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CRITIC'S PICKS | Ten Classical Music Shows You Should Absolutely See This Week

By Joseph So on November 21, 2016

For the week of Nov. 21 – 27

Critic’s Picks for classical music events in Toronto for the week of Nov. 21–27.
Critic’s Picks for classical music events in Toronto for the week of Nov. 21–27.

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. 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 our curated concert listings here: Musical Toronto Datebook.

A huge — and eclectic — selection of musical happenings this week. The National Ballet of Canada’s fall season continues with Onegin (Nov. 23 – 27) in the John Cranko production. This is an oldie — I remember seeing this in the late 80’s with Frank Augustyn. Do note that while the ballet is based on the novel by Pushkin and with a score by Tchaikovsky, there’s not one note of music from his opera, Eugene Onegin. Toronto Symphony Orchestra is presenting Dvorak’s Cello Concerto with Chinese cellist Jian Wang (Nov. 26, 27). The fall opera at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music is Offenbach’s spoof of Greek mythology, Orpheus in the Underworld (Nov. 24 – 27) with a surprise maestro – baritone Russell Braun in his conducting debut!  Tafelmusik is presenting Close Encounters of the Italian Kind at Heliconian Hall (Nov. 25) and Temerty Theatre (Dec. 3). Canadian French Horn player James Sommerville gives a masterclass (Nov. 22) followed by a recital (Nov. 24) under the auspices of Women’s Musical Club of Toronto. Accordion virtuoso Michael Bridge whom I heard at the IAMA conference last week is the soloist with the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra (Nov. 25). There’s a lot more — be sure to consult the full listings.

Wednesday 23

National Ballet of Canada | Onegin at the Four Seasons Centre. 7:30 p.m. $39–265 (Repeats Nov. 24 – 27)

The National Ballet of Canada presents Onegin, by John Cranko, based on the novel by Pushkin and music by Tchaikovsky. Details, here.

SoundstreamsMusic of the Rainbow Nation: A Tribute to Nelson Mandela’s Dream at Koerner Hall. 8 p.m. $37.50–67.50

Soundstreams presents Music of the Rainbow Nation: A Tribute to Nelson Mandela’s Dream. An evening of exploration of Canadian and South African cultural identities through song and theatre, featuring vocalist Lorraine Klaasen, Justin Hopkins, and Ryan Scott, in works by Gabriel Dharmoo, Kevin Volans, and Kurt Weill. Info, here.

Thursday 24

Women’s Musical Club of Toronto | James Sommerville at Walter Hall. 1:30 p.m. $45

Women’s Musical Club of Toronto presents James Sommerville (French horn), Scott St. John (violin), and Peter Longworth (piano) in concert. Featured are works of Vivan Fung, Brahms, Dukas, and Gounod. Details, here.

University of Toronto Faculty of Music | Orpheus in the Underworld (Offenbach) at the MacMillan Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $40 [Repeats Nov 25, 26, 27 (mat)]

University of Toronto Faculty of Music presents Orpheus in the Underworld (Orphée aux Enfers).  Sung in French with English dialogue. Canadian baritone Russell Braun makes his conducting debut. Michael Patrick Albano, director. Info, here.

TafelmusikHaus Musik: Underground Elysium at the Great Hall. 8 p.m. $18–22

Tafelmusik seems to be exploring different venues and repertoires. Tafelmusik Haus Musik: Underground Elysium fuses Baroque music with electronics in an informal venue, with Amanda Smith of FAWN Chamber Creative, featuring musicians of Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and electronic artist David Jones. Full details, here.

Friday 25

TafelmusikClose Encounters of the Italian Kind at Heliconian Hall. 11 a.m. $35 (Repeats Dec. 3)

Tafelmusik presents Close Encounters of the Italian Kind. Works by Geminiani, Vivaldi, and Boccherini. An hour-long concert in an informal setting, with introductions from the musicians. Repeats Dec 3 2 p.m. at Temerty Theatre, Telus Centre. Info, here.

Music Gallery | Charm of Finches at the Music Gallery. 7:30 p.m. PWYC

Charm of Finches, an ensemble of five flutists, presents Take Flight, featuring the works of Beach, Maimets, Saint-Saëns, Aitken, Hétu, and others. Laura Chambers, Tristan Durie, Terry Lim, Amelia Lyon, and Dakota Martin. Flute, piccolo, alto flute, bass flute. Info, here.

Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra | Tango at the Calvin Presbyterian Church. 8 p.m. $25

Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra presents Tango, works by Piazzolla, Chabrier, Bizet, Deda, and W Bridges. Michael Bridge, accordion; David Fallis, conductor. Details, here.

Saturday 26

TSO | Dvorak Cello Concerto at Roy Thomson Hall 8 p.m. $33.75–148 (Repeats Nov 27 at George Weston Recital Hall)

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra features two Chinese musicians — cellist Jian Wang is the soloist in Dvořák Cello Concerto. Conducted by Long Yu. Also on the program is Shostakovich Symphony No. 5. Full details, here.

Red Snow Collective | Comfort at Aki Studio Theatre, Native Earth Performing Arts, 585 Dundas St. East (Daniel’s Spectrum) 8 p.m. $15-28 (Repeats to Dec 10)

World premiere of a play with music and movement by Diana Tso, a story based on the historical event of Chinese women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese army in World War II.

 Sunday 27

Canadian Children’s Opera CompanyA Cup of Kindness: A Toast to the Winter Season at the Grace Church on the Hill. 5 p.m. $20

Canadian Children’s Opera Company presents A Cup of Kindness: A Toast to the Winter Season. Little program details except “choral selections toasting the winter season.”  Teri Dunn, Lynn Janes, Adine Mintz and Linda Song, conductors. Info, here.

#LUDWIGVAN

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Joseph So

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