Musical Toronto’s weekly Critic’s Picks are a fully curated list of some of the best concerts happening now through the end of the week. Of course this is not to say we are the provocateurs of taste, but simply seek to provide a good weekly summary. For a look at the full breadth of what’s available in and around Toronto, check out the comprehensive concert listings from our friends at Wholenote Magazine.
6 Tuesday
New Orford String Quartet at Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building. 7:00 p.m. $10-40
With a new year is upon us, and what better way to celebrate that with the “New” Orford String Quartet. They will be performing two old standbys, Beethoven String Quartet Op.95 and Brahms String Quartet in c Op.51 No.1. Also on the program is a new piece by University of Toronto composition Faculty, Gary Kulesha. Details here.
8 Thursday
University of Toronto Faculty of Music, Thursdays at Noon at Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building. 12:10 p.m. Free!
UoT FoM present their first noon hour concert of the year with Fraser Jackson (bassoon), Jamie Parker and Monique de Margerie (pianos), and Beverley Johnston and Ed Reifel (percussion). The “Jackson Five” will be performing a collection of works by Stravinsky, Bartók and Tansman arranged for bassoon, piano and percussion; a strong program with strong performers. (few) Details here.
Juilliard Quartet at the Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. 8:00 p.m. $10-55
The resident ensemble of one of North America’s most prestigious music schools is back in Toronto this week. Founded in 1946, and after a number of configurations, the Juilliard Quartet continues to impress even 69 years. They will be performing Webern’s thorny Five Movements, Ran’s Quartet No.2, Vistas, and Beethoven’s Quartet in F, Op.135. Info here.
9 Friday
Anne Sofie von Otter and Angela Hewitt at Koerner Hall. 8:00 p.m. $40-95
Two musical legends are in town tonight performing a textbook program of works by Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Chabrier, Faure, and Chaminade. As the much of Toronto’s musical offerings are still on hiatus for the holidays, this concert is the week’s best bet. Tickets are selling fast! Details here.
10 Saturday
Tafelmusik at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. 7:30 p.m. PWYC
Tafelmusik Winter Institute shakes off the yuletide with The String Orchestra in Baroque England. They will be blasting through works by Locke, Purcell, Handel, Arison, and Geminiani. First come, first seated. More info here.
I Furiosi at Calvin Presbyterian Church. 8:00 p.m. $10-20
Come be surrounded by the opulence of the era with a concert curiously titled Get Rich Quick. Toronto’s premiere early music quartet I Furiosi with join visiting guests Max Mandel and Pemi Paull (violas), and Christopher Bagan (harpsichord) in a program of works by Rameau, Charpentier, Bach and others. Details here.
11 Sunday
Opera by Request/Nordic Opera Canada, August Enna’s Princess and the Pea at the College Street United Church. 3:00 p.m. $20
Opera by Request/Nordic Opera Canada have united to present the posthumous Canadian premiere of August Enna’s opera Princess and the Pea. Not much is known about this opera, (or it’s Danish composer for that matter), but the tale is after Hans Christian Andersen famous fable about a young woman whose royal identity is established by a test of her physical sensitivity. Includes Nordic Opera Canada Chorus with Brigitte Bogar, conducting. Details here.
Talisker Players at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. 3:30 p.m. $15-35
The Talisker Players explore the music of the great American song-writer Irving Berlin. Includes mezzo Whitney O’Hearn, and tenor Bud Roach. Show repeats Tuesday Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. There will also be a pre-concert chat before each show, so come early. Info here.
Leonard Gilbert at Euromusic Centre (Markham). 3:00 p.m. Free!
Some may recognize pianist, Leonard Gilbert, as a past winner of the Canadian Chopin Competition. He is currently studying law at the University of Toronto, and so this is a rare opportunity to hear him play live. He will be performing works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Ravel. Info here.