptuous dinner, delightful cocktails, and an opportunity to connect with leaders from across our community. The evening will also include a silent auction filled with exclusive items and experiences, with all proceeds supporting the TBSO’s continued artistic excellence, education programs, and community outreach initiatives.

A fundraiser for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO), The Mayor’s Ball will be an elegant black-tie gala hosted by Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff in celebration of the arts and our community’s shared commitment to cultural excellence.

Guests will enjoy live performances by the TBSO, a gourmet three-course dinner, keynote address from Mayor Boshcoff, a silent auction featuring unique experiences and items, and a memorable evening with a lasting impact.

Saturday January 24, 2026
Delta Hotel Thunder Bay

Tickets on sale Now!

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“As a passionate advocate for arts and culture in our great city, I’m pleased to host The Mayor’s Ball in support of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. A thriving local arts and culture scene plays a crucial role not only in celebrating our own heritage and traditions, but also in embracing those in the world around us. The arts bring people together in remarkable ways, and I’m very proud and honoured to be a TBSO supporter.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Support the arts, showcase your organization’s commitment to musical excellence, and gain exposure to a diverse and influential audience. Download the sponsorship package.

 

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31 January 2026 - 7:30 pm

Come to the Cabaret

Program

Prepare to be dazzled as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO) joins forces with the dynamic Badanai Theatre Company for an unforgettable evening of cabaret-style entertainment! This unique collaboration blends the lush sounds of a live symphony with the energy and charm of musical theatre, promising a night of show-stopping performances, powerful vocals, and captivating storytelling. Experience iconic Broadway hits, jazz standards, and beloved cabaret classics reimagined with the full richness of the TBSO. Featuring talented vocalists from Badanai Theatre Company and thrilling orchestrations performed by Thunder Bay’s finest musicians, this lively concert will transport you to the heart of a vibrant cabaret club. Whether you’re a longtime theatre lover or new to the world of cabaret, Cabaret Nights offers something for everyone. Prepare to laugh, cry, and tap your toes as the magic of music and theatre come together in this spectacular performance.

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06 February 2026 - 7:30 pm TBCA

Bach and the Bs – Bach, and Beethoven, and Gershwin

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for an exhilarating evening of musical brilliance featuring the extraordinary pianist Matt Herskowitz. Known for his genre-defying artistry and dazzling technique, Herskowitz brings a fresh and dynamic energy to this unforgettable program. A masterpiece of Baroque elegance, Bach’s concerto in D minor is a showcase of intricate dialogue between solo piano and strings, brought to life with Herskowitz’s signature flair, while Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue blends jazz-infused rhythms with classical brilliance. Tom Berens’ new realization of Gershwin’s most famous work is based on the intimacy, power and drive of the original instrumentation from Paul Whiteman’s jazz orchestra. Finally, Beethoven’s Symphony no 7 is a thrilling journey from brooding intensity to triumphant joy! This symphony’s unforgettable rhythms and soaring melodies promise to leave you spellbound. With Herskowitz at the piano and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra in full flight, this concert offers a powerful blend of precision, passion, and pure musical excitement. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of rhythm, rhapsody, and revelry!

Bach – Concerto in D minor

Gershwin arr. Berens – Rhapsody in Blue

Beethoven – Symphony 7

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Purchase Masterworks Pairs Vouchers

Masterworks Pairs includes 4 vouchers – 2 to Masterworks 3 : Bach and the B’s and 2 to Masterworks 4 : Behaving Badly (April 17). Vouchers can be redeemed in-person at the TBCA for tickets and saves you 12.5% versus purchasing individually.

Featuring

Evan Mitchell, Conductor

Matt Herskowitz, Piano

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11 February 2026 - 7:30 pm Hilldale Lutheran Church

The Art of the Concerto

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a captivating evening showcasing the art of the concerto, led by our own Resident Conductor, Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud. This special performance, part of Michaud’s PhD recital, highlights his deep exploration of the conductor’s role in balancing the soloist’s voice with the full symphonic sound. Featuring a diverse selection of concerto excerpts, the program will spotlight virtuosic brilliance, emotional depth, and the delicate interplay between individual expression and collective unity. Each work invites the listener to experience the dynamic dialogue between soloist and orchestra — a conversation shaped and guided by Michaud’s insightful artistry and the culmination of his academic research. Don’t miss this powerful evening of music, where technical mastery meets musical storytelling in an unforgettable exploration of the concerto form.

