The Orchestra

Since 1976, the Hart House Orchestra has provided an opportunity for musical fellowship among members of the University of Toronto community with training and interest in performing symphonic works.

The Orchestra is based in Hart House, a unique cultural and recreational centre at the heart of the University of Toronto, St. George Campus in downtown Toronto.

The Orchestra is comprised of 80 to 90 musicians. Membership is determined annually by audition. Auditions are open to university students at all levels of study, alumni, faculty, staff and Hart House senior members. In a typical season the HHO performs three concerts at home and one concert on the road in another city in Ontario, Quebec or the northern United States. In February 2017 the HHO will perform for the first time at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Administration of the orchestra is run by a committee of nominated volunteer members.


[ Click here ] for an outline of orchestra membership requirements. Open rehearsals begin the first week in September, followed by auditions in mid-September. For more information please contact the Porter’s Desk or Rick Palidwor, Club and Registered Programs Associate: rick.palidwor _at_ utoronto.ca / 416-978-5363.

On an annual basis the Orchestra runs two concerto competitions, one internal (open to HHO membership) and one external (open to the community). The winning soloists perform with the orchestra in one of the concerts.

The Music Director and Principal Conductor of the HHO is Henry Janzen.