Classical music and opera events for the week of December 6 to 12.

This is a list of amazing concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between December 6 – 12, 2021. For more details on what’s happening in Toronto, visit our calendar here.

Royal Conservatory | Joaquin Valdepeñas Conducts

📅 Monday — December 6, 2021, 7:30 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $25+

Most will know Juno-award-winning musician Joaquin Valdepeñas as Toronto Symphony Orchestra Principal Clarinet and member of the Amici Trio. But did you know he is also a fine conductor? Tonight the Royal Conservatory Orchestra Resident Conductor leads Glenn Gould School students in a program including Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante in E flat Major, for four winds and orchestra and Beethoven: Symphony No. 8. | Details

Toronto Symphony Orchestra | TSO Holiday Pops

📅 Tuesday — December 7, 2021, 8 p.m. ET (repeats Dec. 8 & 9)
📍 LINK
💸 $62+

Toronto is magical at Christmastime, especially the entertainment district around Roy Thomson Hall. If you have kids or family in town, we highly recommend heading over to join the audience sing-along with the TSO with Canadian Broadway singer Ryan Silverman. On the bill are ancient yuletide carols and other festive favourites, conducted by Steven Reineke. | Details

Music Toronto | Gryphon Trio with David Harding

📅 Thursday — December 9, 2021, 8 pm ET
📍 LINK
💸 $53

The Gryphon Trio, one of Canada’s best chamber ensembles, are teaming up with violist David Harding for a program featuring Brahms, Dvořák, and Student composition(s) from the Earl Haig/Claude Watson program. A special treat is the world premiere of composer Jeffrey Ryan’s Chimera. | Details

Art of Time Ensemble | To All A Good Night 6

📅 Thursday — December 9, 2021, 8 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $53

Can you believe it’s been 22 months since we’ve heard from Toronto’s Art of Time Ensemble? Come get reacquainted with them at To All A Good Night. Now in its sixth edition, the holiday-themed concert includes music from Stevie Wonder, John Prine, Stephen Colbert & Elvis Costello, and Duke Ellington, and featuring performances by Jackie Richardson, Jessica Mitchell, Liam Russell, David Wall, and Tom Wilson. | Details

The National Ballet Of Canada | The Nutcracker

📅 Friday — December 10, 2021, 7 p.m. ET (repeats through Dec. 31)
📍 LINK
💸 $25+

After a long COVID-19 hiatus, the National Ballet is bringing the Nutcracker back to its rightful place as the go-to event of the holiday season. Season debuts include Principal Dancer Siphesihle November as Peter/The Nutcracker opposite Corps de Ballet Member Tirion Law, who debuts as the Sugar Plum Fairy. There are daily performances through the end of the year, so plenty of chances to see it. Just watch out for the Mouse King! Full casting here. | Details

Sinfonia Toronto | Beethoven@251

📅 Friday — December 10, 2021, 8 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $15+

If you need a break from holiday music, we recommend Sinfonia Toronto’s timely nod to our namesake, Herr Ludwig, for his 251st birthday. The program is all about the music he inspired from the Romantics: Chopin Piano Concerto, Symphony No. 8, and more. Pianist Dmitri Levkovich is soloist. This event is both in-person and online. | Details

Royal Conservatory | Ashley MacIsaac with special guests Jully Black and Madison Violet

📅 Saturday — December 10, 2021, 8 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $40

Cape Breton fiddler sensation and raconteur Ashley MacIsaac joins Canada’s queen of R&B, Jully Black, and singer-songwriters Madison Violet for a night of Canadian roots music. MacIsaac is a national treasure, and worth the ticket alone. If you can’t make it in person, pick up a livestreaming pass. | Details

Royal Conservatory | Jan Lisiecki

📅 Sunday — December 11, 2021, 3 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $50

It’s a small miracle there are even tickets left to this, but it won’t be for long. Canadian Superstar pianist Jan Lisiecki is in town for one day only for an All-Chopin event at Koerner Hall. If you’re going to one concert this week, this is a good contender. | 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.