A new event on Toronto’s cultural calendar will have music in the air at North York’s Mel Lastman Square on Sunday, June 13, when Orchestra Toronto offers a free, family-friendly, fun-filled day of music and entertainment.

The nine-hour event — Music In The Air: An Orchestra Toronto Celebration in Mel Lastman Square — is the first of what the orchestra hopes will become an annual outdoor event for the whole family.

The musicians of the orchestra will play throughout the day, conducted by their music director designate, maestra Danielle Lisboa, and featuring soloists mezzo soprano Leah Giselle Field and violinist Grace Hong.  Adding to the fun will be performances on a second stage by their special guests, including:

· Sharon Hampson of the legendary kids' entertainment trio Sharon, Lois & Bram, who will narrate Peter And The Wolf at a special children's concert that begins at noon 

· Errol Lee who uses music and dance to teach children character-building skills through interactive, multi-media presentations 

· Encore. . . The Concert Band, which plays an eclectic mix of traditional concert band compositions, popular standards, jazz and music from Broadway and the movies

· Yamaha School of Music student soloists, who will perform their own compositions

· LOL — "Live Out Loud" Sarah Maxwell Contemporary Ensemble

· Caribbean Dance Theatre, which celebrates the Caribbean contribution to the Canadian cultural mosaic

· Kimberley Pritchard, who plays the accordion like you’ve never heard it played before

· VentElation Wind Octet, whose members are drawn from Orchestra Toronto and the Hart House Orchestra and has for more than 10 years been bringing a popular form of the Classical period to Toronto audiences. 

The entertainment for children will be highlighted by Orchestra Toronto’s popular Instrument Petting Zoo, a hands-on opportunity for kids — and the adults accompanying them  — to become familiar with the

instruments used by the orchestra’s musicians.

Event Time: 12 PM - 9 PM

Location:

Mel Lastman Square

5100 Yonge Street (immediately beside the North York Centre subway stop)