Donor Profile

Bob Corcoran: Philanthropy is Fun!

I started coming to the TSO when I was dating Ann. She had studied music, loved it and classical music was part of her life. If I wanted to be part of her life as well, the TSO would be part of mine, and we have both participated fully. Those early concerts were in Massey Hall, and our seats were frequently behind a pillar. What a joy it was to move from that venerable, old dowager to the modern ambiance of Roy Thomson Hall with its sun-filled, spacious lobbies, donors lounge, and underground parking—and no pillars!

My own early exposure to music was in church, both singing in the choir and playing the old pump organ. Even though I went to Danforth Technical School, music was part of the curriculum. In Grade 9, Dr. Davis introduced us to the symphony instruments and we knew them all before the end of the year.

Attending Lang Lang’s 101 Pianists has been a highlight of this anniversary season. I consider it to be a memorable and historic event for the symphony. Knowing that our support has helped this warm and generous musician provide the experience of a lifetime to 100 aspiring children cannot be equalled. Being on stage with him is an experience they will never forget.

We also support the orchestra because of the musicians. Each person on stage is a master musician. They read music like we read a book. If hockey players practised as many hours as our musicians, then they would all be 50-goal scorers.

Being a supporter of the Orchestra and a member of the Board for over 19 years has introduced Ann and me to friends that share a common love of music. In business you can become isolated in your own circle, but meeting other audience members and musicians has provided unique experiences. One of our passions is vintage automobile rallies. One year, I shipped a 1934 Packard to Finland and Ann and I were privileged to have Jukka-Pekka Saraste as our tour guide in Helsinki. I must admit, as well as making friends, our involvement has provided me with great business opportunities.

Travelling with the orchestra has been a wonderful experience. We have seen the TSO perform in famous halls throughout the world. One of the highlights was an after-concert party in an alley-way outside of Carnegie Hall, and who besides the TSO would arrange a real “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Parallel tours are a wonderful opportunity to spend more time with the musicians and other members of the TSO family.

All these experiences remind us of why we support the TSO. We think classical music is important and is important to the city. With the ever evolving demographics of Toronto, the audience of the TSO is evolving too, and more and more people are enjoying our Orchestra. This is reflected in the sales of tickets to tsoundcheck members and in the tens of thousands of children that attend Student Concerts. At some point, the donor base will mirror that new audience. Until then, we all need to give just a little more.