The Royal Conservatory of Music is launching the Orchestrated series, a new program to add to Koerner Hall’s schedule. Orchestrated pairs some of today’s most inventive artists in a range of genres with the musical power of Canada’s premiere student ensemble, the Royal Conservatory Orchestra.
The reimagined concert format blends live orchestral performance with immersive social experiences that include pre-show gatherings, signature cocktails, and afterparties featuring some of Toronto’s top DJs.
“We’re thrilled to launch our new Orchestrated series showcasing RCM’s Glenn Gould School students performing side-by-side with groundbreaking artists,” said Alexander Brose, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory. “From global stars to emerging voices, Orchestrated reflects the Conservatory’s deep commitment to creating transformative cultural experiences that inspire and connect us all.”
It’s a new experience for music lovers with broad ranging tastes.
GRAMMY-nominated guitar virtuoso Cory Wong, known for his work on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, among other things, kicks off the series on December 11, 2025.
After the concert, The Legendary DJ Blackcatt keeps the party going with an exclusive post-show set.
Cory Wong
American guitarist, songwriter, record producer, and video producer Cory Juen Wong is based in Minneapolis. Wong attended the University of Minnesota and the McNally Smith College of Music, and at age 20 he decided to pursue music professionally.
Known for his funky guitar work, Cory’s own style spans genres such as jazz, classic rock, and funk. He’s toured the world to sold out crowds. Wong is known not only for his music, but for his collaborations with a wide variety of artists. That includes musicians like Dr. Mambo’s Combo, Chris Thile, Dave Matthews Band, and in 2020, the Metropole Orkest, based in The Netherlands.
On the release of his 2024 studio album recorded with Metropole Orkest in 2024, Wong wrote, https://www.mo.nl/en/2024/07/cory-wong-launches-new-album-with-the-metropole-orkest
“Collaboration in its purest form means that both artists are involved and bring out something in each other that they could never achieve alone. That’s why I love to collaborate. It keeps my creative spirit running and inspired. A few years ago, I did a short series of concerts with the Metropole Orkest, and since then, we have discussed working on a project together. I have never seen an orchestra so versatile in playing both classical and groove-based music. I knew we could capture something very special if I brought them together with my band.”
His 2020 album Live in Amsterdam’ With The Metropole Orkest charted to No. 10 on the Billboard Jazz chart.
Cory Wong & Metropole Orkest – Simon (LIVE IN AMSTERDAM) in 2020:
The Orchestrated Series in 2026
The series continues with two more concerts in 2026.
Kishi Bashi (January 22, 2026)
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi — aka Kaoru Ishibashi — is a virtuoso violinist, and graduate of the Berklee College of Music. He toured internationally with artists like Regina Spektor before launching a solo career.
His music is cinematic, and defies categorization with a blend of genres that include orchestral rock, city pop, and Brazilian jazz. Along with his work as a solo recording artist, he scored the Apple TV+ series Stillwater and released the companion album Emigrant.
Dragonette with Tiny Sun (May 14, 2026)
Together, pop singer-songwriter Dragonette, film composer Jonathan Goldsmith, and The Henrys frontman Don Rooke form an innovative trio whose music crosses genre boundaries with a playful spirit.
Martina Sorbara, better known as the electro-pop act Dragonette, is a JUNO award-winning artist, and a songwriter who’s written global hits that include Pick Up the Phone, Let it Go, and the chart-topping Hello with Martin Solveig. She has headlined shows, and performed before thousands of fans at Coachella, Glastonbury, and other major international festivals, along with supporting acts like Duran Duran, New Order, Ke$ha, and Mike Snow.
- Find show details and tickets for the December 11 concert featuring Cory Wong [HERE].
- Find details on the whole Orchestrated series [HERE].
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