This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between November 25 and December 1, 2024. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
COC Free Concert Series: Through the Looking Glass
Wednesday, November 27, 5:30 p.m.
Four Seasons Centre for the Arts (Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre), Free
The guitar is a peculiar animal of the strings family; instead of the bow, it plucks and strums directly, existing in the land of ever so ephemeral soundscapes where sound, as soon as it is made, dissipates. The mix of this particularity, in the midst of rich string sounds, where things can be stretched and grow beyond time in eternal resonation, is a lovely juxtaposition. In this concert, David Occhipinti invites a string trio, and lovely mezzo-soprano Alex Hetherington, a COC Ensemble alumna, in music inspired by the dadaist art movement. Come and listen to this unusual string quartet format, as they envelop and surround the most intimate instrument — the voice. Info here.
Esprit Orchestra: F(X)=
Wednesday, November 27, 8 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $20+
Before running away in a slight fear of math, rest assured that Esprit Orchestra is presenting a program synched in the idea of groove, a powerful visceral musical idea/experience. We all jive, bounce, and sync into the world whenever we sense a larger pulse. Gabriella Smith, still just in her early 30s, who has been busy writing joyful music, including commissions for the L.A. Phil, San Francisco Symphony, Roomful of Teeth, Eighth Blackbird, Dover Quartet — the list continues on — wrote this lovely work, premiered by the Cincinnati Symphony in 2021, and it would be a great occasion to hear this talented composer’s work live — a great opening for Esprit’s 24/25 season. For the main course, Bent Sørensen combines accordion and string orchestra — an unusual combination — as Michael Bridge takes centre stage, followed by a work by Maki Ishii. New music ain’t scary, and the best way to experience it is through live performance. Come with ears open, and worries left at the door. It will be fun. Pre-concert talk starts at 7:15 p.m. Check out our Preview, including an interview with Alex Pauk and Michael Bridge, here. Info here.
TSO+ TSYO: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker: Land of Sweets
Wednesday, November 27 8 p.m., Thursday, November 28, 8 p.m., Saturday, November 30, 8 p.m.
Roy Thomson Hall, $64+, TSOUNDCHECK tickets available
The new cohort of talented youngsters of TSYO takes over Roy Thomson, along with TSO, to open this concert with Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor. This all-Russian program may pose extra thoughts for a few, considering everything else that is going on in the world, but the energy of youth and drive for excellence, make this performance a worthy cause. Rachmaninov’s ever-popular Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, adoringly nicknamed Rach-Pag, features Behzod Abduraimov, an Uzbek pianist making his Toronto debut, and the second act of the Nutcracker always brings out a smile. Info here.
Royal Conservatory of Music: Barbara Hannigan — Bertrand Chamayou
Thursday,November 28, 8p.m.
Koerner Hall
The amazing Barbara Hannigan presents her second recital at Koerner with superb pianist Bertrand Chamayou. Both performers need no introduction — at the top of their game, their performances are no longer hindered by difficulties — a rare experience in such a demanding program. The evening will be a blazing feast of true beauty — effervescent techniques, innocence and despair, renewal flames — every emotion possible in this mix of Messiaen, Scriabin, and John Zorn. Zorn’s work is a spectacular chance to dip into contemporary vocal repertoire if you are a newbie, and for the initiated, you know you are in for some serious exultation. Read our Preview of the concert here. Info here.
Pax Christi Chorale: Children’s Messiah
November 30, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square, Donation at entrance
The annual Children’s Messiah returns! Everything fun will be in the mix – the lovely solos, the sound of the orchestra, and well-loved choruses. Involving over 100 musicians, this is a great way to get your youngsters, and yourselves, immersed in one of the greatest hits in music history, with the benefit of a relaxed manner, with children truly at the centre of the experience. Lasting just an hour, and open to the public with donations encouraged, this event is available and accessible to many who many would not be able to experience live music otherwise. A worthy cause, superb organization, and tons of fun promised. Info here.
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