Sinfonia Toronto has announced the launch of a formal environmental policy. The board of directors issued a statement after approving the guidelines.
“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.”
Working towards an environmentally sustainable society means looking at everything we do, and the ways we do it. The world of classical music, and the culture/entertainment industry in general, are paying more attention to their practices, including the Toronto ensemble.
Sinfonia Toronto’s music director Nurhan Arman says that the organization has always been “environmentally cautious.” It’s not the first time the orchestra has “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,” he said in a statement.
Along with thematic programming, the orchestra looks to reduce its environmental impact on several fronts.
- It has eliminated the use of printed material for marketing and promotions, as well as accounting operations;
- Emphasizing recycling, including the use of recycled materials wherever possible;
- Online meetings to replace in-person committee meetings;
- Using digital files for rehearsals, which represents thousands of pages each season;
- Use of low carbon travel options for touring;
- Among others.
Many orchestras across the world are focusing on similar initiatives. From the energy used in concert halls to the way that organizations are administered and the performances themselves, there are many aspects of the usual processes that can and should be re-evaluated through an environmentalist’s lens.
Sinfonia Toronto’s full environmental policy can be found on their website here.
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