Our story · Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra
Started by parents. Built by kids.
In 2000, students finishing elementary school had nowhere to keep playing steelpan. So their families and their teacher built somewhere.
Musical director and founder
Salmon Cupid
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Salmon Cupid taught steelpan in Toronto schools for decades. Many TASSO players first picked up sticks in his program at Rosedale Public School.
He is also the inventor of the world's first electronic steelpan, taking an instrument born in Trinidad's panyards into the digital age.
Every Friday, he's in the rehearsal room. Same energy. Same standards. Twenty-five years on.
Innovation
The world's first electronic steelpan.
Salmon Cupid's invention keeps the feel of playing a pan while opening it up to new sounds and settings. [PLACEHOLDER: add year, name of instrument and technical detail confirmed by the client.]
Milestones
25 years, one beat at a time.
2000
TASSO is founded
Salmon Cupid and a group of parents start an orchestra so students can keep playing steelpan after elementary school.
2004
Scotland
First appearance at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival.
2007
Gold at the Sydney Opera House
The orchestra wins Gold on one of the world's most famous stages.
2009
Back to Aberdeen
A return to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival.
2011
Italy
The first Italian tour.
2013
Vienna
TASSO performs in Austria.
2016–17
Gold again in Sydney
The orchestra returns to the Sydney Opera House and wins Gold again.
2019
Raptors parade + Spain
The only steel band in the Toronto Raptors championship parade, and a tour through Spain.
2023
Italy, again
Florence, Cremona, Todi and Montecatini.
2024
120th Santa Claus Parade
Part of Toronto's Santa Claus Parade on its 120th edition.
2025
France + 25th Anniversary Gala
A July tour of France, and a gala at Liberty Grand to celebrate 25 years.