Toronto, September 30, 2004 ---- Orchestra Toronto kicks off its 50^th Anniversary Season with the first of five themed concerts entitled "Russian Storytellers" on Sunday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m. with Mike Filey - author, columnist, public speaker and Toronto historian - narrating one of the most loved Russian musical tales Peter and the Wolf.

"Orchestra Toronto is very excited to be celebrating this historic milestone of 50 years," says music director, Errol Gay. "And to have one of Toronto’s most distinguished historians, Mike Filey, as our guest narrator to kick off the season, couldn’t be a more appropriate choice. He will be performing with a superb group of volunteer musicians whose level of commitment, enthusiasm and musicianship is second to none."

The concert program will open with the Festive Overture by Shostakovich. Mike Filey’s narration of Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev will be followed by another popular Russian musical tale by Rimsky-Korsakov entitled Scheherazade, Op.35.

Other events will also help kick off this first concert. Artist-in-Residence Catherine Manoukian will give a Pre-concert talk at 2:00 p.m. This talented and articulate soloist was appointed last spring to the newly created position and adds a new dimension of music education as an extra bonus for Orchestra Toronto’s audience.

And at intermission, an Instrument Petting Zoo, compliments of Long & McQuade  will take place in the lobby area for children and parents/grandparents alike. This was a popular addition to last year’s program and demonstrates further Orchestra Toronto’s commitment to becoming a family destination where all generations of families can meet together for Sunday afternoon concerts of music, fun and education.

All Orchestra Toronto’s performances this year will take place at the:

Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street (north of Sheppard Avenue), in the George Weston Recital Hall.

Individual tickets and affordable subscriptions for all five concerts can be purchased at adult, senior/student and children/youth rates.
For tickets and information call 416-467-7142
or log onto www.orchestratoronto.ca 

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Orchestra Toronto is one of Canada’s premier community volunteer symphony orchestras dedicated to providing affordable family entertainment, music education and full repertoire in all its programs.

Orchestra Toronto’s October concert is sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart. Other concert sponsors are TD Canada Trust, RBC Investments and Long & McQuade Limited Musical Instruments. Its current season presenter is Mercedes-Benz Thornhill. Continuing support of the Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council Foundation is also gratefully acknowledged.