Classical music and opera events for the week of January 3 to 9

This is a list of amazing concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between January 3 – 9, 2022. For more details on what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.

[UPDATE: Due to ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the Government of Ontario has mandated that all performing arts venues are to remain closed until further notice. Details [HERE]. For details on refunds, please contact your venue or event producer.]

In-Person

Toronto Symphony Orchestra | Tribute to Louis Armstrong [Update: Cancelled or Postponed]

📅 Tuesday — January 4, 2021, 8 p.m. ET (Repeats Jan. 5)
📍 LINK
💸 $75+

Jazz documentary producer Ken Burns once said, “Armstrong is to music what Einstein is to physics and the Wright Brothers are to travel.” The TSO are presenting a post-holiday tribute to the legend Louis Armstrong with band leader, trumpet player and vocalist, Byron Stripling. Also features Bobby Floyd (piano & organ), Scott Alexander (bass), and Jim Rupp (drums). The opening show on Jan. 4 will also be streamed online, so check the website for details. This show will be opening at 50% capacity. | Details

Organix Concerts | Adrian Ross [Update: Cancelled or Postponed]

📅 Wednesday — January 5, 2021, 12:30 p.m. ET
📍 LINK
💸 $20 (suggested)

Organ concerts are criminally overlooked in Toronto, we if you’ve never been to one, today is a good chance. Toronto’s Adrian Ross is a harpsichordist and organist that knows his way around a Casavant. You’ll hear organ works by Nicolas de Grigny, Pierre du Mage, Antonio de Cabezón, Francisco Correa de Arauxo, Charles Racquet, and Charles-Marie Widor. | Details

Toronto Symphony Orchestra | Bach’s Brandenburg & More [Update: Cancelled or Postponed]

📅 Friday — January 7, 2021, 7:30 p.m. ET (Repeats Jan. 8 & 9)
📍 LINK
💸 $29+

Start your year off right with a dose of J. S. Bach performed by some of Toronto’s finest. TSO Concertmaster Jonathan Crow leads a selected cast of orchestra musicians. Performers also include young violinist Chelsea Gu, winner of the Play-Along with Jonathan Crow All-Star Award. This show will be opening at 50% capacity. | Details

Online

Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra | Elegance and Emotion

📅 Streams online through January 9, 2022
📍 LINK
💸 $15+

Our top online pick for the week is from the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra. You’ll hear conductor and pianist David Greilsammer perform a rich program including Rameau’s Platée: Suite de danses, Mozart’s Concerto No.24 in C minor for Piano & Orchestra, and Schubert’s “Tragic” Symphony. | Details

Canadian Opera Company | In Winter

📅 Streams online through June 18, 2022
📍 LINK
💸 Free!

Premiering last week, the COC celebrates the holidays’ arrival with Vivaldi’s famous “Winter” section from The Four Seasons and more. It also includes a premiere by Ontario-based composer Ian Cusson, titled In Winter.

The Elora Singers | Radiant Dawn: A Festival of Carols

📅 Streams online through January 7, 2022.
📍 LINK
💸 $20+

While The Elora’s Singers planned in-person concerts on Dec 21 & 22 have been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 variant, there’s still the online edition. The concert is based on the repertoire from their new “Radiant Dawn” CD, with poetry readings and some other surprises. | Details

Against the Grain Theatre | Messiah/Complex

📅 Streams online through January 9, 2022.
📍 LINK
💸 Free!

AtG has brought back the much talked about Messiah/Complex for the holidays. If you missed it last year, now is your chance to see what all the fuss was about. We were mightily impressed with it. Take a deep dive here.

Sinfonia Toronto | Beethoven@251

📅 Streams online through January 9, 2022
📍 LINK
💸 $19+

Sinfonia Toronto’s continues their 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 the soloist.

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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.