Orchestra Toronto’s RBC Welcome Seats program was initiated in 2017. It reserves a block of tickets for each Orchestra Toronto performance for new Canadians. It’s a way of welcoming new neighbours as well as sharing cultures.
We spoke to Orchestra Toronto’s Executive Director Julianna Cole about the program.
What led to the initial creation of the RBC Welcome Seats program?
The Welcome Seats Program was initiated in 2017. One of Orchestra Toronto’s French horn players, Rebecca Davies, who has been with OT for more than half her life, had an idea during our final performance of the 2016-2017 season. The performance was titled “Concert for Peace” and featured Canadian-Lebanese soprano Miriam Khalil and the Nai Syrian Children’s Choir, which was founded with refugee choristers.
She soon realized that nearly all the choristers’ parents or caregivers, who were very new to Canada, didn’t have the money to buy tickets to hear their children perform. She went into fundraising mode, quickly raised $5,000, and ensured that any of the choristers’ families or caregivers had a ticket to this special concert.
Having raised more than enough money, she then thought about expanding the project and reached out to the newcomer sponsorship and settlement network.
Since then, Orchestra Toronto’s Welcome Seats Program has aimed to give music lovers who are new to Canada the ability to enjoy a concert without worrying about the challenges of resettling. This allows them to have a normal, fun, and enjoyable afternoon of orchestral music with their families for free.
How important is it to take these kinds of steps to make newcomers feel welcome in this country? Music has such a potential for community building.
Taking steps like the Welcome Seats Program to make newcomers feel welcome is crucial in fostering a sense of community and belonging. When people leave their home countries, often under distressing circumstances, the challenges of adapting to a new environment can be overwhelming. Offering newcomers a chance to experience cultural events, such as orchestra performances, not only provides them with a temporary escape from their worries but also helps them connect with the local culture and community.
Music, with its universal appeal, serves as a powerful tool for community building, breaking down language and cultural barriers, and creating shared experiences that bring people together.
What value do you think it has for newcomers to Canada?
The value of the Welcome Seats Program for newcomers to Canada is multifaceted. Firstly, it offers them a warm welcome and a gesture of goodwill, reinforcing the idea that they are valued and supported in their new country.
Experiencing a classical music concert can be a profound cultural enrichment, exposing them to new forms of artistic expression and helping them integrate into the cultural fabric of their new home.
Moreover, attending these performances can provide a much-needed respite from the stress of resettling, offering moments of peace, joy, and inspiration. For many newcomers, it might be their first encounter with live classical music, creating lasting positive memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.
What kind of feedback have you gotten from people who’ve attended concerts via the program?
The feedback from those who have attended concerts through the Welcome Seats Program has been overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees express their gratitude for the opportunity to experience live music and describe how the concerts have brought joy and a sense of normalcy during a challenging period of their lives.
For instance, Elena Petrov, new to Canada for only five months from Ukraine, mentioned that the program helped her family feel a sense of belonging and joy. Ahmed Khan, from Turkey, who has been in Canada for a little over a year, highlighted how the music uplifted his spirits and provided a source of inspiration. Similarly, Fatima Hassan from Syria shared that the concerts brought immense joy and comfort to her and her children, making them feel at home in a new country. These testimonials underscore the program’s impact on fostering a sense of community and providing emotional support to newcomers.
How many people have benefited so far? Do some of the people who participate come back to attend concerts on their own?
Since its inception in 2017, the Welcome Seats Program has served more than 900 newcomers from various countries, including Ukraine, Syria, Poland, Egypt, and many more. The program has seen significant growth, especially during this current 2023-24 season.
Many participants who experience the concerts through the program express a strong desire to return on their own with their family and friends. When they do come back on their own, they often make a point to say hello to me during intermission and are excited to introduce me to their family and friends. It’s especially touching because after the concert, I touch base with them to get feedback, and they then have my personal email to share photos and thoughts. It’s so heartwarming and literally brings tears to my eyes — happy tears! It’s a very powerful experience for me to be making these connections.
Orchestra Toronto in the Community
Orchestra Toronto is involved in several other community based initiatives. That includes:
- Ticket donations to children’s charities;
- Mentorships for emerging young talent;
- Bursaries to musicians in need of financial assistance.
Julianna concludes, “I want to emphasize Orchestra Toronto’s dedication to inclusivity and support for all members of the community, reflecting the orchestra’s broader mission of using music to unite and inspire. The personal stories and positive feedback from program participants further illustrate the transformative impact of the Welcome Seats Program, reinforcing its significance in the lives of newcomers to Canada.
“We want to continue serving our community in any way we can, and the Welcome Seats Program allows us to do that.”
You can contact Julianna Cole [HERE] if you are interested in being a part of the Welcome Seats incredible initiative for our 2024-2025 Season.
- Orchestra Toronto’s next concert, titled Forces of Nature and featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 “Tragic”, takes place on June 8. Find more information about the performance, and tickets, [HERE].
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