About
Orchestras Mississauga (OM), is a registered charitable organization, incorporated as a not-for-profit. It includes both the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and the Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO). A mainstay of the cultural scene in Mississauga since 1972, OM was born out of desire from the community to give talented musicians an opportunity to perform and share beautiful, powerful and inspiring symphonic music that awakens curiosity while connecting a community of people from all walks of life.
Starting with a modest offering of four concerts per season, OM now performs over 12 concerts each season. Recent seasons have included fully staged operas and sell-out popular music concerts such as Star Wars. The MSO musicians includes over 100 professionals and gifted amateur musicians, while the MSYO has over 150 young musicians ranging in age from 8 to 18, all under the musical direction of Maestro Denis Mastromonaco.
The orchestras rehearse and perform in Hammerson Hall in the Living Arts Centre to audiences from all
walks of life and of all ages. As well, Orchestras Mississauga does outreach to the community through
online digital activities including livestreaming, and with live performances in shopping malls, seniors’ homes, Canada Day parade, and other events as they arise. Designated a “pillar” cultural organization by the City of Mississauga, the orchestra had built its pre-pandemic audience to over 7,000 and plans to exceed this number post-pandemic.
Our Impact
Touching every person we meet
Music has the power to uplift, communicate and transform people. The MSO reaches thousands of people in Mississauga and beyond, every year. With a live audience of nearly 7,000 each season, and online viewers surpassing 10,000 from Hong Kong, Argentina, Italy, France, Germany, Czech Republic, UK, and more, we strive to move every soul we touch.
Making the Symphony accessible
Sadly, since the COVID pandemic, many people can no long afford the luxury to attend concerts. Therefore, the MSO makes it a priority to make its music accessible to as many people as possible. Through significant support from the culture division of the City of Mississauga, and through programs such as New Horizons for Seniors, and support from the Community Foundation and Ontario Trillium Foundation, the MSO is able to expand its reach and connect more people to the music.
Education is key
It is becoming increasingly difficult for kids to get exposure to classical music. Through our Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra program, talented and motivated children have an opportunity to learn about the power of music, and perform for an audience who delights in seeing the next generation keep the culture alive.
