An anticipated 20,000 participants from over 140 countries are expected to attend the upcoming AIDS 2006 Conference (the world's largest) to be held in Toronto, Canada from 13-18 August 2006. Yesterday in a press release, event organizers announced opening ceremony details.

The star-studded opening gala and concert will feature musical performances by Amanda Marshall, Chantal Kreviazuk, the Barenaked Ladies, Our Lady Peace, Alicia Keys, Thomas Mapfumo, the Red Spirit Singers and Dancers, Massari, Blue Man Group, DJ Tiesto, and Canadian opera star Measha Brueggergosman accompanied by musicians from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Other participants in the opening ceremonies will include Bill and Melinda Gates, former US President Bill Clinton, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario and His Worship David Miller, Mayor of Toronto; as well as Frika Chia Iskandar, a young Indonesian woman living with HIV/AIDS; and UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot.

"This concert brings together people from all over the world who are united in the fight against AIDS," says Mark Beckles, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Canada. "The International AIDS Conference is the biggest event happening in Toronto this summer, and this concert is not to be missed."

The Official Opening Session will begin on Sunday August 13th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster - call (416) 870-8000 or visit ticketmaster.ca.

(image: aids2006.org)