Young Toronto piano students joining Lang Lang on stage on November 13 as part of a special '101 Pianists' workshop

TORONTO, Nov. 9, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's two-week residency with world-renowned classical pianist Lang Lang, for five performances beginning tonight.

During his visit in Toronto in residence with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian, Lang Lang will perform all five Beethoven piano concerti, participate in the TSO's renowned education outreach programs, and on Sunday November 13, lead his 101 Pianists workshop with 100 young pianists, all at Roy Thomson Hall.

Michelle Milligan and Chloe Huang, two talented children from Toronto's Regent Park community and students of the Regent Park School of Music, were selected by the TSO and CIBC to participate in the performance along with 96 other children from the Toronto area. CIBC is also sponsoring two young B.C. children selected by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to round out the 100 spots in this once-in-a-lifetime performance with the classical music star.

"CIBC is thrilled to partner with the TSO and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation to bring one of the world's leading classical pianists to Canadian audiences, and especially to Canada's young pianists through the '101 Pianists' Workshop," said Stephen Forbes, CIBC's Executive Vice-President of Marketing, Communications & Strategy. "CIBC shares Lang Lang's commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of classical music lovers and performers and we are proud to support his unprecedented residency in Toronto where he will share the stage with 100 aspiring young pianists for a special workshop."

"I've been playing at the Regent Park School of Music for as long as I can remember, I've pretty much grown up there," says 16-year-old Michelle. "I feel extremely lucky to be part of the '101 Pianists'. To get an opportunity like this is something I thought I would only dream of, so being a part of this means a lot to me. My mom is just as excited as I am."

As the first in her family to have the opportunity to study piano, Michelle says that for a couple of years she played piano to make her mom happy knowing that it meant a lot to her, but at a certain point she started to really like and even love playing. Michelle says she is looking forward to meeting Lang Lang.

"We were so excited when we heard the news that my daughter Chloe was selected to participate in the workshop," says Chloe's father, Ivan Huang. "Chloe has performed well in her music school recitals, however, it is first time that she is going to play piano with the world's top pianist and other kids, and it's also her first time to perform in Roy Thomson Hall, which is such a great place."

"I started piano because it looked fun but in the end it was challenging," says 10-year-old Chloe, who has been studying piano at the Regent Park School of Music for three years. "I have been practicing a lot since I got my notes (for the performance) and trying to find something for me to wear."

As part of CIBC's overall charitable giving focus on Kids, Cures and Community, CIBC is proud to support programs that help educate and nurture Canada's children and young adults so they can build a better future. CIBC is the presenting sponsor of Lang Lang's performances in Vancouver and Toronto this month and with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in May.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

About the TSO
Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada's major cultural institutions. Under the leadership of Music Director Peter Oundjian, the TSO is committed to innovative programming and showcases a roster of distinguished guest artists and conductors. In addition to public performances, the TSO serves the community with one of the largest musical education outreach programmes in Canada, connecting students throughout Ontario with curriculum-based programming. tso.ca

Image with caption: "Chloe Huang, one of two talented children from Toronto's Regent Park community selected by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and CIBC to participate in a performance with world-renowned classical pianist Lang Lang. (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111109_C4016_PHOTO_EN_6329.jpg

Image with caption: "Michelle Milligan, one of two talented children from Toronto's Regent Park community selected by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and CIBC to participate in a performance with world-renowned classical pianist Lang Lang. (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111109_C4016_PHOTO_EN_6331.jpg