TO Live

Join Orchestra Toronto for its grand season opener, Resilience in Harmony.

Be transported on an emotional journey as we explore music that celebrates heroism and the triumph over adversity. Violinist Julia Mirzoev returns to perform Beethoven’s stunning Violin Concerto, and the evening culminates with Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 10—a masterpiece born from resilience under the oppressive Stalinist regime.

Experience the spirit of the human will through music that inspires and uplifts. Happening October 19 at Meridian Arts Centre. https://ow.ly/5riH50TG59i

[Image description: The image features a vibrant blue sky with a soaring black eagle, symbolizing strength and resilience. Overlaying the sky are bold texts: "Michael Newnham conducts, RESILIENCE IN HARMONY," and concert details: "Ludwig van Beethoven: Egmont Overture, Violin Concerto, Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10, Saturday, 8 PM, October 19th." The Orchestra Toronto logo is placed in the bottom-right corner, complementing the powerful and uplifting theme of the design.]

Tickets are on sale now for Sarah Millican’s new show Late Bloomer at Meridian Hall on September 19 and 20!

Learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/FBlh50TElu6.

[Image description: A promotional poster for the event. There's an image of Sarah on the left wearing a yellow top and glasses against a green background. The text on the right reads "Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer. September 19 & 20, 2025. Meridian Hall."]

TO Live is so excited to announce the 2024 explorations recipients!

Now in its fourth year, TO Live’s explorations initiative has supported 32 artists with $200,000 in direct funding. In 2024, the program is providing six Toronto-based artists with $7,000 each to explore new directions in their practice. This funding allows them to focus on research and experimentation without the pressure of having to deliver a finished project.

The initiative encouraged submissions from a diverse range of artists, particularly those from marginalized communities. The chosen artists will have until December 2024 to work on their projects.

The 2024 explorations cohort includes:

🌟Natasha “Courage” Bacchus: a multidisciplinary artist and three-time gold medal-winning sprinter representing Canada at the Deaflympics.

🌟Radhika Baskar: a renowned veena (a string instrument originating in India) artist and 2023 Marty Award winner.

🌟Chloe Begg: an emerging artist working primarily in ceramics.

🌟April Leung 梁筱彤: an award-winning playwright, performance creator, and actor who grew up in Hong Kong.

🌟Johnathan Morin: an Indigenous (Nehiyaw) tap dancer hailing from Treaty 6 Edmonton, Alberta.

🌟Bryce Taylor: a Tkaronto-based breaker currently repping two crews, The Unknown Floor Force (TUFF) and Ayo Bruv.

Learn more at tolive.com/explorations.

[Image description: A colourful graphic with paint swirls in the background and headshots of each of the recipients and their names. Additional text says "explorations 2024 artists."]

Tyler Shaw is coming to Toronto for one night only!

As one of Canada’s most recognized pop music talents, with 10 top-10 charting singles and a slew of movie, TV, feature, and production credits to his name, Tyler Shaw is one of this country’s most enduring talents.

Join us for A Tyler Shaw Christmas on November 17 at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/vS4t50TCbjA.

[Image description: A promotional poster for the event. There's an image of Tyler Shaw wearing a green velvet suit and a red Santa hat against a festive background. The text below reads "A Tyler Shaw Christmas. Nov. 17, Toronto, ON. Jane Mallett Theatre."]

L'Shana Tovah Tikateivu!

We wish those who practice Judaism a good and happy year ahead.

[Image description: A blue-and-white text graphic. The text reads "Shana Tova! Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy new year!"]

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, when we recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools, and remember those who never returned home, survivors and their families. It is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, justice and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto and across Canada.

Today, we are reflecting on the recent UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music and Culture, especially the learnings of the interactive forum, SKéN:NEN: What does “peace” mean, and how can we learn to engage peacefully?

Led by Dawn T Maracle from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with speaker Wendy Hill of Six Nations, the forum explored what peace means to us now, how we can integrate Haudenosaunee philosophies of peace, and peaceful methods of moving forwards together with action.

[Image description: A photo of the peace forum with Wendy Hill and Dawn T Maracle sitting on either side of a graphic representation of the Tree of Peace.]

