History of the Timmins Symphony Orchestra

Much to the delight of music lovers in the community, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra began in 1979 under the baton of the late Emil First. The Orchestra was formed by an ambitious group of musicians and supporters who were inspired after a successful woodwind receital in July of that year. The first Board of directors was also formed; and the first rehearsal took place on September 17th, 1979.

For their inaugural performance in December 1979, the TSO performed alongside the the Timmins Concert Singers (formerly the Timmins Youth Singers directed by Rosanne Simunovic). The initial program included music such as Handel's March from Scipio, Haydn's Adante from The Surprise Symphony, Bizet's Farandole and music from Rogers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music.

Past conductors of the TSO include Emil First, Tony Ciccone, Roy Takayesu and Geoffrey James Lee. Mr. Matthew Jones now conducts both the Timmins Symphony Orchestra and Timmins Symphony Chorus.

Over the past few decades, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra has evolved from its modest beginnings as a volunteer group, to a well-respected icon in the community. The Orchestra's membership has grown to approximately 50 members, that remain at their core a volunteer run organization. In 2009, the TSO celebrates their 30th Anniversary.

In 2004, the Timmins Symphony Chorus was formed and its membership in 2008 for the Messiah Chorus, has grown to upwards of 70 members. In 2009, the Timmins Symphony Chorus celebrates their 5th Anniversary.

A crowd pleaser, the Chorus has performed such ambitious works as Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Mozart's Requiem, Faure's Requiem, Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, selections from Carmina Burana and many other excellent pieces.

Included under the organization's umbrella is the Geoffrey James Lee School of Music (renamed in 2000 after the TSO's late conductor Geoffrey James Lee).

The music school began at the local college with conductor Emil First offering lessons to a small group of students.

Today the Music School has evolved employing 3 full time, 3 part time teachers and a Music Director. Instruction is offered on violin, viola, fiddle, cello, string bass, woodwinds, brass, bassoon, clarinet, french horn, oboe, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, music theory and 'Kindermusik.'

“Music is the silence between the notes.” - Claude Debussy