This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between Dec. 19, 2022 and Jan. 1, 2023. For more details on what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra/Messiah
Monday Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. (repeats Tuesday Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. and Wednesday Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.). Roy Thomson Hall. $77+
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir know their way around Handel’s oratorio. The interest this year resides in a relatively operatic solo quartet and the presence on the podium of TSO music director Gustavo Gimeno, who is not exactly famous for baroque repertoire. All of which might be a good thing. Info and tickets here.
Sinfonia Toronto Quartet/Longest Night
Wednesday Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation (310 Danforth Ave.). Free.
A string quartet drawn from Sinfonia Toronto offers solstice solace from Mozart (K. 155), Beethoven (Op. 74 “The Harp”) and Puccini (Crisantemi). The hourlong concert is free. It is also streamable here. Info here.
Glenn Miller Orchestra/In the Christmas Mood
Thursday Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. Roy Thomson Hall. $92+.
The touring American ensemble with vocal soloists mixes popular Christmas favourites (“Let It Snow”) and signature big-band hits (“In The Mood”). Info and tickets here.
Toronto Operetta Theatre/Die Fledermaus
Wednesday Dec. 28 at 3 p.m. (repeats Friday Dec. 30 at 8 p.m., Saturday Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.). Jane Mallett Theatre. $86 (discount on Dec. 30).
Toronto Operetta Theatre revives its faithfully lighthearted production of the Johann Strauss Jr. classic with an orchestra under Derek Bate. The experienced Myra Malley directs. Info and tickets here.
Salute to Vienna/New Year’s Concert
Sunday Jan. 1 at 2:30. Roy Thomson Hall. $75+
The Hungarian-born impresario Attila Glatz has been soothing hangovers for years with waltzing programs based on the venerable Vienna Neujahrskonzert model. Vocalists this time are the Polish coloratura Katarzyna Dondalska and the Austrian tenor Angelo Pollak. The Hungarian conductor András Deák leads the locally harvested Strauss Symphony of Canada. Info and tickets here.
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