Come see Richie Jen live in concert!

Legendary Mandopop singer Richie Jen will hold his highly anticipated 2024 Richie Jen “Qiji” North American tour concerts in New York and Toronto in October 2024. This tour will take the audience on a nostalgic journey through his classic hits.

Happening on October 14 at Meridian Hall. You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/rTU050TxjwH.

[Image description: A promotional poster for the event. There's an image of him walking in front of a blue sky. The background of the poster is pink and below the image, there's text that says the date and location and 8 pm start time.]

Come see Arman Garshasbi Live in Toronto!

Building on the success of his solo debut, Arman Garshasbi is now set to embark on an international tour, beginning with a series of concerts in Canada.

Happening on October 12 at Meridian Hall. You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/FXlF50TxgL8.

[Image description: A black-and-white image of Arman Garshasbi. He has is eyes closed and is wearing glasses and a turtleneck.]

🚨IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

Ronnie Burkett's Wonderful Joe is premiering next week!

A seemingly simple tale of a simple man, Wonderful Joe is a love letter to imagination, hope, and the art of filling broken hearts with gold.

“Paint gold in the part of me that is broken. Let my faultline shine, these golden precious scars are fine, divine, and mine.”

Come witness this show live at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts from October 5 to 23. Learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/gB0S50TwAeJ.

⚠️ This performance is for ages 16+. Anyone under 16 will not be admitted. ⚠️

[Image description: An image of the puppet Mother Nature on stage. It is a large wooden puppet and wearing a black boa made of garbage bags.]

Join The Disability Collective for the Toronto premiere of Waiting in the Wings No More, October 4 to 6 at Fall For Dance North’s 2024 Festival!

In Waiting in the Wings No More, two distinct but connected worlds emerge from two internationally recognized inclusive dance choreographers Lucy Bennett (artistic director, Stopgap Dance Company) and Renata Soutter (former artistic and executive director, Propeller Dance).

Don't miss this groundbreaking moment in the Canadian dance landscape and the opportunity to witness reflections on experiences of disability. Learn more and purchase pay-what-you-can tickets at thedisabilitycollective.com!

Accessibility measures:

- All performances will be relaxed performances
- Deaf interpretation will be provided on October 5 at 7:30 pm
- Audio description will be provided on October 6 at 2 pm
- Masks are required for all audience members. Exemptions are always made for access or medical reasons
- The venue is fully accessible
- A venue and access guide are available at thedisabilitycollective.com

[Image description: A promotional poster for the event. There's an image of five dancers on stage. They're all immersed in movement and two of them are in wheelchairs. The text in the top-right corner reads "Waiting in the Wings No More. October 4 - 6, 2024. Betty Oliphant Theatre. The different sponsor logos are scattered around in each corner of the poster.]

Now that you've met The Kingdom Choir, say hello to founder and leading choir conductor Karen Gibson!

A leading London choir, Karen has made headlines with her gospel choir performing at events such as Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s royal wedding and her majesty the queen’s jubilee celebrations in 2002.

She has also acted as the choir conductor for the 1995 VE Day celebrations, the 2007 concert For Diana, Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to England, and the gospel prom at the Royal Albert Hall. Described as Britain’s godmother of gospel, Karen has also been featured in the book British Black Gospel.

Come see Karen and the rest of The Kingdom Choir live at Meridian Arts Centre on December 1. Learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/jPny50Ttr4T.

[Image description: A photo of Karen Gibson. She's wearing a grey top and laughing.]

Due to high demand, we've added one more resin class to our Resin Art with Arefa: Seascapes & Geodes series. 👩🏽‍🎨

Come learn how to create geode art using various pouring techniques. All materials are included in the cost of each workshop. All projects are created within one session and can be picked up the following day once arranged with the TO Live admin. The cost of materials is included in the ticket price!

The added class will be on Tuesday, October 15 at 6 pm. You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/YGU950Ts2E0.

[Image description: A photo of a woman wearing black latex gloves, making resin art.]

