A World of Possibilities

Free concert celebrates Architectural Opening of ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal on June 2nd at 9:30pm

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) hosts A World of Possibilities,, a free outdoor concert on the ROM’s new Bloor Street Plaza on Saturday, June 2, 2007 to celebrate the Architectural Opening & Building Dedication of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. Presented by CIBC, the Inaugural Season Sponsor, the 75-minute concert features three stages of theatrical performances by an outstanding line-up of Canadian and international artists, complemented by spectacular visual effects projected on the dramatic exterior façade of the Lee-Chin Crystal. The concert starts at 9:30 pm. The public is admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, with access beginning at 8 pm. Bloor St. W. will be closed between Avenue Rd. and Bedford Rd. for this event, but audience space directly in front of the stages is limited.

A World of Possibilities tells the story of mankind’s timeless and adventurous pursuit of the impossible through a series of pop, classical, rock, jazz, opera, ballet, folk and gospel performances. Hosted by film and television actor and writer Paul Gross and guest starring acclaimed actor and playwright Gordon Pinsent and award winning comedian and actor Séan Cullen, the concert features a guest appearance by multi-Grammy award winning producer-composer David Foster, who will be writing and conducting the musical Grand Finale.

Showcased performers include: Sony BMG hit recording artist Eva Avila; Metropolitan Opera star and international recording artist Isabel Bayrakdarian; Broadway star and holder of one of the longest running number one singles on the music charts, Deborah Cox; the talented classical quartet Canadian Tenors, multi-talented Pop and R&B musician George; Somali-Canadian hip hop artist K’naan; up-and-coming west coast singing star Cody Karey; the multi-talented musical collective Leahy, internationally known Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster; one of British Columbia’s rising stars Alexandria Maillot; aboriginal women’s ensemble M’Girl, Trinidadian-born comedian Jean Paul, the impressive contemporary gospel voices of Sharon Riley and The Faith Chorale, acclaimed environmentalist and scientist David Suzuki, and jazz sensation Dione Taylor, nominated for 2007 National Jazz Award for female vocalist of the year.

Following the concert, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada will officially dedicate the building. The doors of the new Lee-Chin Crystal will open to the public for the first time, with free admission with timed tickets until 6 pm on Sunday, June 3, courtesy of CIBC. Tickets are available starting at noon on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the Loblaws Entrance on the south side of the Museum and are limited to two per adult.

A World of Possibilities is created and executive produced by internationally renowned TV and Theatrical producer, writer and composer Mark Shekter and directed by award-winning TV and Film director and choreographer Robert Iscove. Production design is by Toronto’s Dany Lyne, a recent recipient of the Siminovitch Prize in Theatre and a Dora Award winner for set and costume design.

The ROM will be closed June 1 and 2, 2007, in preparation for the concert and other Architectural Opening celebrations.

The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal is the centrepiece of the $270-million Renaissance ROM project. The Architectural Opening & Building Dedication is the first of many special opening events through the 2007/2008 season. As each of the Lee-Chin Crystal’s seven permanent galleries is completed over the subsequent months, it will be marked by a special opening event. The Architectural Opening of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal forms part of the opening weekend of Luminato, Toronto’s new Festival of Arts & Creativity, with over 90 events city-wide, from June 1-10, 2007. For more information: www.luminato.com