Ludwig van Toronto

CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: Jan. 3 – 9

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

#LUDWIGVAN

Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.

Sign up for the Ludwig van Daily — classical music and opera in five minutes or less HERE.