This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between April 7 and 13, 2025. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Opera Atelier: David and Jonathan
Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 2:30 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $40+ (35 and under, use code: U35)
Opera Atelier’s Canadian premiere of Charpentier’s David and Jonathan is finally here this week, filled to the rim with the grandeur of high French Baroque. This production was made for performance at the Royal Chapel of Versailles in 2022 — and with the period costumes and ballet sequence, it’s going to be quite a show, especially in the intimate space of Koerner Hall: quite a contrast from the cavernous Four Seasons Centre. Young people under 35, please take advantage of the discount, and bring your older friends for a beautiful night out, full of Louis XIV’s gilded glory. Info here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Kimiko’s Pearl and Romantic Treasures
Wednesday, April 9, 8 p.m., Friday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.
Roy Thomson Hall, $30+
Kimiko’s Pearl, a brand new commission; Saint-Saëns’s blazing first cello concerto with one of the best cellists of our times; Kian Soltani, book-ended with one of the most performed modern pieces from the string repertoire:,Takemitsu’s Requiem for Strings. With the glorious Daphnis et Chloé Suite No.2, TSO really packed them in this week. Over the years, I’ve heard Soltani play on different stages with different works, and I found his accuracy and musical expression to be astounding — his performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto was the most accurate I’ve yet to hear. Saint-Saëns’s cello concerto, known for its dramatic passion and serene middle movement, is a great vehicle to hear Soltani’s virtuosity. And Daphnis et Chloé, though never easy to play, could be stunningly beautiful when all parts of the engine are firing correctly — come and see what magic may happen this time. Read our Interview with Kimiko’s Pearl composer Kevin Lau here. Info here.
Canadian Chamber Orchestra: String Theory: Music of Time & Space
Thursday, April 10, 7 pm.
Eglinton St. George’s United Church, 35 Lytton Boulevard, $22.63+
CCO is an ambitious project. As a self-directed chamber orchestra in Toronto, the ensemble members, young and imaginative, certainly bring passion to the stage. As the group is in their formative years, CCO is eager to explore the chamber strings repertoire, and their own capabilities — a very special energy to experience. For this concert, the program features Kelly-Marie Murphy, Marjan Mozetich, Aaron Jay Kernis, Jessie Montgomery, Arvo Pärt, Pink Floyd, and Debussy. With promised guests Maureen Honoré (soprano), SarahRose Black (piano/narration), and Bevis Ng (percussion), the program feels fresh and intriguing. A drink, at least, has been promised (included with the ticketed entry), so celebrate the nearly-weekend happiness with the early concert start of 7 p.m, and see what you may discover. Info here.
GFN Production: Bond Symphonic
Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m.
Roy Thomson Hall, $70+
All Bond fans gather, and enjoy the iconic soundscape of 007, with 48 musicians of the FILMharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Francis Choinière, and vocalists Rose Naggar-Tremblay and Sam Champagne. Drawing from all the classics: From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball and Skyfall, this is a great light-hearted night that can bring out glamour, nostalgia, and perhaps personal memories — where were you when you saw your favourite Bond, and what is this particular magic that draws people to the Bond franchise, now 62 years old and continuing? Info here.
Amici Chamber Ensemble: Hidden Treasures
Sunday, April 13, 3 p.m.
Trinity St. Paul’s United Church. $30+
Amici returns to Trinity with friends, to present to you music of Babadjanian, Tajčević, Rota, Ravel and Arutiunian. Drawing from feisty, soul-wrenching Balkan music, and the glorious music of Rota and Ravel, the seasoned artists of Amici, with guest Chee-yun (violin), this Sunday afternoon promise great riches — come and escape from the dreary late winter grey city sogginess to — where would your mind take you, with this evocative music? If you have not seen Tzigane live, you will be in for a treat! Chee-yun will enchant you with wild gypsy magic with her blazing techniques and musical maturity; would she bring the “Ex-Strauss” (Cremona, 1708), or a Ruggieri (Cremona, 1669), both spectacular instruments? Read our Preview here. Info here.
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