This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between November 24 and 30, 2025. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Double Dixit: Lotti & Handel
Friday, November 28, 8 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 8 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 3p.m.
Trinity St. Paul’s, $45+
The amazing Tafelmusik chamber choir and orchestra returns to the stage with Ivars Taurins for a spirited program of Dixit Dominus. In this time of confusion, frustration, and noise — oh so much noise — perhaps the words of the Lord promising justice, clarification, and incredible power, to right the wrong, ‘…fill the place with destruction, and shatter the skulls in the land of the many,’ is just what we need. Lotti, writing with that special Venetian flair, and Handel with operatic mastery at the tender age of 22, took this dramatic text to 11. Leave the world, just for a while, and come into the intimate Trinity St. Paul’s, one of the few beacons in the city where many try to keep the bright flame burning through the dust storm of the world — whether it be through arts, music, or religious service — and be soothed and consoled. Info here.
Royal Conservatory of Music: Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
Friday, November 28, 8 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $75+
One of the world’s best choirs, Soweto Gospel Choir, is in town! Founded in 2002 by David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer in Soweto, South Africa, they’ve been a real playmaker on the international stage ever since. They’ve collaborated with the best of the best, including performing with Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Josh Groban and Vusi Mahlasela, opening for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’s Germany tour, collaborating with Peter Gabriel, and have won so many significant awards that it’s hard to keep track. Come and experience an evening with this amazing group of artists, and be elevated and inspired. With their varied selection of music — freedom songs, traditional spirituals and music from Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush and Leonard Cohen, the night will simply disappear in a wink, as the music fills the heart. Info here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: TSYO: Mendelssohn’s Reformation
Saturday, November 29, 3 p.m.
Meridian Arts Centre, $24+
The ferociously talented youngsters of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra bring a program of their own to North York. You may have seen them in Roy Thomson Hall for their side-by-side concerts, where the TSO and TSYO sit together (yes, double the joy, till the stage is nearly overflowing with musicians), and play — and I bet you were impressed. This time, they bring a full program, featuring Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture and Sibelius’s Finlandia, plus a great contemporary work by Anna Clyne, This Moment, and finishing up with Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony. We often think of classical music as a transfer of traditions and knowledge from old to young; however, it is the youth that brings us energy, hope, and joy, often against the wrongs, complacency, and dogmas of the older generation. Regardless of one’s personal view, Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, Jahdai Vigona and Dante Rodrigues, Thandiwe Abdullah, Millie Bobby Brown — these once-youngsters, have brought real changes to all of us, and it is our privilege to experience their vigour, vision and drive. There’s only a few seats left, so get your tickets soon, and come ready to be amazed with the incredible energy of this special group. Info here.
Pax Christi Chorale: Children’s Messiah
Saturday, November 29, 4 p.m.
Church of the Holy Trinity, 19 Trinity Sq., free-will donation for Holy Trinity’s outreach programs
Tis the season, and the churches, concert halls, and even malls, are ringing with one of the greatest hits of Western civilization — Handel’s Messiah. Out of so many options, PCC’s Children’s Messiah with Artistic Director Elaine Choi is a very special one. This string of favourites is presented for families, from very young to the oldest grandpas and grandmas, with plenty of interactions to make the music part of a real storytelling. Messiah isn’t just about biblical salvation. There are messages that we can use to find hope and joy in today’s world. The music is beautiful. And, although tradition can be a real shackle, it also can be a vital linkage that connects all of us together, wherever we, as individuals may be. So come on down, and enjoy the festivus (seriously! No still-seating requested), and join CPP, and eager young musicians from Unionville, and Larry Beckwith, for this lovely hour. Info here.
Royal Conservatory of Music: Seong-Jin Cho
Saturday, November 29, 8 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $80+
The youngest winner of the Hamamatsu International PIano Competition, Third place at the Tchaikovsky at the age of 17, First prize at the 2015 Chopin Competition, chosen as 2025 Opus Klassik Award for Instrumentalist of the Year — Seong-Jin Cho is a star. The critics and the audience have been filling his concerts wherever he performs. This Koerner Hall concert is no exception — it is currently sold out. However, there are always a few tickets that become available on the day, and this concert is so worth it to hang everything in limbo for the Saturday, and try the box office for last minute availability. If you like piano music, or just simple superb musical excellence, this concert will charge you up to the brim. Info here.
Esprit Orchestra: Tour de Force
Sunday, November 30, 8 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $20+
In contrast to the return of familiar Christmas holiday repertoire, Esprit Orchestra presents music of our own time. Thomas Adès’ Overture to the Tempest (2004), is one of the most incredible works of the contemporary repertoire. A brand new work by Christopher Goddard, a brace, a round, a bracing sound (2025), along with Ben Nobuto’s Serenity 2.0 (2021), and Gabriella Smith’s Tumblebird Contrails (2014), will fill the evening. Often, we set our own expectations and determine the value of things without actual physical experience — and contemporary classical music, unfortunately, has a somewhat terrible reputation. However, as man does not live by bread alone, the wonder and joy of experiencing something new (especially if you strongly hate it), is vital in our lives, to remain human with full emotional capabilities. Come down to Koerner, and don’t worry — let the musicians take you through the rabbit hole; for the aficionados, bring a friend or two, and share the joy of this great world of contemporary music. Read our Preview here. Info here.
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