Noteworthy

At the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, we believe music has the power to connect, inspire, and enrich lives—reaching people of all ages and stages, from children to seniors, and across diverse cultural communities. In TSO Touchpoints, a series celebrating the many ways the TSO makes an impact beyond the stage, we’re shining a light on the programs that bring music to life in unique and meaningful ways. This month, we’re taking a closer look at Symphony Storytime, an initiative blending music and storytelling to spark joy and imagination in libraries and classrooms across Toronto.

Picture this: a child curled up on a library carpet, eyes wide as a storybook comes to life—not just in words, but through the warm, rich tones of a live cello or the playful trill of a flute. That’s the magic of Symphony Storytime. It’s more than just reading and more than just music; it’s a chance for kids to experience storytelling in a whole new way. And it’s no wonder the program has become a favourite for families across Toronto.

This season, we’re thrilled to announce that Symphony Storytime is not only returning but also growing. With new stories, musical adventures, and even more locations, we’re reaching more children and families than ever before—turning libraries and classrooms into spaces where imagination and melody collide.

Each 45-minute session is a delightful mix of live storytelling, musical performance, and interactive exploration. A TSO musician pairs with TPL staff to present carefully chosen storybooks with live music weaving through the narrative that brings the story to life. Children learn about different instruments, ask questions, and even try their hand at making music themselves.

“I’m an avid reader myself, and I love working with children, so this was a wonderful opportunity to combine two of my favourite things,” says TSO Flute Leonie Wall. “This was also the first time I had composed my own music to go along with the book, and I enjoyed it so much that I’m hoping to do it again for my Storytime date later this year. We got lots of very engaged kids who asked some great questions about both the books and the music.”

Building on last year’s successful pilot, the expanded program now includes class visits and Symphony Storytime for Neurodiverse Children sessions. These sensory-friendly experiences are designed to welcome Neurodiverse children, including those on the autism spectrum, into a comfortable and inclusive environment.

Building on last year’s successful pilot, the program is also introducing Relaxed Storytime sessions. Designed to welcome neurodiverse children, including those on the autism spectrum, these sensory-friendly experiences create an inclusive, comfortable environment for all.

“The Relaxed Symphony Storytime was a really special event to be involved in,” says TSO Assistant Principal Cello Winona Zelenka. “I loved the process of finding musical snippets to help bring the stories alive, and then to be so close to the children reacting to the narrator and the music together, in such an intimate setting, was amazing! It was as if my imagination and theirs met in a magical way.” 

But the impact of Symphony Storytime goes beyond fun and games—it’s an educational journey, too.

Mark Williams, the TSO’s Beck Family CEO, emphasizes the deeper benefits: “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.”

The Toronto Public Library agrees. Leah Fiore, TPL’s Manager of Children’s Programs, reflects on the partnership: “By introducing music into our storytimes, 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!”

Caregivers and parents: help spark your child’s lifelong love of music and storytelling. Check your local library’s schedule and join the TSO and TPL for an inspiring experience that nurtures curiosity and creativity. Learn more at TSO.CA/Symphony-Storytime.