This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between December 9 and 15, 2024. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Confluence Concerts: Letters to the Author
Tuesday, December 10, 7:30 p.m.
Heliconian Hall, $30
Life is a continuous dialogue. Despite the rigid lines we try to draw in between things, the constant semiosis of the in-betweens marks our own transient nature, and the messy, rich, and wide world we occupy. This concert, curated by the 24-25 Confluence Concert Young Artistic Associate, Aidan McConnell, focuses on that infinite space between the creators and the recipients — artists and audience; or perhaps, we all are artists when we perceive things that are greater than the mechanical part of reality and become ‘art,’ if just for that flashing moment. Music of Joni Mitchell, Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, Cecile Mclorin Salvant, Burt Bacharach, Benjamin Britten, John Coltrane, and others, has been chosen to create a bright constellation for all who join in with open ears. Come for sweet moments of intimacy — sink into the music as these lovely musicians, crossing many genres and boundaries, pulse together. Pre-concert chat at 6:45 p.m. Info here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: TSO Holiday Pops
Tuesday, December 10, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, December 11, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 8 p.m.
Roy Thomson Hall, $78+
Christmastide is one of the best times for a pops concert: old favourites, classical bangers, choir carols, and jazz — it’s very difficult to sit in and try to maintain a grinch stance when these familiar tunes waft in with a sense of festivity. Denzal Sinclaire, one of the best Nat King Cole interpreters, with three albums under the belt with Universal Music, is joined by Etobicoke School of Arts Holiday Chorus, TSO, and two young and mighty soloists from TSYO: Tina Sievers and Ethan Hyo Jeon. Come and get your holiday season started with this sparkling program. Info here.
Royal Conservatory of Music: Sheku Kanneh-Mason with Isata Kanneh-Mason
Wednesday, December 11, 8 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $50+
Two members of the astonishing Kanneh-Mason family grace Koerner Hall this evening. Cellist Sheku, the winner of 2016 BBC Young Musician competition, became an instant household name when he played at the British Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; the eldest Kanneh-Mason, Isata, a pianist, has been busy performing across the world, including a BBC Proms concerto performance. To experience these talented siblings presenting this great program of cello-piano sonatas is an amazing treat, as it’s the symbiosis between the individuals that makes a live human performance a successful experience. Technically and musically demanding, yet extraordinarily beautiful works by Mendelssohn, Fauré, Poulnec and Klouda (Canadian premiere) promise excitement and elegance. Not to be missed. Info here.
Elmer Isler Singers: December Splendour: Handel’s Messiah
Friday, December 13, 7:30 p.m.
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, $35+
Handel wrote many bangers, and perhaps his most popular work, Messiah, graces many halls across the world during Christmastide and Easter. For this week, the ELS and great guests: VIVA Chamber Singers, and the Amadeus Choir, bring in tidings and joy of the good news to people on this Friday. Familiar faces, Leslie Fagan, Allyson McHardy, Colin Ainsworth, and Peter McGillivray, will deliver the good news as soloists. Messiah works in many settings — small and intimate, to massive, full-out stadium scale, and this feels just right; a communal effort, from young children to experienced pros. Do come and experience it live, among this wonderful community. Info here.
Royal Conservatory of Music: VOCES8
Friday, December 13, 8 p.m.
Koerner Hall. $50+
Doubtlessly one of the best vocal ensembles in the world right now, VOCES8 makes its Koerner Hall debut. A splendid program of Christmas music from Praetorius to ‘Silver Bells’ and ‘Let It Snow’ will showcase what eight human voices can do together. This concert sold out weeks ago, yet there is likely to be small number of rush tickets for a few lucky individuals on the day, so get your speed-dial ready to ring at 5 p.m. sharp, to join the packed hall, in anticipation of what just may be the best choral concert of the year in the city. Info here.
St. Michael’s Choir School: Gloria!
Saturday, December 14, 7 p.m.
Massey Hall, $45
St. Michael’s Choir School brings the tradition of choral scholarship to Massey Hall on this Saturday evening. For the 59th annual Christmas concert, the boys and men, including returning alumni, are presenting Vivaldi’s Gloria, Carol of the Bells, and The Carol, among other seasonal favourites. The splendour of 300+ male voices is quite special — another great chance to experience the rich resonance of a large vocal ensemble. Info here.
Royal Conservatory of Music: Emilie-Claire Barlow: Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 14, 8 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $50+
Come for an intimate holiday concert with Emilie-Claire, one of the brightest Canadian jazz stars. Known for her lovely voice and a sharp ear for arranging, Emilie-Claire’s been busy publishing 12 albums on her own, and with her expertise as a top-notch producer, she’s an all-around tour-de-force. This evening, she will fill the Koerner Hall with a 9-members mixed ensemble, evoking joy and grace to sum up this holiday season. Without intermission, this 90-minute concert could be just the thing for you to bring that holiday cheer up another notch. Info here.
Canadian Children’s Chorus: Songs of the Season
Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m.
Roy Thomson Hall $56.36+
We often say we need to nurture and inspire children. But in this case, come and be amazed and inspired by these talented, hardworking children as they present ‘Songs of the Season with Toronto Children’s Chorus’, a tradition that’s been going on for over 30 years. Ranging from age six to young adults, it is amazing what they create artistically — their musicianship and technical mastery of choral singing are genuinely impressive — singing is not an easy thing! With many guests, including musicians of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and an alumni choir, this is a great way to experience diverse artistry within our community. Info here.
Royal Conservatory of Music: Kevin Chen
Sunday, December 15, 3 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $30+
This young Canadian man has been busy dashing through the international piano festivals. He was the youngest winner of the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition, and has won the first prize at the Concours de Genève, and the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition. Chen is bringing the peak canon repertoire of the Romantic piano works of Chopin and Liszt. If you need a respite from the sea of seasonal cheer, this concert will present you with impressive technicality and panache of classical piano. Info here.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.