This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between June 22 and 28, 2026. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Royal Conservatory of Music & Toronto Jazz Festival: Cassandra Wilson
Wednesday, June 24, 7 p.m.
Koerner Hall, $95+
The amazing Cassandra Wilson takes over Koerner Hall in celebration of jazz and Americana. The building of national identity, or a musical style, takes the dedication of lifetimes of many talented individuals, and Wilson, with all kinds of awards — the two GRAMMYs, Django d’Or Award, the Edition Award, featured vocalist for Wynton Marsalis’s Blood on the fields, the first jazz album to win a Pulitzer (2022) — is a major figure of our time. New Moon Daughter, released 30 years ago, was a beautiful album — I was so glad that I had a CD of it, that unlike cassettes, I would not have to worry about it wearing out, repeat after repeat. This tour, commemorating the New Moon Daughter, is a great chance to hear her at peak maturity and experience. The edge between classical North American music and jazz are crumbling in places, and this is a good thing; things that evolve never become necrotic. Come out to Koerner and be taken away in the mix of blues, country, and folk — the spine of the American song book. Info here.
Canadian Chamber Orchestra: Living Room Listening Party III: Guilty Pleasures Playlist
Thursday, June 25, 7:30 p.m.
Eglinton St. George’s United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd., admission by donations: 2 lbs of non-perishable food, or monetary donation at the door
For this summer gathering, this quirky chamber group brings members’ favourite selections arranged for strings. Centred around a classic, Verklärte Nacht by Arnold Schoenberg, no emotion will be deemed too big or too rich. Schoenberg has unfortunately (and unfairly) been marked as the leader of modern music — difficult, dissonant, and unpleasant — this couldn’t be further from the truth! Verklärte Nacht is one of the most expressive Romantic works of the era, and it deserves heartfelt performances, rather than dry, boring textbook history and theory lessons. As this concert is generously open to the public, CCO is gently asking the audience to bring something to share with the community of Eglinton St. George’s United Church. Please consider dropping a few $20s, and save the labour of carrying 2 lbs of canned tomatoes, as there is ever more need for our neighbours and friends in the community nowadays. Info here.
Toronto Children’s Chorus: Canada to the World
Saturday, June 27, 2 p.m.
Eglinton St. George’s United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd., $30
As school hits pause for the summer, the young TCC singers, ages 12 to 17, are getting ready to fly big distances to join other great singers from the world. This summer, they will be in Hong Kong, and Singapore! Though they might still contemplate what to pack right up to the night before, their musical works will be ready — an a cappella program, with additional costuming and choreography. Join these spirited singers as they present the program at home base, as the last check-up for the international experience, in beautiful Eglinton St. George’s. Just like summer, the young energy, carefully nurtured by dedicated TCC team and parents, feels boundless and beautiful — to experience their hard work and love for music will be a great experience for the whole community. Info here.
Toronto City Opera: Orpheus in the Underworld
Saturday, June 27, 7 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m.
Trinity St. Paul’s United Church, 427 Bloor St. W., $25+
Celebrating 80 years, TCO has invited North York Concert Orchestra for a full-hoorah production of Orpheus in the Underworld for this weekend. Offenbach’s most beloved work, and impressively, his first full opera from 1858, Orpheus in the Underworld is hilarious and catchy; his intention of turning the classic Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice into a total farce is brilliantly expressed in Offenbach’s music, with words by Hector Crémieux and Ludovic Halévy. Although it did test some members of the serious arts circle initially, the work is constantly on the stage, now into its 3rd century, and we would be hard pressed to find anyone who has not heard the famous Galop infernal — simply known as the Can-Can — thanks to the famed shows of Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère. TCO’s dedication in creating performance opportunities for upcoming local talents is a great asset to the community; it is the smaller, nimble houses that can really nurture young talents, and for this production, the cast: Teresa Tucci (Eurydice), Christian Matta (Pluto), Matthew Black (Jupiter), Jada Alexiou (Public Opinion), Jeffrey Liu (Orpheus), Alice MacGregor (Cupid), Daniela Agostino (Diana), and Aemelia Moser (Minerva), will be singing their hearts out. Come and join in the fun! After all, it’s sarcasm and humour, among many things, that make the world an interesting place. Read our Preview of the show here. Info here.
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