For the first time ever, Canadian audiences will experience Pixar’s beloved Toy Story like never before — with a live orchestra performing Randy Newman’s iconic score in perfect sync with the film. The event, Toy Story in Concert – 30th Anniversary Celebration, is being brought to Canada by Mississauga-based DJB Live Entertainment, led by its founder Michael Bastoli.
The concert, officially licensed by Disney Concerts, will take place at Meridian Hall in Toronto on November 21 and 22, marking the animated classic’s 30th anniversary. The Montreal-based FILMharmonique Orchestra, known as “Canada’s premier film music orchestra,” will perform the full score as the 1995 film plays on the big screen.
For Bastoli, this milestone event is the realization of a personal dream. “My background is in retail, but I’ve always had a deep connection with Pixar. I’ve been a fan of the studio for years, and this was something I always wanted to make happen,” he said.
While this is only DJB Live Entertainment’s second major production, the company has enlisted one of the most experienced orchestras in the country. FILMharmonique has performed to sold-out audiences with major film concerts such as Star Wars, The Godfather, The Lord of the Rings, and Amadeus, and has collaborated with world-renowned artists including Hans Zimmer, Andrea Bocelli, and Stevie Wonder.
“The orchestra specializes in film concerts, which require an extra level of expertise because every note must sync perfectly with the film,” Bastoli explained. “Disney sends a technical manager from California to oversee the production and ensure it matches the studio’s high presentation standards.”
The Toy Story in Concert event is exclusive to Canada for the film’s 30th anniversary and will also play in select U.S. cities. Toronto remains the only Canadian stop, making it a special moment for both fans and the organizers.
“It’ll be exactly 30 years to the day — November 22, 1995 — since Toy Story first hit theatres,” said Bastoli. “With Toy Story 5 on the horizon, this is the perfect way to revisit the film that started it all, or to experience it for the first time with a live orchestra. Randy Newman’s music is so vibrant and emotional — hearing it live will be a whole new experience.”
Featuring around 70 musicians and a full cinematic projection setup, Toy Story in Concert promises to deliver a world-class audiovisual experience that combines nostalgia, artistry, and innovation — a fitting tribute to the film that changed animation forever.