Toronto musicians have the opportunity to perform at 29 subway stations across the city.
The program began in 1980 after a successful pilot project and issues three-year licenses to musicians, allowing them to perform inside transit stations. A total of 90 licenses have been awarded, allowing musicians to perform on a rotating three-day schedule starting April 29.
“TTC is a proud champion of local artists, because like them, we are an integral part of Toronto’s cultural lifeblood,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “The Underground Sounds Subway Musicians Program sets the gold standard for approaches to public transportation, bringing a little magic to your daily commute.”
There are currently 10 Subway musicians on Underground Sounds People who have a license for the program and play various instruments such as drums, cello, violin, etc. kantele – Finnish folk instrument.
Participating musicians can be of any genre, including solo artists and pair artists.
Applicants must upload a 5-minute performance video highlighting their skills to YouTube before submitting their online application. TTC website. Videos will be evaluated and scored by a panel on musicality, entertainment value, and stage presence.
Applications are being accepted until March 31st. However, according to the TTC, the audition period will end once the number of eligible applications reaches 175.
Past musicians include Juno winners, Royal Academy of Music alumni, symphony orchestra performers, and published musicians. According to TTC, the exposure from the program often results in them being approached about performing at special events and private events, as well as being asked to give music lessons.
“As TTC ridership grows, initiatives like the TTC Underground Sounds subway musician program add a touch of creativity and entertainment to the daily commute,” said TTC Chairman Jamal Myers. “This program brings together the best of Toronto: art and transportation, creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural experience that creates a more welcoming subway environment for everyone.”
Apart from musicians, transport authorities are also introducing other types of artwork to commuters. Most recently, Poetry returned to his TTC station after a 12-year hiatus due to the cancellation of Poetry on the Way. In its place, a similar but new approach is taking place. passage poem.
Poems in Passage brings you to Canada’s poets on TTC subways, streetcars, and buses.
