What's Happening in London, ON…

A London classical music group will be presenting its own take on a classic piece of Canadian children’s literature with a livestreamed adaptation of Roch Carrier’s “The Hockey Sweater”.

The picture book, which tells the story of a young Montreal Canadiens fan who receives a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater by mistake, has been a staple of Canadian families for multiple generations. London Symphonia will be presenting a musical version composed by Abigail Richardson-Schulte.

The story will be narrated by CBC Radio host Tom Allen, and will also feature a performance of Camille Saint Saen’s classical piece “The Carnival of the Animals”, which light-heartedly tells the story of other famed composers reincarnated as zoo animals.

The concert will be the latest in a series of live-streamed performances by London Symphonia. Ticketholders will also be able to purchase a musically themed light meal, courtesy of Growing Chefs, to recreate the feel of a dinner and a show. Dependent on health regulations, there may also be a limited live audience.

Arts groups around the country have turned to livestreaming as a way for their shows to continue safely, often using tools like brochure printing and social media for advertising. London Symphonia resumed holding socially distanced concerts in July, with support from a new bequest and government grants.

The London Symphonia production of The Hockey Sweater and The Carnival of the Animals will take place at Aeolian Hall on January 30.