This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between April 6 and 12, 2026. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Symphonically Spielberg — The Music of John Williams
Wednesday, April 8, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 7: 30 p.m.
Roy Thomson Hall, $94+
Jaws. Schindler’s List. Indiana Jones. E.T. And so much more. John Williams just might be the most widely heard composer of our time — this would be impossible to count, as I imagine how many VHS tapes, CDs, streaming — legally and illegally — and other bootleg media of movies exists all over the world, circulating continuously. The dedicatees of each movie franchise — pretty much the A list movie anthology of our time since the 1970s — can identify Williams’ music from the very first note. This celebratory program will bring many memories: from childhoods, of friendship, of dreams and the magic of movies, and unsurprisingly the house is near capacity for all four performances. Bring your loved ones and enjoy Williams’ genius — and realize how rich life can be in real performance; these melodies, familiar through teeny speakers and earbuds, will truly come alive. Info here.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Influencers — The Bachs, Mozart & Haydn
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., George Weston Hall
Friday, April 10, 8 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m., Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m., Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, $23.5+
The great Rachel Podger returns to lead Tafel, exploring influences and legacies. Before ‘influencer’ became a watered-down business term, the symbiosis between one person and another has always been one of the most fertile grounds for artistic and scientific exploration, and the emergence of new things. From Bach senior to Haydn, the transition between high Baroque and early Classical is full of quirky stylistic turns and developments — in fact, this super-rich variety of new styles post-Baroque can feel a bit confusing to explore for the uninitiated. Fear not! Come out and follow the genial leadership of Podger and the group, and follow the links between the Bach family, Haydn, and Mozart. And note that Thursday’s performance at the Meridian Arts Centre is a great way for our north neighbourhood fans to enjoy this lovely program in their own hood without a jaunt in and out of downtown. Info here.
Soundstreams: I Want to Tell You Everything — An Anthology of Love Songs
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.
Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, $40+
Come and join these super talented musicians in an exploration of chamber voices with piano and percussion. These singers — Vania Chan, Carla Huhtanen, Lindsay McIntyre, Robin Dann, Bud Roach, Keith Lam, and Alex Samaras — may not be familiar individually, however, their continued presence in contemporary vocal works in Toronto through stand-alone projects, and in various overlapping groups, is a great asset to our scene. Their willingness to explore and push boundaries with fellow musicians David Fallis (music director), Gregory Oh (piano), and Noam Bierstone (percussion), makes a truly authentic experience of new music possible. Contemporary works face two major hurdles: first being the unreasonable fear from audiences, and second being the greater demands musically and technically from the musicians. New works often suffer from less-than-stellar production/performances, so to have groups who are capable of delivering excellence from the score is of great advantage here. Trust your ears and hearts to this amazing group and immerse yourself into an evening of beautiful vocal music. There is no need for great explanations or academic lectures — after all, beauty and arts should be left to speak for themselves. However, the intellectually curious types can join in the pre-show talk starting at 6:45. Info here.
Against the Grain Theatre: Canuck Cantatas
Friday, April 10, 8 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m., Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m.
The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St E., $30+
Three brand new works take the stage at the Redwood Theatre this weekend. Cantatas, often imagined as old, dead works related to mostly baroque composers, simply mean sung drama in several movements, free of staging. The creators and performers of our own time and location, have looked into the idea of Canadian identity — which can be difficult to define, yet strangely interesting for everyone who is trying to resist the waves of great external noise — both political and cultural. True, not all of us can be a neophile. But a simple willingness to be open to dedication, current inspirations, and a drive for new artistic experiences from this group, is well-worth giving a chance. AGT’s productions are quirky, new, and of high calibre. Open your ears and hearts to these brand new stories by Sonny-Ray Day Rider, Sarah Slean, Danika Lorèn, Emma Pennell, Royce Vavrek, and Vern Thiessen. Read our Interview with Royce Vavrek here. Info here.
Continuum Contemporary Music: Outside Hollow
Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m.
St. George’s Grange Park Church (formerly St. George the Martyr Church), 30 Stephanie St., $12+
Those of you who were at TSO’s Dvorak cello concerto a few weeks ago witnessed the amazing music of Francisco Coll. Many of you were astonished by the sheer beauty of his music, and have asked me, where can I hear more music like this? Well, here’s your chance! Come and witness Coll’s music live, as Continuum and Rob MacDonald tackle Turina (2017). MacDonald, dedicated to the exploration of gnarly (complicated), and luminously beautiful contemporary music, brings two additional works: a guitar concerto from Tomi Räisänen, and a solo guitar work by Amy Brandon. This super-affordable ticket, with its inclusion of additional ensemble works leaves little excuse — come out and see what people of our own time have been busy doing. Info here.
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