Symphony Storytime is back for a second year in expanded form, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and the Toronto Public Library (TPL) have announced.
The program brings together live storytelling and musical performances and will visit eight libraries across the city. It will also offer classroom visits to students from kindergarten to Grade 4.
"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,” said Toronto Symphony Orchestra CEO Mark Williams.
Each 45-minute session pairs a TSO musician who will play live music while library staff reads and performs a selection of books, the TSO said in a release.
Children can hear stories, learn about different instruments, participate in musical demonstrations, and have the opportunity to engage with musicians through Q&A sessions.
“Music and literacy share so much in common," Williams said. "The rhythms in music echo those in spoken language, helping children develop sound processing skills that are fundamental to literacy.”
Building on last year’s successful pilot, the program has expanded with two new features: classroom visits and two sensory-friendly "Relaxed Storytime" sessions, which will offer a sensory-friendly environment designed for neurodiverse children, including those on the autism spectrum.
“It’s becoming increasingly important to engage children in activities that foster literacy skills development," added Leah Fiore, manager of children’s programs at TPL.
"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!”
Admission to the storytimes is free. The TSO will visit various TPL locations from November until June, including:
- Friday, Nov. 29 – Family Storytime
- St. Jamestown, 495 Sherbourne St., Toronto
- Saturday, Jan. 11 – Relaxed Storytime for Neurodiverse Children
- S. Walter Stewart, 170 Memorial Park Ave, East York
- Saturday, Feb. 1 – Family Storytime
- Riverdale, 370 Broadview Ave., Toronto
- Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Family Storytime
- Wychwood, 1431 Bathurst St., Toronto
- Thursday, April 10 – Class Visit
- Maria A. Schucka, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W., York
- Friday, May 9 – Class Visit
- Main Street, 137 Main St., Toronto
- Saturday, May 31 – Relaxed Storytime for Neurodiverse Children
- North York Central, 5120 Yonge St., North York
- Thursday, June 5 – Class Visit
- High Park, 228 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto
For more about Symphony Storytime, visit TSO.ca
