Toronto Tech CEO Pays $400,000 to Conduct the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in Mahler’s Resurrection
Mandle Cheung, 78, took the podium at Roy Thomson Hall after personally funding a one-night performance.
By: Joshua Wright Jun. 27, 2025
The New York Times reports that Mandle Cheung, a 78-year-old technology CEO and amateur conductor, paid nearly $400,000 to lead the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony at Roy Thomson Hall.
The concert, which took place outside the Toronto Symphony's regular season, was organized by the Mandle Philharmonic, an ensemble Cheung founded in 2018. The event featured the full orchestra, the Amadeus Choir, and two vocal soloists.
Cheung covered significant costs, including a reported $337,000 fee to the orchestra, a $45,000 venue rental, and around $15,000 for soloists. The Toronto Symphony’s CEO said the event aligned with efforts to generate new revenue, as only a portion of the orchestra’s annual budget comes from ticket sales.
The decision drew mixed reactions from orchestra members. Some appreciated Cheung’s support, while others raised concerns about an untrained conductor leading a complex piece. Cheung said he had prepared extensively with over 10 rehearsals before working with the orchestra.
The performance reportedly concluded with a standing ovation, and Cheung has expressed interest in conducting with other orchestras in the future.
Photo Credit: Allan Cabral
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