This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between June 8 and 14, 2026. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Festival: Opening Night
Monday, June 8, 8 p.m.
Trinity St. Paul’s United Church, free with registration
Ah yes, the fantastic Tafel Baroque Summer Institute returns to the city. With the biggest international pool of applicants they’ve ever received, this year’s program will be a sure hit of glorious music, accentuated with love and passion, flair and stylistic enhancement for the period. This traditional opening concert will feature a variety of works and performers from Tafel, with a main focus on Peter Harvey, a familiar face to the Toronto audience with countless excellent performances with Tafel over the years. A great way to bring everyone out, as it’s open to the public; but don’t forget to reserve seats, as TBSI concerts are super popular — the final concert’s already full! Info here.
Metropolitan United Church: Noon at Met: Minako Uchino, carillon
Thursday, June 11, noon
Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E., freewill donation
The month of June is for Carillon celebration at the Met. This 1922 installation was an historic project, being the first well-tuned carillon in North America. The 54 bells have been telling many stories across downtown, whether it’s spring breeze, summer brilliance, fall contemplation, or winter calmness. With plenty girth and weight (the biggest bell, the bourdon, weighing 8,456 lbs), the bells are a great fixture in Toronto that surpasses mere postcard representation. For June, different carilloners will ring out every week, and for week two, Minako Uchino will be on the bench. Bring your lunches, or drop by the Trinity Cafe inside the church at the Bond Street entrance (11:30 – 2:30, Monday to Thursday), and feel that resonance in summer light, al fresco. Info here.
Luminato/Toronto Symphony Orchestra/Toronto Mendelssohn Choir: Beethoven’s Ninth
Friday, June 12, 7:30 p.m at Sankofa Square, open to public
Additional performances at the Roy Thomson Hall: Thursday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m., currently sold out
It’s great to see TSO getting involved with Luminato. TSO scheduled four performances of Beethoven 9th for 2026 — just this single work with no intermission, making it a super accessible hour-long concert. And this special edition on Friday will have an interesting twist: in addition to the TSO, the Mendelssohn Choir, and four soloists located in RTH, choristers across the city will gather at Sankofa Square to sing the last movement, Ode to Joy, with simulcast from the RTH. The call for choristers has been on since early spring, and there’s been a real excitement and joy across the choral communities of Toronto for this project. Come out and take part in this open performance, and if the spirit moves you, do sing along — after all, Beethoven’s choice of words by Schiller wasn’t a light choice: ‘O friends, no more of these sounds! Let us sing more cheerful songs, More songs full of joy!…’ Info here.
Opera 5 — Toronto Opera Festival: Parḗlios
Friday, June 12, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 14, 2:30 p.m.
Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, $20+
The second week of Opera 5’s festival features a brand new work by Cecilia Livingston, with libretto by Duncan McFarlane: Parḗlios. Incorporating tight ensembles of four singers, three dancers, a chamber choir and the TorQ Percussion Ensemble, the new work promises to explore themes of migration and change — especially the big elephant in the room: climate change. Livingstone honed her craft as composer-in-residence for the Canadian Opera Company and the Glyndebourne Opera, and she’s noted for lyrical beauty and wide accessibility. If you are curious about a new opera, or just in search of a beautiful experience, don’t sleep on this production. After all, having an opportunity to experience new indie works in person is a rare thing, and the colours and varieties of soundscape from TorQ just might blow you away — the world of percussion is like an ocean — so many sonic possibilities. Read our Interview/Preview of the Festival here. Info here.
Forte — Toronto Gay Men’s Chorus: In Our Nature: A Pride Concert
Saturday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.
Winter Garden Theatre, $44.25+
Pride month brings much joy and celebration into the city, and we are lucky to have a community where diversity and minorities are accepted and celebrated — albeit with never ending challenges and difficulties. Forte was founded in 1997, and has been celebrating the voices and talents of members representing Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. You may have already heard them at the Jays game, or Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me Love Me” world tour, Argonauts games, Nuit Blanche, Friday Night Live at the ROM — they are one of the most active choirs in town. For 2026 Pride, Forte is taking over the Winter Garden this Saturday, with one of Canada’s top drag performers, Miss Moço as host. The choral selection ranging from traditional choral works to Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell and Nat King Cole will surely please everyone in the audience. Come out for great music and community building: after all, music is to connect individuals, and create new visceral experiences — a great way to stay alive. Info here.
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- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: June 8 – June 14 2026 - June 8, 2026
- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: June 1 – June 7 2026 - June 1, 2026
- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: May 25 – May 31 2026 - May 25, 2026
