Sarah Slean, Danny Michel, Andy Maize of the Skydiggers, Martin Tielli of Rheostatics fame and John Southworth...

What do all these artists have in common?

They'll be performing together in Toronto this week, playing completely new, previously unheard songs inspired by one piece of music by legendary composer, Franz Schubert.

Intrigued?

The event is called, Schubert: Source and Inspiration Concert, and it takes place March 15th and 16th at Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre (231 Queens Quay W).

Art of Time Ensemble, a groundbreaking chamber music group led by Artistic Director and pianist Andrew Burashko are behind this event. Their mission is to inspire innovative and creative performances such as this one.

Ten new songs will be premiered at the show, entirely composed by the songwriters noted above.

Each artist was given a clear task by Burashko: write two songs, in your own style and voice, that incorporate Franz Schubert's iconic Piano Trio #2 in E flat, D. 929. They were allowed to sample as much or as little as they liked... in other words, total creative freedom.

I asked Burashko why he called on these artists in particular:

"I chose them because I am a fan. Everyone who is ever invited to participate in our shows is someone who's work I admire. Of the five, only Martin Tielli has been involved in other Art of Time shows - but only as interpreter. He did a set of Schoenberg Cabaret Songs and then a set of Jacques Brel. I really look forward to hearing what these 5 singer/songwriters have concocted."

As do I.

Burashko will kick off the evening himself (on piano) accompanied by Erika Raum (violin) and Winona Zelenka (cello) to perform the Schubert E Flat Trio.

Then each songwriter will take to the stage to present their creations.

Both shows start at 8pm. Tickets are $36 ($25 students/seniors) and available online or via phone through the Harbourfront Centre Box office - (416) 973-4000

If you can't make it down to the show, you'll have a chance to hear it again soon as CBC Radio Two, will be recording it for future broadcast.