MJ

Andrew, How do you like living and working in Canada? Do think some day you might come back to the US? Would you like to come back? I have been to Toronto before and thought it was great but that was about 14 years ago.

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amtrpt

Hi MJ,
I wasn't sure when I first moved here if I would like it or not. As it turns out I love it. I like the politics, universal health care, the people, the low crime rate, everything. When the TSO had trouble a few years ago I came back to the US for two years with the Dallas Symphony. I liked being back, but I didn't mind moving back to Canada at all.
Toronto is a great city. I think that because it's in Canada a lot of people may not know what's here. For instance Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America behind New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The population is somewhere between five and six million. It's also the most culturally diverse city in the world based on population. There are three orchestras here, the National Ballet Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, and the TSO. Right now I think there are either two or three major musicals playing in the city. I could go on, but I'm sure you get my point, it's a cool place to live!
I can't imagine coming back at this point. There have been a few jobs that I thought about auditioning for, but in the end I never went. I have too many great things here to give up.
Thanks for the question. I always like the chance to talk about Toronto.
Best,
Andrew

oldlips48

Andrew,

I've been to Montreal a few times, but never to Toronto. How do the two cities compare?

Steve

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I gotta get me one of those cool slogans.....

siarr

I have to agree with Andrew. I've always found Canada to be a really mellow place. Superficially the culture is similar to ours, but somehow the people have avoided many of our major problems and hang-ups. They don't seem to be as self-centered or paranoid, and they generally seem to be more thoughtful and compassionate. Their government is also more in tune with the needs of its people and the environment than ours. Just my opinion, but if this upcoming election doesn't bring a real change here, I'll be strongly considering a move.

Cheers,
Chas

brem

Found this here...

And for Americans, here is how to understand Canada:

British Columbia = California + Oregon
Alberta = Texas + Wyoming
Saskatchewan = North North Dakota
Manitoba = Minnesota + Iowa
Ontario = New York + Michigan
Quebec = New York + France
New Brunswick = Maine without the overcrowding
Nova Scotia = Massachusetts without the overcrowding
Prince Edward Island = Delaware
Newfoundland = Maine + Iceland

he he he

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brem
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NYTC Stage 1 California Light - Wedge 3C cup w/ Warburton 7 backbore mpc
Bach Stradivarius Bb Model 37 * #124xxx (circa 1975) - Schilke 15B mpc
Yamaha YFH-731 Flugelhorn #000xxx - Yamaha 14F4-GP mpc

veery715

What I noticed most about Toronto, Montreal, and other Canadian cities (and small towns too) is there is much less litter and when you cross the street folks in their cars don't honk but wait patiently for you to finish, as if you actually were entitled to your turn. It's not urban but Urbane.

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Music = Love

Trumpets:
Lawler Bb / Olds Recording / Schilke B2
Selmer Rad 2 / Yamaha 8310Z
Holton MF ST 550S / Stage 1 California C
Easyplay mini-trumpet (????) / Chinese Special / Benetone
1934 Cleveland (HN White) 603 Silver Plate w/ Gold Bell

Kanstul ZKT 1525 Flugelhorn

Cornets:
Conn 36A / King Super 20 Master
Olds Ambassador / Conn 18A
King HN White 1904 Bb+A / Ohio Regent Soloist

Conn 16E Eb/F Mellophone

Piano, keyboards, vibes, congas, guitars, yada yada

brem

veery: drivers in Quebec are much more aggressive than in other Canadian provinces. In Quebec drivers won't acknowledge you have the right to cross the street. Elsewhere, you'll see all cars stop as soon as you put your feet in the pedestrian crossings. Big difference here.

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brem
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NYTC Stage 1 California Light - Wedge 3C cup w/ Warburton 7 backbore mpc
Bach Stradivarius Bb Model 37 * #124xxx (circa 1975) - Schilke 15B mpc
Yamaha YFH-731 Flugelhorn #000xxx - Yamaha 14F4-GP mpc

amtrpt

Hi,
I have to be careful here bcause there is a natural rivalry between Toronto and Montreal. I think both cities have a lot to offer, but they are completely different. Montreal seems a lot more European to me. The downtown isn't as big and evrything looks a little more historic than Toronto. Toronto on the other hand is very big and modern. Like Chicago for instance. It's much more north american in feel. I haven't spent much time in Montreal so I don't have a very good sense of it as a whole, but those are my impressions.
Best,
Andrew

Bloomin Untidy Musician

Great Country, with superb people. When i was last in Toronto, i found the "locals" to be amongst the most hospitable, and well mannered of anyplace that i have ever been to. Service with a smile, as opposed to a punch in the face and a swear word in England. When my wife and i were completely lost, people noticed our distress and offered to help! I have never experienced this in a large city before. If it wasn't for the transatlantic separation from my family, i would move out there tomorrow. I was especially sold on St.Lawrences Market! Wow, one of the best food markets i have ever been to.
Have a pea ham bap on me!

Joe DiMonte

Great description.
Toronto is a beautiful City that I've visited many times including the famous Massey Hall.

My favorite place ouside the City limits is Haliburton,where lives some happy,festive and laid back people I've ever seen.

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"Clark Terry - C.T.,as his friends call him,is not only a master of the trumpet and flugelhorn,but a master musician and a leader to the manor born." - Dan Morgenstern.