Early music specialists the Toronto Consort have announced that the remaining 2023/24 concerts will be postponed until the 2024/25 season. The announcement affects two concerts scheduled for April and May 2024.
In a statement posted on the organization’s website, TC cites “financial prudence and community engagement” as the primary reasons.
The Post-Pandemic Problem
Like most other arts organizations, Toronto Consort is dealing with a toxic set of circumstances in the wake of the pandemic.
- During the pandemic, revenues from live shows dried up;
- Operations, however, had to continue to engage audiences, with performers employed as much as possible on video and digital efforts;
- When the pandemic ended, audiences were slow to return, slowing the flow of revenue, even as government support ended;
- Expenses, of course, continue regardless of circumstances.
It puts a bind on the organization’s finances. Add a changing climate for grant funding, and the results are being seen across North America and the UK, where many longstanding orchestras and other organizations are shuttering for good.
Toronto Consort
In taking the proactive step of postponing the upcoming shows, TC hopes to build a firmer foundation for 2024/25.
“While a difficult decision, this proactive step allows us to pursue financial surety and present an impactful 24/25 season. By taking this time, we can nurture valuable partnerships and craft experiences that truly resonate with our community,” the statement reads.
TC cites the measures they’ve taken so far which will help build that future stability, including a deficit reduction of 87%, and a resolution of a $60K federal loan. As they note, donations have been the heart of this season’s operations.
Rescaling those operations also means closing down Early Music TV, their on-demand video streaming service, which will take place as of August 31, 2024. TC won’t be closing the door on digital offerings, however, with more details to be announced soon.
Ticket holders/Audiences
Ticket holders for the April and May shows will receive a credit, which can be used towards future tickets, or donated towards TC with a charitable tax receipt. More information available here.
In the Good News category…
Early music fans will still be able to enjoy Toronto Consort performances and events, both in person and online, thanks to partnerships with Charitable Gaming, the Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series, and the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. That includes:
- Explorer Learning Series returns monthly from April and running into 24/25.
- May 3 at 7:30 pm: A Plethora of Pipes: a mini-concert in partnership with the Church of the Blessed Sacrament.
- May 21 at 12 p.m.: A free noon-hour concert featuring Alison Melville, Martin Gomes, and Felix Deak at the Canadian Opera Company’s Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre.
- A repeat performance for Consort audiences of the COC noon-hour show, with the location to be announced.
As their statement concludes:
“Early Music has a magnificent history of composers and musicians who faced (and overcame) incredible challenges in the performance of their art, so we are in good company as we navigate these contemporary obstacles.”
At LvT, we wish Toronto Consort the very best of luck as they regroup for 2024/25. The city’s classical music neighbourhood would certainly be poorer without their contributions.
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