SPO Musical Visitors Program

With the support of funding from Canada’s New Horizon’s for Seniors Program, the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra is responding to a community need voiced by long‑term care facilities. The benefits of live music to promote social interaction, lift spirits, and spark memories are supported by medical research. We are looking for SPO musicians interested in joining us for this pilot project.

This program will feature SPO musicians and a few others (e.g., a singer, pianist, or guitarist). It is a paying gig running from late August 2025 through March 2026 and has two components.

• Present a one‑hour chamber music event to an audience of seniors at three different Scarborough seniors’ residences. Approximately seven ensemble units will be selected for this program.
• Visit individual seniors with serious health issues to provide music and conversation.
• Perform accessible classical music and arrangements of more popular music (including movie tunes, Broadway songs, pop songs, etc.).
• Interact with seniors, providing information about the music, encouraging participation, and recording short 5–7 minute feedback sessions with a provided form.
• Attend a one‑hour mandatory online training session to understand what senior homes are looking for.
• Coordinate with Ted Runcie for program specifics.
• Musicians can apply as an individual or an ensemble.

• A small ensemble of 2 to 4 musicians will be paid for one rehearsal and three concerts; an individual musician will be paid for three concerts.
• Chamber music concerts/events will occur mainly on weekdays, morning or afternoon. Occasional evening or Saturday concerts are possible, and two concerts in one day may be booked.
• There is a budget to buy sheet music for non‑classical music.
• Musicians will be given a form to collect and record feedback from the seniors after each event.

Please contact the SPO for specific pay information.

Musicians can apply as an individual or an ensemble.

Why are you a good candidate to play in the series?