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Featuring

Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud

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14 February 2026 - 7:30 pm Urban Abbey

Candlelit Valentine

Program

Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with Candlelight Valentine, an unforgettable evening of romance and music with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Treat your special someone to the ultimate date night experience. Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, enjoy a captivating program of heartfelt melodies, tender ballads, and timeless love songs. Whether you’re celebrating new love, lasting romance, or a cherished friendship, this intimate concert promises to fill the evening with beauty, warmth, and unforgettable moments. Let the magic of music make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

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21 February 2026 - 2:00 pm Avila Centre, Lakehead University

Dean Burry – Jacob Two-Two

Program

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Dean Burry’s lively and imaginative orchestral adaptation of Jacob Two-Two and the Hooded Fang! Based on the beloved Canadian children’s book by Mordecai Richler, this musical adventure follows young Jacob, who famously says everything twice — landing him in big trouble with the fearsome Hooded Fang. With a captivating narrator and the full power of the TBSO behind the story, this expanded orchestration brings Jacob’s daring journey to life like never before. Perfect for families and audiences of all ages, this vibrant performance combines storytelling and music in a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this chance to join Jacob on his brave and exciting quest!

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Featuring

Andrew Cecon, Actor

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28 February 2026 - 7:30 pm

Noondaagotoon

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for Noondaagotoon, a powerful concert that amplifies Indigenous voices and stories through music. This program features the evocative work of Cree composer Cris Derksen, who draws inspiration from the traditional practice of controlled burns — an Indigenous method of wildfire management that has safeguarded ecosystems for centuries. While recent years have seen devastating wildfires dominate headlines, Derksen’s composition explores fire not as a force of destruction, but as a vital tool — one that nurtures and protects the land. By carefully burning select areas in the spring, when the earth is still damp, Indigenous peoples have long managed forests, preventing more intense fires later in the season. In Derksen’s stirring piece, the crackling embers of a controlled burn transform from threat to instrument — a reflection of resilience, wisdom, and the power of living in balance with the land. Experience this compelling blend of tradition and innovation at Noondaagotoon, where music becomes a bridge between past and present, and sound tells the stories that have always been here.

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Featuring

Cris Derksen, cello

Anang Binesi, percussion

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06 March 2026 - 7:30 pm St. Paul's United

Reverence

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a captivating evening of music that spans the ethereal, the intimate, and the transcendent. The program opens with Akasha by Canadian composer Glen Buhr,, a mesmerizing work that evokes the unseen forces that connect us all. Next, experience the serene beauty of Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, a tender musical gift composed for his wife and performed as a quiet morning serenade — a work filled with warmth, love, and delicate orchestral colours. The heart of the evening is Mozart’s profound Requiem, an emotional masterpiece that transcends time. With its powerful choral forces and haunting beauty, this work offers a moving meditation on life, loss, and hope. The concert concludes with Mozart’s exquisite Ave Verum Corpus, a brief yet deeply moving piece that speaks to the soul with its simplicity and grace. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of stirring music, where moments of intimacy and grandeur unite in a powerful journey of reflection and beauty.

Buhr – Akasha

Wagner – Siegfried Idyll

Mozart Requiem

Mozart – Ave Verum Corpus

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Featuring

Rosemary Thomson – Conductor

Catherine St-Arnaud – Soprano
Lillian Brooks – Mezzo-Soprano
Colin Ainsworth – Tenor
Alex Halliday – Bass

Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus

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14 March 2026 - 7:30 pm TBCA

Celtic Kitchen Party

Program

Get ready for a high-energy night of toe-tapping tunes and unforgettable fun as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Celtic Kitchen Party! We are thrilled to welcome Pierre Schryer, one of Canada’s leading traditional fiddlers, back to Thunder Bay for this very special show. A recipient of numerous titles and awards, Schryer brings unmatched energy and artistry to the stage. Backed by the rich symphonic sound of the TBSO, this lively concert promises infectious rhythms, spirited melodies, and the warm camaraderie of a true East Coast kitchen party. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Celtic music or simply looking for a night of joyful celebration, this concert will have you clapping, dancing, and embracing the lively spirit of the Maritimes. Don’t miss this unforgettable fusion of symphony, fiddle, and tradition!

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Purchase Pops Pairs Vouchers

Pops Pairs includes 4 vouchers – 2 to Pops 3 : Celtic Kitchen Party (March 14) and 2 to Pops 4 : Sarah Slean Sings the Joni Mitchell Songbook (April 25). Vouchers can be redeemed in-person at the TBCA for tickets and saves you 12.5% versus purchasing individually.

