MONDAY
- The Gryphon Trio at Walter Hall, 7 p.m.
University of Toronto Faculty of Music ensemble-in-residence the Gryphon Trio performs Antonin Dvorák’s “Dumky” Trio (No. 4, Op. 90), a new work by composition student Samuel Bayefsky and invites guest clarinettist James Campbell to join them in a performance of Johannes Brahms’ Clarinet Trio. For more information, click here.
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
- Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall, 8 p.m.
Old meets new as German violin star Anne-Sophie Mutter joins the Toronto Symphony and guest conductor Michael Francis in two concertos: one by J.S. Bach and the other written for her by contemporary Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina. The evening is rounded out with Ludwig van Beethoven’s ever-popular Symphony No. 5. For more information, click here.
Here is Mutter speaking of the Gubaidulina work, In tempus praesens:
THURSDAY
- Pianist John Kameel Farah at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, noon. Free.
This accomplished Toronto pianist gave up classical recitals to concentrate on a fusion of Middle East and West as well as acoustic and electronic, always with fascinating results. It should be particularly refreshing to hear his work against the glass-walled multicultural and multi-era backdrop of bustling Queen and University. You’ll find a bit more information here.
- Johann Strauss Jr’s Die Fledermaus at the Four Seasons Centre, 7:30 p.m.
It’s always an occasion when the Canadian Opera Company unveils a new production of its own. Chrisopher Alden’s take on the world’s favourite operetta promises a bit of titillation to go with the waltzes and gallops. Tenor Michael Schade is Eisenstein, leading a cast frothing with Canadian content. Music director Johannes Debus conducts. You’ll find all the details here.
SATURDAY
There are two intimate ways to take a little break from the Thanksgiving weekend bustle, both featuring journeys back to the 16th and 17th centuries:
- Musicians in Ordinary, at Heliconian Hall, 8 p.m.: Soprano Hallie Fishel and lute player John Edwards are joined by violinists Christopher Verrette and Edwin Huizinga, cellist Justin Haynes and organist Philip Fournier in music written by people mourning the death of Henry, Prince of Wales in 1612. Details here.
- The Cardinal Consort, at Royal St George’s Chapel, 8 p.m. It’s music for a consort of viols as well as voice, thanks to visiting soprano Dawn Bailey. The space itself is a visual and acoustical treat. A few more details here.
SUNDAY
- Pianist Mauro Bertoli at the Great Hall of Hart House, 3 p.m. Free.
Rested from a week’s residency at Barrie’s Colours of Music festival, the Carleton University professor of piano presents a recital that should nicely show off his tremendous technique and assertive musicianship. The programme focuses on Beethoven, Brahms and George Gershwin. A couple more details here.
Here is Bertoli visiting Franz Liszt’s “Chapelle de Guillaume Tell,” from the first book of Années de Pellerinage:
John Terauds