The Toronto-based Ontario Pops Orchestra highlights the work of women and BIPOC composers and instrumentalists and is one of the most diverse professional orchestras in Canada. Their debut album Breaking Barriers (rel. March 31, 2023) features concertos by Bach and Vivaldi performed by violinists Tanya Charles Iveniuk, Yanet Campbell Secades and bassoonist Marlene Ngalissamy, all led by OPO founder, conductor, and music director Carlos Bastidas. We spoke to Bastidas about the group’s mission, the new album, and what the orchestra plan’s to do next.
What prompted you to form the Ontario Pops Orchestra?
In the Greater Toronto Area, there are several professional orchestras and about 20 community orchestras but there no symphonic pops orchestras, so we wanted to fill that cultural gap. We have been very successful in attracting new audiences to our online and in person concerts.
Tell us about the repertoire that is typical for the orchestra to perform?
In our concert programs, I mix in popular classical pieces as well as movie soundtracks, Broadway songs and light classical concerti.
How did you choose the three soloists on Breaking Barriers?
I wanted to feature three professional black women musicians to help bring diversity to the classical music world.
What plans are on the horizon for the OPO?
We are one of the most diverse professional orchestras in Canada. I want to continue to grow that equity and diversity.
We are reaching to new audiences by taking the orchestra from the concert hall into public spaces to perform free concerts for everyone to enjoy, not just the patrons who can afford to pay for concert tickets. Music should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. I feel this is important for the future of classical music.