Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Public Library Partner for Symphony Storytime

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and the Toronto Public Library (TPL) are thrilled to announce the return of Symphony Storytime, an interactive program that brings together live storytelling and musical performances. Now expanded for the 2024/25 season, the program will visit eight libraries across the city, including St. Jamestown, Riverdale, and North York Central branches, as well as offering classroom visits to K-4 students.

Each 45-minute session pairs a TSO musician with library staff to read and perform a selection of books with live musical accompaniment. Children will enjoy captivating stories, learn about different instruments, participate in interactive musical demonstrations, and have the opportunity to engage with TSO musicians through Q&A sessions.

“Symphony Storytime is all about the joy of discovering both books and music, creating a space where children and families can experience that magic together,” says Mark Williams, Beck Family CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. “Music and literacy share so much in common—the rhythms in music echo those in spoken language, helping children develop sound processing skills that are fundamental to literacy. We’re thrilled to see Symphony Storytime take flight across Toronto, bringing these enriching experiences to even more families this season.”

Building on last year’s successful pilot, Symphony Storytime has expanded across the city with two exciting new features: classroom visits and sensory-friendly Relaxed Storytime sessions. This season, two Relaxed Storytime sessions will offer a sensory-friendly environment designed for neurodiverse children, including those on the autism spectrum, to ensure a welcoming and comfortable experience for all. Additionally, the new classroom visits will bring interactive and enriching musical experiences directly to young learners across Toronto.

“It’s becoming increasingly important to engage children in activities that foster literacy skills development," says Leah Fiore, Manager of Children’s Programs at Toronto Public Library. "That’s why we’re so excited to collaborate with partners like the TSO to enhance storytimes at the library. By introducing music into these programs, we know we’ll inspire children to explore stories that ignite their curiosity, introduce them to new interests, and help them become confident, lifelong learners—and lovers of music!” ​ ​ ​ ​ 

Symphony Storytime at the TPL Parkdale Branch with TSO Violin James Wallenberg. January 19, 2024. (Photo by Allan Cabral/Courtesy of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra)Kids explore TSO Violin James Wallenberg's violin case at a Symphony Storytime.. January 19, 2024. (Photo by Allan Cabral/Courtesy of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra)Symphony Storytime at the TPL Parkdale Branch with TSO Violin James Wallenberg. January 19, 2024. (Photo by Allan Cabral/Courtesy of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra)

Details

Admission: Free

Location: Various Toronto Public Library branches

Dates: 

For more information about Symphony Storytime, visit TSO.CA.

About the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

For more than a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a fundamental role in shaping and celebrating Canadian culture. The TSO’s commitment to musical excellence and ability to spark connection remain as strong as ever. With a storied history of acclaimed concerts and recordings, Canadian and international tours, and impactful community partnerships, we are dedicated to engaging and enriching local and national communities through vibrant musical experiences. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings an expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity, and sense of adventure to programming the 93-musician orchestra that serves Toronto—one of the world’s most diverse cities. As a group of artists, teachers, and advocates who share the belief that music has the power to heal, inspire, and connect people from all walks of life, we engage audiences young and old through an array of community-access, health-and-wellness, and education initiatives including the TSO-affiliated Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra—a tuition-free training program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Canadian artists. Join us for a concert at Roy Thomson Hall, or experience the TSO in your neighbourhood. Visit TSO.CA or Newsroom.TSO.CA.

About Toronto Public Library

Toronto Public Library is the biggest and busiest public library system in North America, with more than 46 million annual visits to our branches and online. We empower Torontonians to thrive in the digital age and knowledge economy through easy access to technology, lifelong learning, and diverse cultural and leisure experiences, where, when and how our customers need us. To learn more, visit tpl.ca, email Answerline at answerline@tpl.ca or follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to email updates.

The TSO relies on the generosity of thousands of donors and partners who provide a critical base of funding that makes possible all of the TSO’s music-making on stage and in the community. 

The TSO acknowledges Mary Beck as the Musicians’ Patron in perpetuity for her generous and longstanding support.

The TSO’s Education and Community Engagement programs are generously supported by the Barrett Family Foundation.

The TSO is grateful for the support of the Toronto Symphony Foundation and all levels of government, including the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario.