30 Years of the Celebrity Symphony Orchestra

1994 was a remarkable year, marked by major cultural milestones. Films that became cult classics premiered in Poland—Jańcio Wodnik by Jan Jakub Kolski, Schindler’s List by Steven Spielberg, and Three Colors: Red by Krzysztof Kieślowski. That year, Edyta Górniak represented Poland for the first time at Eurovision, securing second place with “To nie ja!” Meanwhile, in Canada, Alice Munro published Open Secrets, and notable artists like Nikki Yanofsky and Justin Bieber were born. It was also the year Maestro Andrzej Rozbicki founded the Celebrity Symphony Orchestra.

In May of that year, Jerzy Burski, President of the Polish Congress of Canada, invited Maestro Rozbicki to organize a gala concert celebrating the Congress’s 50th anniversary. Rozbicki, already conducting the Brampton Symphony Orchestra, took on the challenge of assembling a full orchestra for this one-of-a-kind event. With the help of the Brampton Symphony’s manager, Karen Fedorowski, the Celebrity Symphony Orchestra (CSO) was born, premiering to great acclaim at the University of Toronto’s McMillan Theatre and marking its entry onto the Toronto music scene.

Over the last 30 years, Maestro Rozbicki has led the CSO with unflagging passion and dedication, elevating the orchestra with each performance. From Mozart and Chopin to Lutosławski, the CSO has brought masterpieces to life and accompanied internationally celebrated opera stars. The CSO has also honored significant historical and patriotic events, from concerts celebrating Pope John Paul II to the commemorations of the Warsaw Uprising’s 70th anniversary. The CSO’s productions have regularly filled concert halls and church naves, moving audiences with powerful renditions and showcasing extraordinary vocal and instrumental talent.

Under Rozbicki’s leadership, the CSO unites musicians from fifteen countries who share a deep passion for their craft. Over the years, many CSO musicians have been honored by the Polish government with the Medal of Merit for Polish Culture. The Celebrity Symphony Orchestra is a shining example of how music transcends boundaries, promotes Polish culture, and keeps traditions alive for new generations.

On November 9, join us at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga for an unforgettable concert celebrating the CSO’s 30th anniversary. Prepare for a spectacular evening featuring renowned vocalists from Poland—Rafał Brzozowski, Ewelina Szybilska, and Łukasz Gaj—as well as Canadian soprano Laura Sąsiadek and American baritone Marcel Sokalski. Before and after the performance, you’ll also have the chance to purchase a signed copy of Andrzej Rozbicki’s new book, Maestro from Toronto, detailing the CSO’s illustrious history. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of music, heritage, and artistry!