The Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra opens the 2025/26 season with a program titled Demons and Angels. Canadian composer Matthew Donnelly’s witty and dark ‘Grave Digger’s Waltz’ kicks off the concert in a nod to the season.
Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88, B. 163, a cheerful and optimistic work unusual for the composer, closes the program.
In between, pianist Michael Berkovsky will be performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43.
Michael Berkovsky
Canadian-Israeli pianist, Michael Berkovsky, is on the faculty of The Glenn Gould School and Taylor Academy at the Royal Conservatory. Michael immigrated to Israel from the Soviet Union in 1990 as a child. His family made the move to Toronto in 2001. He began his music studies in Russia at a school for gifted students, and later continued at The Juilliard School in the US, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. He subsequently completed his Doctoral degree at the Peabody Conservatory of the John Hopkins University.
As a soloist, he’s performed widely in the US, Canada, in Europe, Israel, and Japan, and has won several international competitions. In Toronto, along with his own performance career, his students have gone on to win competitions and find placements in the world’s major ensembles.
Michael is the artistic advisor for the Canadian Music Competition, and often adjudicates competitions across Canada.
We spoke to the pianist about the upcoming concert.
Michael Berkovsky: The Interview
Rachmaninoff completed his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, (Рапсодия на тему Паганини, Rapsodiya na temu Paganini) in 1934. He played at the work’s premiere later that year in Baltimore with the Philadelphia Orchestra and maestro Leopold Stokowski.
Stokowski and the orchestra would also record the work with the composer in December 1934.
Scored for piano and orchestra, it consists of a set of 24 variations on the last of Paganini’s Caprices for solo violin. It resembles a piano concerto, and is often divided into three sections in performance. It’s a piece of many contrasts in mood and tempo.
“I always wanted to complete all the Rachmaninoffs, and this was the last of the concertos,” says Berkovsky. He performed it a few years ago in concert, but wasn’t entirely satisfied by the outcome.
“There are very few works of Rach’s that are truly happy,” he laughs.
He references the latter part of Rachmaninoff’s life, after he’d emigrated to the United States in 1918. The Russian composer spent 25 years in the US touring as a concert pianist, and establishing a formidable catalogue of recordings. His biggest complaint during that period was that he had little time to compose.
“This concerto out of all the concertos that he wrote, of course the Second and Third have an epic finish — but this is a fun work.”
He notes that there are more frequent interactions between the pianist and orchestra in the work than is typical of Rachmaninoff’s music.
“It’s compact,” he says. “You get a taste of Rachmaninoff in 20 minutes.”
Music Education
“I think Toronto has one of the best [environments] for music education.” It’s about more than formal lessons or study. “I think it’s important that students get exposed to art, music.”
He points out that the many orchestras spread across the GTA, like EPO, also offer opportunities for younger and student artists. Programming is often adventurous, and features Canadian artists.
“The students get to know the artists up close,” he says of the experience. He’s made a habit of extending his network of friends and colleagues throughout the region’s musical ensembles and orchestras. It’s a fruitful ecosystem for classical music at all levels, including the higher echelons.
“A lot of my colleagues who have graduated from programs in the US have come here,” he says. He points out the growing number of high level students who are coming here to study. “In terms of musicians, I think it’s the golden times of Canada.”
He’s seen the advent of younger and younger musicians who play at virtuoso levels.
“By the time I’m celebrating my 60th birthday, there will be a five year old premiering a concerto,” he laughs. “I’m sure it’s going to continue. I don’t know if that means the concertos are getting easier.”
He points out that, in addition to in-person instruction, today’s students have access to a virtually unlimited library of masterclasses, concerts, and other educational material online.
Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra
“I’m very excited to return there.” Berkovsky says it’s been about two years since he’s performed with the orchestra.
After spending the season in China teaching, he began preparation on his return in late summer. “I’ve started my preparation. I’m cramming my last few weeks,” he laughs. “Maybe it will be even more exciting for me,” he adds.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
2025/26 Season In Brief
After the season opener with pianist Michael Berkovsky on October 17, the EPO concert schedule continues, including some weekend matinee dates; check the links below for details.
Our Story (November 21, 2025)
This community collaboration concert celebrates Etobicoke.
On the program: Gary Kulesha, Celebration Overture; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony 31 in D major, K. 297/300a “Paris”; Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture, Op. 49
Winter Sweets (December 12 & 14, 2025)
Revel in the music of the season, including Symphonic Chocolates, The Snow Maiden, and more, along with a Christmas singalong.
On the program: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov; Díszkíséret & A Tumblerek tánca from The Snow Maiden; Maxime Goulet, Symphonic Chocolates; Jean Sibelius, Finlandia; Johann Sebastian Bach, Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043, 1st movement; Augusta Holmès, La Nuit et l’Amour; John Finnegan, Christmas Singalong; Leroy Anderson, Sleigh Ride.
Hymns to Freedom (February 1, 2026)
Corey Butler presents his project Hymns to Freedom with renowned Toronto vocalist Jackie Richardson to mark Black History Month.
The program explores the story of racial injustice through history in music, contrasting division with unity, and tension with hope.
Dramatic Metamorphosis (March 27, 2026)
Joel Quarrington debuts Rococo Variations on double bass in a program of romantic music that also showcases the EPO’s Young Composer Competition winner.
The program includes: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 & Rococo Variations; Young Composer Competition Grand Prize Winner (TBD).
Spring Fling (May 8 & May 9, 2026)
Celebrate the new season with music inspired by nature and renewal, with soloist Luke Welch performing a newly rediscovered piano concerto by Florence Price.
On the program: Aaron Copland, Appalachian Spring; Florence Price, Piano Concerto in one movement; Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral”
- Find more details about EPO’s 2025/26 season [HERE].
- Find tickets and details on Etobicoke Philharmonic’s Demons and Angels concert on October 17 [HERE].
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