The Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra

Paolo is an Italian Canadian, whose first language was Italian. He has conducted and performed all over the globe and lived in Canada, Italy, and France.

 

The Maestro studied conducting with Maestro Pierre Dervau in France; in Italy, with Maestro Leon Barzon and at Loma Linda University, California, with Maestro Herbert Blomsted. Paolo earned his Laureate after completing his conducting studies from Maestro Franco Ferrar in Sienna. Paolo earned his Masters of Music and a Prix D’Excellence in organ performance at the Conservatoire de Paris after studying under famed Romantic Organist, Marie Madeleine Durufle (wife of composer, Maurice Durufle).

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The Maestro founded the Canadian American Orchestra in Paris, France in 1982 and then together with partners, Dr Samuel Dolan and Patricia Moorehead, they founded the Canadian Contemporary workshop Orchestra, Toronto, 1984 which thrives to this day.

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Maestro Paolo is also artistic director of both the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra and the Italian Canadian Symphony Orchestra.

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He is also a trained baritone and studied with Dixie Ross and Bill Neill at McGill University; with baritone, Louie Quilico, Inna Goldsband and Tomoko Okada (Interpretation), who is also Jeaneane Alemeyer’s coach in Germany (Wagnerian Soprano).

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The Maestro has several instrumental, choral and vocal albums.

Select recordings available on iTunes:
• Toronto Virtuoso Ensemble – Classical Instrumental (an organ and two trumpets)
• Le Note Del Folklore Regionale Italiano - Italian traditional
• Nessun Dorma – Opera/Classical
• Paolo – Easy Jazz/Contemporary

Catriona's background is Marketing & Communications, Strategic Partnership and Fundraising Management, and Event and Concert Planning in the not-for-profit sector. Catriona recently completed her degree studies in: Not for Profit and Voluntary Sector Management, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management.

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A few career highlights are Catriona's success in working with: the Columbus Performing Arts Council coordinating the council and planning concerts for the Columbus Belle Voci, private label orchestra, the Ermanno Mauro Master Class, and assisting the Columbus Concert Band. She was also a lead for Furniture Bank's Chair Affair Gala for two years. In 2018, she co-chaired the Gala, and brought in host, Todd Talbot from Love it or List it Vancouver, as well as Canadian Crooner, Matt Dusk; it was their highest grossing fundraiser. Catriona founded the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Busato and in partnership with Casa Loma and Liberty Entertainment Group.

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Catriona developed and ran the Get Active Toronto Initiative, which was a successful citywide partnership (aimed at increasing physical activity in at-risk populations) between the public, private and not for profit sectors from 2007-2012. Through her efforts, this group released annual reports on physical activity.

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RE: 2012 Get Active Toronto Report on Physical Activity - Physical Activity IS the Best Medicine

“This is outstanding, Catriona! . Congratulations on your extraordinary leadership on this important cause. Well done!” Scott Haldane, President and CEO YMCA Canada

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RE: 2012 Recipient of $400,000 five-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation – their largest grant. “This is great news. I don't recall us ever receiving so much funding from Trillium on this project. Thank you for your good work in pulling the proposal together - it really resonated with our funder!” Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health, City of Toronto.

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RE: Columbus Performing Arts Council Sponsorship and Coordinating 2015 VCLA Valentine’s Charity Gala “This was the best Valentine's I have ever had, to be honest. Who knew people could feel so happy and relaxed and connected? You really pulled off something very special, and I am humbled at your talent and so pleased we could raise so much money from so few.” Christine Bentley, Award winning Canadian Journalist and emcee of the Gala.