Featuring

Pierre Schryer, Fiddle

Jeff Christmas, Conductor

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28 March 2026 - 2:00 pm Avila Centre, Lakehead University

Mixed up Mozart A Magical Journey

Program

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure through the music of Mozart like you’ve never heard it before! Mixed-Up Mozart: A Magical Journey is a playful and interactive concert where the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra brings Mozart’s iconic music to life — with a twist! In this fun-filled performance, Mozart’s melodies get turned upside down, inside out, and delightfully mixed up. With a little magic, a lot of laughter, and plenty of surprises, this enchanting concert invites families and young audiences to explore the joy of classical music in a whole new way. Perfect for curious minds and music lovers of all ages, this magical journey is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the timeless genius of Mozart. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical adventure!

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11 April 2026 - 8:00 pm Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Speakeasy

Program

Step back in time to the roaring 1920s as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Speakeasy, an unforgettable evening of underground jazz and vintage charm. Immerse yourself in the sultry sounds and infectious rhythms that defined the wild days of Prohibition-era speakeasies. From smoky blues to lively swing, this concert will transport you to a world of hidden bars, secret passwords, and dazzling jazz melodies. Dress to impress, sip a cocktail, and let the TBSO set the mood with a night of music that’s bold, brassy, and irresistibly fun. Don’t miss this one-night-only trip back in time — where the music swings and the good times never stop!

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17 April 2026 - 7:30 pm TBCA

Behaving Badly

Program

Sometimes you just don’t want to play by the rules, getting up to no good has been a remarkable inspiration for composers of all stripes. Prepare for an evening of passion, drama, and mischief as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Behaving Badly— a concert that explores characters who challenge the rules, embrace desire, and defy convention. Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni is a thrilling curtain-raiser to one of opera’s most infamous tales of seduction, revenge, and moral reckoning. With its dark opening chords and fiery energy, this overture sets the stage for an evening of bold storytelling. The selections from Ethel Smyth’s operatic masterwork The Boatswain’s Mate shines a light on a rollicking and rebellious slice of opera, filled with lively characters and rich vocal textures, celebrating the spirit of those who live outside the rules. Finally, Carl Orff’s iconic Carmina Burana is presented here with an intimate yet powerful arrangement that brings the beloved piece’s pulsating rhythms and dramatic intensity to life. With thunderous percussion, soaring vocal solos, and mesmerizing choral power, this work explores themes of fate, desire, and excess. With standout performances from soprano, tenor, and baritone soloists — plus the enchanting presence of harp — this evening will revel in the chaotic beauty of characters behaving badly. Join us for a night of unforgettable music where passion reigns supreme!

Mozart – Overture to Don Giovanni

Smyth – Mrs. Waters’ aria and tavern scene

Orff – Carmina Burana

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Purchase Masterworks Pairs Vouchers

Masterworks Pairs includes 4 vouchers – 2 to Masterworks 3 : Bach and the B’s and 2 to Masterworks 4 : Behaving Badly (April 17). Vouchers can be redeemed in-person at the TBCA for tickets and saves you 12.5% versus purchasing individually.

Featuring

Geneviève Leclair, Conductor

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25 April 2026 - 7:30 pm TBCA

Sarah Slean sings the Joni Mitchell Songbook

Program

Juno and Gemini-nominated Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah Slean pays tribute to the legendary Joni Mitchell and her albums Both Sides Now & Travelogue, Slean will sweep you away as she pays homage to a Canadian music hero with beautiful musical arrangements by 6x Grammy Award-winning artist Vince Mendoza.

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Purchase Pops Pairs Vouchers

Pops Pairs includes 4 vouchers – 2 to Pops 3 : Celtic Kitchen Party (March 14) and 2 to Pops 4 : Sarah Slean Sings the Joni Mitchell Songbook (April 25). Vouchers can be redeemed in-person at the TBCA for tickets and saves you 12.5% versus purchasing individually.

Featuring

Jeff Christmas, Conductor

Sarah Slean, Vocals

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02 May 2026 - 7:30 pm Urban Abbey

Meet Me At the Drive-In

Program

Turn back the clock and experience the ultimate date night with Meet Me at the Drive-In. The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra brings the magic of the silver screen to life with a captivating program inspired by iconic movie moments. From sweeping romance to thrilling adventures, these unforgettable film scores will transport you straight to Hollywood’s golden age, all with a symphonic twist. Whether you’re rekindling old memories or creating new ones, this nostalgic and heartwarming evening promises to be a perfect night out. Grab your sweetheart, your friends, or your family, and let the TBSO provide the soundtrack to your ultimate date night!

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Purchase Candlelight Series Package

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