Esprit Orchestra

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Esprit Orchestra is Canada's only full-sized, professional orchestra devoted to performing and presenting new music.

Founded in 1983 by Music Director and Conductor, Alex Pauk, Esprit’s commitment to commissioning and advancing contemporary music has set it apart as one of the few organisations of its kind on a global scale. Esprit consistently collaborates with outstanding composers and performs with first-class soloists and ensembles from Canada and abroad.

With a dynamic annual subscription concert series, this skilled orchestra presents music that is otherwise unavailable in Canada. Esprit performances are regularly recorded and many can be viewed online in full.

In the 2024/25 "Edge of Your Seat" season, Esprit will present two "prelude" concerts, followed by the first iteration of a new International New Music Festival, welcoming to Toronto such esteemed guests as: violinist Akiko Suwanai, soprano Sophia Burgos and composers Andrew Norman, Lisa Streich and Vito Žuraj. Numerous Canadian, North American and world premieres will be heard throughout the season and featured soloists include: accordionist Michael Bridge, violinist Mark Fewer, pianist Kevin Ahfat, harpsichordist Wesley Shen and harpist Erica Goodman. Concerts will be presented at Koerner Hall and Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre.