July 11 has turned up to interesting concert options during a week not notable for its live art music.
CHAMBER MUSIC IN A PUB
Cellist Bryan Holt, a McGill grad who is about to start a Doctorate at University of Toronto, has organised a pub night of chamber music at Fionn MacCool’s — the pub on University Ave just south of the Four Seasons Centre that is the scene of classical music jams on Sunday nights.
This is how Holt describes Thursday’s programme, which includes violinists Chris Whitely and Eric Fujita as well as violist Rory McLeod:
“Four string players will take to the stage to present the music of Brahms, Ives, Grieg and other masters in a less than usual setting: a bar. Fionn MacCool’s has once again opened it’s doors to the classical community and will host a night featuring some of the most serious pieces from the past. The night will begin with a solo percussion set from TorQ’s Dan Morphy, then shifting to two sets of tunes by ‘BIG’ name composers. The night will be capped off with a premiere by Toronto composer Sean King: an interpretation of Notorious B.I.G for string quartet.”
The music starts at 8 p.m. The cover charge is $15 ($10 for students and seniors).
ORGAN AND CHORAL MUSIC IN OSHAWA
Stately St George’s Church in the old downtown part of Oshawa is the setting for the closing concert of the annual Summer Institute of Church Music. The organ and choral programme caps a weeklong series of seminars and workshops. It includes the premiere of a new choral work by Toronto’s Stephanie Martin in honour of Ruth Watson Henderson.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. St George’s Memorial Anglican Church is at 39 Athol St W. in Oshawa. You may be able to find more information here.
John Terauds