This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between July 7 and 13, 2025. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Small World Music, Lula Music & Arts Centre & Drom: Warsaw Village Band
Wednesday, July 9, 8 p.m.
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St West, $64.08
Cutting Vocals, hand drums, hammered dulcimer, and suka (Polish folk fiddle) — the Warsaw Village Band is a powerhouse in the European ethnic and roots music scene. Beginning as an exploration of Polish identity post-soviet era, WVB has been busy collecting and reviving once-lost traditions and folk songs, along with new effects of overdubbing, hip-hop, sound processing, and their practice of “modern music, played by modern people, inspired by tradition for this and future generations”, is a great experience. Come and join them for their Canada tour at Lula, and witness the evolution of roots music. Polky, a Toronto-based Polish folk group, will open for WVB. Info here.
Toronto Summer Music: Opening Night: L’incoronazione di Poppea
Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $20+
Much-awaited 2025
TSM opens with a concert performance of L’incoronazione di Poppea. Featuring ensemble Cappella Mediterranea and conductor , this particular touring production has performed in Cologne, Geneva, Namur, Montreal, and will make a stop in Toronto this Thursday, before heading out to New York. Considered one of the earliest operas, Monteverdi’s masterful writing is full of drama, and it’s always great to see a visiting ensemble of such high calibre. Keep your ears open, especially for Sophie Junker in the title role of Poppea, whose virtuosity and dramatic flair have been pleasing the international audience since she won the 2010 London Handel competition. And do stay for the post-concert champagne reception for all audience members. Read our Preview here. Info here.
Harbourfront Centre: Songs of Birds and Love: The Musicians of the Egg
Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m.
Toronto Music Garden, free
For this Thursday evening, the Toronto Music Garden will resonate with English and French Renaissance songs. The unique Renaissance soundscape, created from voices, lute and various flutes may feel a bit different initially, yet the human emotions and portrayal of nature still ring true in the 21st century — after all, Dowland’s doleful tunes never ever really went away during all this time, deeply embedded in many pop culture references… Come, take a seat, and be teleported away to a different time. Info here.
Flamenco at the Monarch
Sunday, July 13, 8 p.m.
Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton St., $27.96
Bring some serious passion into this Sunday night with piercing flamenco in the intimate setting of the Monarch Tavern. Featuring locals and international performers from Seville, this intense and talented group: Makeda Benitez, Lia Granger, Dennis Duffin and Dani Carbonell, have curated passionate tablaos, transforming the Monarch into a proper peña flamenca, a gathering of artists celebrating music, dance, and amazing costumes of the flamenco tradition. Be ready to move, and be moved. Info here.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — local classical music and opera news straight to your inbox HERE.
- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: December 15 – December 21 - December 15, 2025
- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: December 8 – December 14 - December 8, 2025
- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: December 1 – December 7 - December 1, 2025