The 2024 National Showcase Workshop Series is here!

dance Immersion is offering FREE workshops coming up for those aged 15 and up. These are open-level classes offered as part of their 2024 National Showcase Workshop Series.

These will be offered by guest artists who are part of our National Showcase, come dance with us at Meridian Arts Centre!

🩰 A-Feeree with BaKari Lindsay: October 2
🩰 Afrofusion: Movement and Intention with Esie Mensah: Tuesday, October 1

The open-level workshops are for anyone with movement experience, but you do not need experience in the particular form of the class(es) you are taking.

Presented by Dance Immersion in partnership with TO Live.

Register here: https://ow.ly/VRWv50Ts2nT.

[Image description: A promotional poster for the workshops. There are cutouts of six dancers against a purple background with text above. The text reads "dance Immersion national showcase. Workshop series. October 1, 2 & 4 2024. Meridian Arts Centre, Toronto."]

Wondering what the media thinks of Grammy Award-winner Cecile McLorin Salvant? Wonder no longer!

“A voice that comes along once in a generation.” —Coastal Jazz

“The future of jazz song is bright and her name is Cécile McLorin Salvant.” —Edmonton Journal

“She is this generation’s most mesmerizing, fascinating, and supreme songstress.” —Stage and Cinema

Now, do you really want to miss out on the opportunity to see this generational talent perform live? I wouldn't!

Cécile McLorin Salvant performs live in Toronto for one night only. Happening at Meridian Arts Centre on November 30. You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/WfOt50Tr6ss.

[Image description: A photo of Cécile McLorin Salvant in front of a spotlight. She's looking at the camera and is wearing a black poncho.]

Have your spirits uplifted by whimsical and well-loved works when the Toronto Symphony Orchestra returns to Toronto!

Experience the grace of Mozart’s animated Violin Concerto No. 3 with renowned violinist Renaud Capuçon, the playful charm of Johann Strauss II’s overture for Die Fledermaus, and the unforgettable brilliance of Rossini’s overture for The Barber of Seville.

Happening on October 6 at Meridian Arts Centre. You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/H8SW50Tr7e5.

[Image description: A photo of Renaud Capuçon wearing a suit, sitting on a chair and holding a violin.]

What Makes It Great? with Rob Kapilow and Gryphon Trio is the second half of our great double-header with Rob Kapilow.

Established in 1993, the Gryphon Trio is one of the world’s preeminent piano trios, garnering acclaim and impressing international audiences with its highly refined, dynamic, and memorable performances. 🎹

With a repertoire that ranges from traditional to contemporary and from European classicism to modern-day multimedia, the trio’s evolving approach to concert program curation supports the ongoing evolution of the genre as a relevant and impactful component of today’s performing arts ecology. 🎶

Check them out on April 13 at Meridian Arts Centre! You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/Os9q50TqkU1.

[Image description: An image of the members of the Gryphon Trio posing beside a piano, holding their respective instruments.]

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Deyun Club’s remarkable performances during their 2024 North American tour!

Deyun Club is one of the most popular and renowned traditional Chinese crosstalk (comedic performance) groups. Founded 20 years ago by Mr. Guo Degang and others, it now has over 400 performers.

Happening on October 6 at Meridian Hall! You can learn more and buy your tickets here: https://ow.ly/t09Q50TpjoA.

[Image description: A photo of two men wearing black and looking to camera. The background is red.]

Still wondering whether or not you should buy tickets to Wonderful Joe? We think we can convince you! Just check out what people are saying about creator Ronnie Burkett:

“Ronnie Burkett is one of the geniuses of the world… seeing his troupe every few years has just become a necessity of civilized theatregoing.” —The Village Voice

“Indelicate, a little poignant and kind of fantastic.” —The New York Times

“This puppeteer provocateur is one of the most daring theatre artists in Canada.” —The Globe and Mail

Need we say more? Come see Ronnie Burkett's Wonderful Joe live at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts from October 5 to 23.

https://ow.ly/iKnc50Tpjc5

⚠️ This performance is for ages 16+. Anyone under 16 will not be admitted. ⚠️

[Image description: A photo of Ronnie Burkett holding two Wonderful Joe puppets on stage.]