This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between January 6 and 12, 2025. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Canadian Opera Company: Instrumental Series: Rising Stars
Wednesday, January 8, 12 p.m.
Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Free
A great way to start the year – with performances from young artists from the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy. As we look headlong into a new year full of potential, we join the academy students (ages 8-18) in the middle of their year-long deep exploration of their craft and emotional boundaries – a great opportunity for both performers and audience to share genuine inspiration and fresh energy. If you’ve been missing out on Taylor Academy’s regular performance at the Mazzolini Hall (as those free tickets go super fast; they are usually released a week before the performance date), this would be a good way to come and support them with enthusiastic applause and appreciation. Info here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s New World Symphony
Thursday, January 9, 8 p.m.; Saturday, January 11, 8 p.m.; Roy Thomson Hall, $64+; Sunday, January 12, 3 p.m., George Weston Recital Hall, Meridian Arts Centre.
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) was once a true tour-de-force, yet somehow, we lost sight of her music after her death. However, thanks to the recent interest in the rediscovery and exploration of non-canonic repertoire (especially from women composers) her music is making a well-deserved comeback. Opening the new year with Bacewicz’s Concerto for String Orchestra, a fresh piece for pretty much every one of us, feels auspicious. The work demands high calibre performance from its players, as Bacewicz’s writing demands first-rate technicality and ensemble finesse, perfect intonation and chordal balance, with accurate and laser-sharp articulation. It will be exciting to see what is possible. The rest of the program promises the well-familiar comfort of Mozart’s Clarinet concerto, featuring TSO’s very own Eric Abramovitz, and Dvořák’s Symphony 9, ‘From the New World’ under the guest baton of Anja Bihlmaier- a dependable insurance for a good night (and a matinée) full of high calibre music. Info here.
Trinity Bach Project: Bach & Epiphany
Friday, January 10, 8 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 8 p.m.,
Little Trinity Anglican Church, 425 King St. E., $10+, Pay-what-you-choose also available.
Following in the footsteps of the three kings and their gifts, TBP have curated a weekend full of gifts: Brandenburg Concertos 3 and 4, Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 1, and a brand new cherry on the top: a new piano quartet by Godwin Friesen. Come for the jewels of the Baroque era, and hear a new work from our own time. A great chamber music concert is quite a unique thing, giving us drama with intimacy, and it is a great pleasure to hear one of our own, from our own time, speaking directly in such a setting. Info here.
University of Toronto, Faculty of Music: Julien Beaudiment: Recital
Saturday, January 11, 7:30 p.m
Walter Hall, 80 Queens Park, Free
It is true that once you start seeing things, you will see more things. The flute, sitting in the centre of the orchestra, is an integral part of Western classical music; yet few would know the subtle differences of the different flute ‘schools.’ Julien Beaudiment, a current leading figure in the French flute school, is in town this week, as part of the France-Canada Distinguished VIsitors in Music 2024-25 season, giving masterclasses and performing a recital in Walter Hall. A rare chance for the general public to hear this particular artistic process, and to learn about the uniquely refined values of the French school. It is open to the public – do come and explore! Info here.
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- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: January 6 – 12 - January 6, 2025
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