This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between October 21 and 27, 2024. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Instituto Italiano di Cultura: Quartetto Noûs
Tuesday, October 22, 7 p.m.
Heliconian Hall. Free; registration required.
In celebration of the 100th year of Puccini’s death, the Instituto Italiano di Cultura is presenting a program of Puccini and his successor Verdi’s string quartets. Taking the tradition of bel canto, where singers dictated the terms of engagement — range, key, ornamentation, repetitions, and even addition of extra things (even by other composers) with impunity, the rebels Puccini and Verdi started to write arias that are tightly bound to the libretto, with explicit musical directions on the score, demanding greater dedication to the composition itself. It is interesting to see how this creative transformation is adapted into the non-verbal music of the string quartet, and this free concert, featuring Quartetto Noûs will bring the bel canto lyric magic to the intimate setting of the Heliconian Hall. A rare chance to hear this amazing repertoire live. Info here.
Soundstreams: Letters to God
Thursday, October 24, 7:30 p.m.
Trinity St. Paul’s United Church, $27.60+
The mother-daughters trio, Fujii Percussion, is crossing the ocean to bring us an evening of amazing repertoire featuring percussion, piano (technically percussion), and the Canadian Children’s opera Company. Since its initial printing in 2008, Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall’s legendary book, ‘Children’s Letter to God’, a collection of letters expressing the littles’ thoughts in the simplest, yet deep terms, has inspired many: composer Akira Miyoshi’s take based on a Japanese edition translated by Syuntaro Tanizaki, a great Japanese poet and translator (he translated Charles Schulz’s Peanuts, and for the other direction, his collection Floating in the River in Melancholy was the American Book Award winner in 1989). Such creative processes always bring challenges and unexpected joy through transcending from one medium to another. Additional selections from Toru Takemitsu, and Canadian composers R. Murray Schafer, Melody McKiver and Claude Vivier will fill the evening. A great chance to experience Fujii Trio, Japan’s First Family of percussion (Daniel Druckman), in their peak of technical mastery and superb musicianship, supported by the local favs, Greg Oh, Ryan Scott, Soundstreams Choir 21, and the Canadian Children’s Opera company. What a night of timbral and philosophical exploration. Read our Preview here. Info here.
Art of Time Ensemble/Royal Conservatory of Music Glenn Gould School/Koffler Arts: Sankofa: The Soldier’s Tale Retold
Thursday, October 24, 8 p.m., Friday, October 25, 8 p.m., Saturday, October 2 p.m., and 8 p.m., Sunday October 27, 2 p.m.
Harbourfront Centre Theatre. $25+
Stravinsky’ wildly popular classic, the Soldier’s Tale, is being recast in this provocative production, where the conflict of war meets additional dimensions of racism and historical erasure, through the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the only Canadian Battalion of Black soldiers who served in WW1. How would it all change, this work that we always had, and have loved, when the new libretto by Titilope Sonuga, and direction under Tawiah M’Carthy, opens a parallel world where things might appear similar, yet so different? Somehow, the theme of transformation/adaptation seems to be the undercurrent of the week. Come and find out. What do we know, when we say we understand? Read our Interview with AoT Artistic Director Andrew Barashko here. Info here.
Opera Atelier: Acis and Galatea
Thursday, October 24, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 26 7:30 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2:30 p.m.
The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, $55+
Classics done well: Opera Atelier’s focus on established repertoire, mostly from Monteverdi to Mozart, is an interesting exploration into the art of historically-informed performance practice. In an effort to give us a slice from the past, OA’s focus on historical instruments, and the dance element of the works, can be surprising- that old things can become alive, and the past is not just a mere re-animation, but could be a real sensory experience in the present. Handel’s operas, especially with the firework arias, are musically impressive- they evoke, even just as a simple audio playback. How would it feel, to experience it live, with a stage full of carefully constructed sets and costumes, and amazing dancers, all to enhance the music? A decent opportunity to get one’s feet wet in the historical performance arena. Read our Preview here. Info here.
Royal Canadian College of Organists Toronto: Phantoms of the Organ: Halloween Spooktacular
Friday, October 25, 8 p.m.
Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. Free, donations welcomed.
What’s Halloween without haunting organ music? Cliché aside, come and experience this biggest organ in Canada ranging from a haunting pp to ground-rumbling ffff. With the high ceilings and dark woods in the elevated sanctuary and the organ centred on the stage, this is your chance to have a bit of fun — come wearing your best costumes, and see the organists (who you barely see most of the time, as they are cooped in the secret organ consoles located in so-many-different-placements depending on the layout of each church!) ring through this huge building with their chosen party pieces with flair and drama. And yes, the program will end with the favourite: Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565. Bring the whole family out, and experience the fullness of autumn with crunching leaves underfoot, on a dark night full of scary music. Info here.
Orpheus Choir of Toronto: The Lamb White Days
Saturday, October 26, 7:30 p.m.
Grace Church on-the-hill, $25+
Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means, Time held me green and dying, Though I sang in my chains like the sea. (Dylan Thomas, Fern Hill)
Words are so much more than words. Opened carefully, and spoken with care, they become worlds, often more vibrant than the present — as we pour our hearts out in creating and expressing these black-on-white bits of suggestions. Dylan Thomas’ Fern Hill is a beautiful work, and John Corigliano’s setting is perhaps one of the most successful pastoral settings of our time. Come and celebrate Orpheus’ 60th season centred on this amazing work. Along with familiar pieces by Mozart and Fauré, hear Orpheus’ dedication in our time through works by contemporary composers, including Katerina Gimon, George Chung, Stephanie Martin, Veljo Tormis, Budi Susando Yohanes, Tracy Wong, and more. Info here.
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