The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and the Toronto Public Library (TPL) have announced the return of Symphony Storytime. An expanded version for the 2024/25 season follows a successful and popular pilot run in early 2024.
Symphony Storytime blends live storytelling with musical accompaniment by a TSO musician. The program for 2024/25 swill include eight libraries in the city, including St. Jamestown, Riverdale, and North York Central branches, along with classroom visits for students in the K-4 age group.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
Details
Admission to Symphony Storytime session is free, and each session lasts 45-minutes. Members of the library staff act as storytellers, accompanied by a TSO musician. They perform a selection of books, and young audience members will learn about different orchestral instruments as they enjoy the stories.
It’s an interactive experience that incorporates demonstrations of the instrument and its capabilities, and a Q&A session with the TSO musicians.
Also new this year…
Along with an expanded reach via more libraries and classroom visits, the 2024/25 program includes sensory-friendly Relaxed Storytime sessions. Two will be offered during the season in a sensory-friendly environment designed for neurodiverse children, including young people on the autism spectrum.
“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!”
Schedule
- Friday, November 29, 2024 – Family Storytime | St. Jamestown, 495 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON M4X 1K7
- Saturday, January 11, 2025 – Relaxed Storytime for Neurodiverse Children, S. Walter Stewart, 170 Memorial Park Ave, East York, ON M4J 2K5
- Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Family Storytime, Riverdale, 370 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2M8
- Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Family Storytime, Wychwood, 1431 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3J2
- Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Class Visit, Maria A. Schucka, 1745 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6E 2H4
- Friday, May 9, 2025 – Class Visit, Main Street, 137 Main St, Toronto, ON M4E 2V9
- Saturday, May 31, 2025 – Relaxed Storytime for Neurodiverse Children, North York Central, 5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9
- Thursday, June 5, 2025 – Class Visit, High Park, 228 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L7
Find more details about the November 29 Symphony Storytime session [HERE], and find future dates on the TPL or TSO websites.
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