The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) welcomes members of the media to attend its concerts and to report on our events and ongoing cultural initiatives.
Key Facts:
- The SPO was founded in 1980 by Conductor Clifford Poole
- The SPO is not-for-profit community Orchestra which includes a core of paid section leaders and many community musicians
- SPO musicians include: professional players, music teachers, and music enthusiasts who share a love of music and performing
- In 1994, the SPO introduced its Composer-in-Residence Program
- In 2016, the SPO introduced its New Generation Composer Program, with select compositions having been premiered and performed by the SPO during its 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Seasons
- In 2017, the SPO formed the SPO Women’s Choir. The SPO Women’s Choir, under the leadership of Yiping Chao (featured soloist), made their debut at the “East Meets West” Concert on September 30, 2017
- In 2020, the SPO adapted to Covid-19 restrictions and moved online; an all-new SPOGreatMusic Podcast was made available on major platforms, including Apple, Google, and Spotify and posting online musical performances to YouTube.
- In 2020, the SPO began using the hashtag #SPOGreatMusic
- In March 2021, SPO was awarded the “Beckwith Award” for excellence from the Canadian Music Centre (Ontario) of the highest value and in the same year included as an exemplar for digital excellence in Orchestra Canada’s digital guide for orchestras.
- From 2022 to the present, SPO has been vigorously bouncing back from the Covid lockdown with a triumphant return to the concert stage while retaining a digital presence and a diverse range of programs.
- From 2023 to 2025 SPO has been engaged in significant organizational development and information upgrades made possible through generous funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Community Services Recovery Fund.
Media Contact: For more information or to arrange an interview with one of our Team, please contact spo@spo.ca