Mission The Scarborough Philharmonic (SPO) is committed to serving the community of Scarborough by assuming a leadership role in the artistic life of this vibrant city of 625,000 people. We intend to accomplish this by further expanding our reach into the diverse and varied sectors of the community, and by doing so, continue to build, empower and develop the arts and audiences in the community. The SPO works to create high quality performances of symphonic and chamber music. Supporting and promoting Canadian composers and their music is a priority, as well as fostering and mentoring new generation and young musicians. The SPO reaches out to connect with under-served members of the community through discounted and free tickets as well as targeted community concerts. Our vision is to create an environment of Inclusiveness, Equality, and Diversity through the arts. We believe music and the arts have the ability to unite people. Mandate The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra’s mandate is to offer high-quality, affordable concerts to the Scarborough community at large and to support Canadian composers, new generation artists, music students, and the local musical/artistic communities of Scarborough. Scarborough is a city of 625,000 people and is underserved by cultural organizations in comparison with other Toronto areas. The SPO is a neighbourhood orchestra working to promote music and connect with diverse and varied communities in the city. Canadian music and fostering the next generation of creatives and performers is a priority in programming. History The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), founded in 1980, has been serving Scarborough for 40 years. In 2009, the SPO welcomed its current Music Director, Ronald Royer, raising the artistic standards of the orchestra to a new level with performances of major repertoire . The SPO regularly commissions and performs new Canadian works.