This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between November 18 and 24, 2024. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Music Toronto: Marc-André Hamelin
Tuesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Jane Mallett Theatre, $20+
Widely regarded as one of the best pianists of our generation, Hamelin returns to Toronto to present an eclectic solo piano programme of Frank Zappa, Stefan Wolpe and John Oswald, along with the old favs of Haydn, Medtner, and Rachmaninoff. With 7 JUMO nominations and 11 Grammy nominations — a sure nod to his excellent musicianship — Hamelin’s recitals are always a mix of appreciation of familiar beauty, and new discoveries. Come and see what is possible on the piano with this superb performer. Info here.
University of Toronto Thursdays at Noon: Joy Boy — Dustin Donahue & Kairos Percussion Quartet
Thursday, November 21, Noon
Walter Hall, Faculty of Music, Free
When we hear the word percussion, we think of objects: drum kits, tribal bongos, or the big shiny timpani at the orchestral concert. However, along with the voice, percussion is one of the most immediate means of human expression, as we clap, strike, and communicate through speaking with consonants before we pick up any instruments — the possibilities of this percussion soundscape are truly endless and visceral. Come out to this extravagant midday feast of richly varied soundscape with superbly talented young percussion quartet Kairos, and visiting artist Dustin Donahue, as they present works by Joshua Weinfeld, Juri Seo, and the tragically short-lived genius of our time, Julius Eastman. Info here.
West End Micro Music Festival: Ecstatic Voices
Friday, November 22, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 7:30 p.m.
1691 Bloor St. W, $33.28, free for students
The West End Micro Music Festival, in their fourth year, presents a true avant-garde program: Ecstatic Voice, a welcome sighting in Toronto. Despite our size (we are the 4th largest city in North America, after Mexico City, New York City, and Los Angeles), we have a relatively tight-bound and cozy classical music scene of just one full-time orchestra, along with a few half-season ensembles — it’s very tempting to stay complacent. It is a true blessing to have these small independent projects that keep us on our toes, and this programming, featuring vocal chamber works at the cutting edge by Cassandra Miller and Caroline Shaw, with nods to the past in Vivier, Berio and Tallis, is an excellent way to get your feet wet into the weird world of contemporary classical music. Come and hear these eight magnificent voices present you with fresh, shocking, and incredibly tender moments spoken through our own current language, and be amazed by the infinitely varied soundscape of the percussion world. Check out our Preview here. Info here.
Royal Conservatory Music: Earl Lee Conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra
Friday, November 22, 8 p.m., Koerner Hall, $25+
The Royal Conservatory Orchestra presents an evening of familiar Romantic richness: Richard Strauss and Rachmaninov, highly contrasted with the Britten Violin Concerto; an acerbic, understated, and incredibly expressive work, speaking from the terror and oppression of its time — once theirs, and which continues to be ours. Written in the shadow of the Spanish Civil War, the young Britten, enlightened and inspired by W.H.Auden, focused on making arts speak for the working-class in the midst of major political struggles. The impact of these wars made a deep mark, crystallizing in his War Requiem (1961-62), and this earlier work resonates with similar vibes — of the military marches, lamentation and of perpetual fury. Once considered nearly impossible to play, it still is regarded as one of the most difficult violin concertos. Come and see fearless young artist, Anna Štube, tackle this monumental work with the RCO, then stay for the rich, decadent tapestry of the Symphonic Dances. These two works, written nearly simultaneously, cannot be any more different, and it would be an experience to hear them side-by-side. Info here.
Tafelmusik: Bach Christmas Oratorio
Friday, November 22, 8 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 8 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 3 p.m.
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, $20+
Bach’s brilliant Christmas Oratorio is a great way to start the festive season. Tafelmusik Orchestra and Choir, under the direction of Ivars Taurins, bring us this incredible work, featuring soloists Hélène Brunet, Cecilia Duarte, and Jesse Blumberg, for their Tafelmusik debuts; a favorite, Charles Daniels completes the vocal soloist quartet, with brilliance and passion. Bach wrote these cantatas as a perfunctory addition to his local church service; however, his amazing setting of this familiar biblical story still carries a sense of wonder and beauty, despite its age and our own familiarities. Come and experience this work in person, with the superb Tafelmusik Choir and Orchestra, in the beautiful space of Jeanne Lamon Hall, where, acoustically, there are no bad seats. Read our Preview here. Info here.
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