This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between May 26 and June 1, 2025. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Canadian Opera Company: Vocal Series: Les Adieux
Thursday, May 29, Noon
Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Free.
As the 24/25 performing arts season winds down, the COC Ensemble Studio is getting ready to let young artists take their flight further into the sky. Queen Hezumuryango, most recently noted for her role in La Reine-garçon as Ebba Sparre, and Wesley Harrison, soon scheduled to head to Oper Köln, present their graduating performance in this intimate noon concert. With support from pianists Brian Cho and Mattia Senesi, this promises to be a lovely hour highlight in the bustle of weekday duties, witnessing the growth and power of these maturing artists. Info here.
Canadian Children’s Opera Company: The Monkiest King
Friday, May 30, 7: 30 p.m., Saturday, May 31, 3 pm and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 1, 3 p.m.
Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W., $27+
CCOC brings back their 2018 commission/premiere piece: the Monkiest King, to Harbourfront Centre. A very popular Chinese folktale, the story of Sun Wukong was set to children’s opera by Alice Ping Yee Ho (composer) and Marjorie Chan (librettist). Lasting a sweet hour, this show, performed by dedicated children with amazing CCOC team support, is a great way to spend an afternoon and be mesmerized. Often we dismiss children without a second thought, but their genuine youthful drive for exploration and excellence often creates touching, meaningful experiences — especially for adults. Come out, and be ready to experience some serious magic. What would you think of this fabled Monkiest King? Read our Preview here. Info here.
TO Live: An Evening with Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company
Friday, May 30, 8 p.m., Saturday, May 31, 8 p.m.
Studio Theatre, Meridian Arts Centre, $29+
Celebrating their 42nd season, Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company brings the searing heat of Andalusia to Toronto, as we finally hope to ease out from the coldest May since 1967. With live music and dancers, three films — including a new work ‘Luz’, focusing on the choreographer, José Maldonado’’s journey in creating kinesthetic magic from music and history — will be presented. Over two evenings, seven dancers and six musicians will fill out the intimate stage of Studio Theatre, Meridian Arts Center, with mesmerizing flamenco rhythm. Come out and bask in the rich, genuine cultural diversity of our town — and clap on, as the heat rises, and music lifts your heart high. Read our Interview with Esmeralda Enrique here. Info here.
SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival: 2025 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships
Friday, May 30, 8 p.m.
Signy & Cléophée Eaton Theatre, Royal Ontario Museum, $15+
SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival takes over the city! This year’s festival started last weekend, and there are many genres and presentations sure to please everyone — including the Nathan Phillips Square lunchtime show, Art Battle of live painting and vocal music, many public-friendly concerts, and an A Cappella competition. This competition is new this year — 10 groups were chosen from video submissions in three categories: High School, Collegiate, and Open, and it would be a lovely evening to see what community arts making means. As I firmly believe that the real riches of artistic endeavours are in one’s own art making — a vastly more satisfying, and important experience above any form of artistic consumption — this would be a great chance to see what is going on, and how it may inspire you. Info here.
Toronto Bach Festival: Kaffeehaus
Saturday, May 31, 4 p.m, and 8 p.m.
Church of the Holy Trinity, 19 Trinity Square, $54
John Abberger and the Toronto Bach Festival bring the Baroque giant’s music to life this weekend, including the hefty St. John Passion. Of the four events planned, Kaffeehaus is a clear standout — with a lovely program of the Wedding Cantata BWV 202, and Jeanne Lamon’s arrangement of the famous Chaconne, this would be a lovely opportunity to sit down with a friendly beverage, and fill out your senses — there will be music, congeniality, and dancers! The 4 p.m. show is now sold out — get your 8 p.m. tickets soon! Read our Interview with John Abberger here. Info here.
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