L-R (clockwise): The COC Studio Ensemble (Photo: Gaetz Photography): Violinist Rachel Podger (Photo: Broadway Photography); Amiri Amiri Ensemble (Photo courtesy of the artists) — L-R (clockwise): The COC Studio Ensemble (Photo: Gaetz Photography): Violinist Rachel Podger (Photo: Broadway Studios); Amiri Amiri Ensemble (Photo courtesy of the artists)

This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between September 23 to 29, 2024. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.

Canadian Opera Company: Vocal Series: Meet the Ensemble Studio

Wednesday, September 25, Noon
Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre. Free.

Just like that, poof, summer really is over, and we are back to the bustles on the stage. COC celebrates the new season with this noon concert, featuring COC Ensemble members at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Consisting of singers and pianists, the ensemble program provides immersive work experience for artists in their early career-developmental period, and many graduates now sing and work across the world. Would you be hearing the next superstar, in their early days? Time will tell — the odds are good; the notable alumni include: Ben Heppner and Emily D’Angelo. Bring your lunch, unwrap it before the music starts, and enjoy — each singer will present their favourite aria for you. How lovely. Info here.

U of T Percussion Ensemble: Russell Hartenberger at 80

Wednesday, September 25, 7:30 p.m.
Walter Hall, 80 Queens Park, Free

University of Toronto Percussion Ensemble celebrates Russell Hartenberger, a legendary percussionist and educator, for his 80th birthday. Hartenberger’s contribution as percussionist/educator/composer, to contemporary music in North America (and beyond), would be impossible to measure. As a member of Nexus, Steve Reich and Musicians, and as an individual, Hartenberger worked with many contemporary composers and top-notch ensembles for decades, and as a co-editor of the Cambridge Companion to Rhythm (2020), which gathered excellent reviews from musicians and educators, this heartfelt appreciation is not to be missed. The U of T Percussion Ensemble — really, one of the best musical ensembles in the city, despite their young age — always amaze the audience with their excellence. Come with your ears wide open for this special event. Info here.

Confluence Concerts: American Icons: Strayhorn, Ellington, and Williams

Wednesday, September 25, 7:30 p.m., Thursday September 26, 7:30 p.m.
Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave., $30

One of the best small concert series in town, Confluence Concerts presents a celebration of three jazz greats: Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, and Mary Lou WIlliams. Andrew Downing, the curator, is a master of weaving stories — collating history, emotions, and music. Come out and enjoy the intimate storytelling, featuring musicians Dérrell Woods, Ineza Mugisha, and Suba Sankaran on voice, along with the band: Alexa Belgrave (piano), Aidan McConnell (drums), Larry Beckwith (viola), Beth Silver (cello), Andrew Chung (violin), and Andrew Downing (bass). Pre-concert chat will start at 6:45 p.m. Info here.

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Mozart Jupiter

Friday, September 27, 8 p.m., Saturday September 28, 8 p.m., Sunday September 29, 3 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $47+

This muchly anticipated Tafelmusik season opener features legendary violinist Rachel Podger as the Principal Guest Director. Known for her depth of scholarship and musicianship, Podger will direct three mainstage programs per season for two years, and for this particular program, it’s all about Mozart. Music from Thamos, King of Egypt, the Violin Concerto no. 2, and the exuberant Symphony no. 41,‘Jupiter’, will fill the evening. ‘There is probably no more inspirational musician working today’ (Gramophone): high praise for Podger, indeed — come and experience the magic in person. Info here.

Alliance Française de Toronto: Amir Amiri Ensemble

Friday, September 27 8 p.m.
Alliance Français de Toronto — Spadina Theatre, 24 Spadina Road, $18.

It is impossible to imagine how big the Persian empire was at its peak — looking at the world map, the vast stretch of the territory under the empire goes right through many borders and waterways — taking, incorporating, synthesizing from so many different local cultures and customs. The complexity of Persian culture continues to thrive today, and Amir Amiri Ensemble will present a Friday concert of music made from Persian traditional, folkloric, and dastgahi music of Iran. A great way to experience authentic Persian musical tradition. Info here.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Open House

Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m. onward
Roy Thomson Hall, Free.

Along with the three season opening concerts (Wednesday, September 25, Thursday, September 26, Saturday September 28: all three concerts will start at 8 p.m — check out our Preview here), this Saturday daytime special event is specifically designed to welcome everyone to come and meet the TSO. TSO musicians and special guest artists will present various live music selections throughout the lobby space, along with activity stations where one can try out instruments, have a go at making their own music, and so many other things! The open activities will culminate at 2 p.m. on the Roy Thomson Hall stage with a 70 minute long formal concert. This free concert unfortunately requires tickets, and is currently fully booked, but when you get to RTH in the morning of the 29th, do join the RUSH ticket line for last-minute seat release.  Read our Preview here.

Aga Khan Museum/Small World Music: EnligTEN x Global Toronto Music Festival

Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
Aga Khan Museum, Free.

Aga Khan Museum opened its doors to the public 10 years ago; since then, the museum has become a true centre of all things multicultural, through hosting visiting international artists and many varied local performing groups in its amazing courtyard and stunning indoor space. The 10th year celebration will take two whole days, featuring many musicians demonstrating their cultural traditions — from Bharatanatyam dance, to Turkwaz — four musicians drawing from their love of Sufi devotional love songs to Greek, Turkish, and Balkan traditions — KUNÉ, Canada’s Global Orchestra, making music from true pluralism of: Peru, Murkina Faso, Cuba, Ukraine, and beyond. With Rosh Riddims Band focusing on Reggae, Caribbean, and Dance Hall traditions, and Soleil Launière, an Innu artist from Mashteuiatsh, Quebec, just to name a few. There will be family activities, food, and communal camaraderie that we’ve built together in this special place in its first decade. So much to experience! Do take your family, and see what you may find in such riches. The family activities will start at 10 a.m., and public performances will start at 12:30 p.m., lasting well into the evening, for both days. Info here.

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Hye Won Cecilia Lee

Cecilia tumbled into 'serious' music study when she decided to avoid attending medical school. Currently working in the field of classical music, recording, and Korean-English interpretation, she tends to get her nose dirty in many different things in the city. Cecilia holds a DMA in Piano Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.