Classical music and opera events for the week of October 25 to 31. — Classical music and opera events for the week of October 25 to 31

This is a list of amazing concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between October 25–31, 2021. For more details on what’s happening from our trusted partners, visit our calendar here.

Orchestre symphonique de Montréal | OSM Competition 2021: Semi Finals

📅 Monday — October 25, 2021
📍 LINK
💸 Free!

This voice edition of the OSM Competition is underway with plenty of talent from Ontario. The competition includes occasional Ludwig Van contributor Sara Schabas (Go Sara!). Other familiar names include Laura Nielsen, Mishael Eusebio, Matthew Li, Alex Hetherington, and Vartan Gabrielian. Competition runs through November. First prize is $15,000 and a feature in a concert with the OSM! | Details

Music Toronto | David Jalbert

📅 Tuesday — October 26, 2021, 8:00 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $53

David Jalbert is in Toronto tonight for one night only. The CBC named him one of the 15 best Canadian pianists of all time, and we agree. This concert is extra special as it includes a premiere of Smoke Darkened Sky by Kelly-Marie Murphy. This is a must for piano lovers. See you in the front row. | Details

UofT Faculty of Music | Thursdays at Noon: Piano Laureates

📅 Thursday — October 28, 2021, 12:10 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 Free!

UofT Faculty of Music Thursday’s returns this week with a showcase of three piano students, Naomi Wong, Vanessa Yu, and Jingquan Xie. This concert will be livestreamed on YouTube. You can check the program here [PDF]. | Details

Opera Atelier | Angel (in-person premiere)

📅 Tuesday — October 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $53

Opera Atelier’s Angel has been in the works for nearly four years. It’s hard to imagine they will be able to top last season’s Something Rich & Strange, but from what we’re hearing, it’s incredible. Angel is a commission of original music by Edwin Huizinga and Christopher Bagan, exploring themes of creation, loss of innocence and enlightenment through the texts of John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Rainer Maria Rilke. It has a star cast with Colin Ainsworth, Mireille Asselin, Measha Brueggergosman, Jesse Blumberg, Meghan Lindsay, John Tibbetts, and Douglas Williams. You’ll also hear Artists of Atelier Ballet, members of Tafelmusik, and The Nathaniel Dett Chorale under the baton of David Fallis. If you can’t make it for the in-person film premiere, you can always tune in online through Nov. 12. | Details

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra | Music and Magic (online)

📅 Tuesday — October 28, 2021, 9:00 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $19+

Leave it to Tafelmusik to come up with such a fascinating premise for an online concert. Music and Magic digs deep into 18th-century English conjurer Isaac Fawkes, a contemporary of Handel. The first magician to take his act from the streets of London to the stage, Fawkes performed before King George II at the Haymarket Theatre. Perfect for the Halloween season. | Details

Amici Chamber Ensemble | American Berserk

📅 Saturday — October 30, 2021, 4:00 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $50

Toronto’s beloved all-star Amici Chamber Ensemble is performing a program with music by composers who have changed the face of American music. Beyond the obvious Charles Ives, you’ll hear gems by John Adams and John Corigliano. We’re told there will be some special guest appearances by Jonathan Crow, Yolanda Bruno, and Alejandro Valdepeñas. | Details

Canadian Opera Company | Puccini: Gianni Schicchi (online)

📅 Saturday — October 30, 2021, 7:30 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 Free!

While the Canadian Opera Company is still yet to re-open in person, it’s good to hear from them after 20 months of slumber. With capacity limits lifting, the COC will be back stronger than ever this February. Tonight, the COC presents Puccini’s one-act comic opera Gianni Schicchi. Staged by British theatre director Amy Lane, this production features soprano Hera Hyesang Park alongside baritone Roland Wood. Details

Royal Conservatory | Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica: From Bach to Piazzolla (online and in-person)

📅 Sunday — October 31, 2021, 3:00 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $50 (in-person) 30$ (online)

Just before the kids rush out to spook the neighbourhoods, come down to Koerner Hall to hear the great Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica. The show is all about celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Astor Piazzolla and 75th birthday of Gidon Kremer with a special homage to our own Glenn Gould. Maybe there will be birthday cake. | Details

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Michael Vincent

Michael Vincent is the Editor-in-chief Ludwig Van and CEO of Museland Media. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 15 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star. Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto.