Toronto Symphony Orchestra Receives $10 Million Donation

October 30, 2019

The estate of long-standing Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) supporters and patrons Tom and Mary Beck has donated $10 million to the orchestra. The gift is the largest single donation in the orchestra’s history, and brings the lifetime giving of the Beck family to the TSO to over $20 million.

In accordance with the wishes of the family, the gift has been directed toward the support of key artistic initiatives over the coming years, as well as important financial objectives including the reduction of the accumulated deficit and growing the Toronto Symphony Foundation endowment.

“The Becks’ support ensures continued bold artistic programming in the coming seasons, and will reinforce investments in education, community engagement, and audience development, which are all vital to the mission of the TSO,” says Matthew Loden, CEO.

“Tom and Mary Beck were the kind of friends and supporters that every arts organization dreams of,” says Sir Andrew Davis, the TSO’s interim artistic director. “They loved the music of the Toronto Symphony passionately and believed that what it gave, and continues to give, to Toronto and the world is no mere luxury but rather a vital part of the fabric of life.”

In addition to their generous donations over the years, the Becks showed their love of the symphony with their time and energy. Tom, who passed away in 2015, sat on the board of directors for 22 years, and served as chair in the early 80s. Mary, who passed away last year, was a constant and supportive presence, beloved by the musicians.