This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between July 6 and 12, 2026.
Toronto Summer Music: Opening Night: Les Arts Florissants
Thursday, July 9, 7:30 p.m.|
Koerner Hall, $40
It’s finally the peak of summer in hot July in Toronto and TSM returns to the city with amazing programs and varieties of offerings to suit all classical interests in the city. The opening night features the return of LAF, a powerhouse in Baroque performance practices, with music of great high French Baroque master, Charpentier. Featuring two chamber operas, the first half with the group’s namesake work, Les Arts Florissants, and the second of Orpheus, this opulent music is presented — yes — with dancers. Come for the extravagant beauty and stay for the champagne post-show reception; a great way to liven up the near-end of work week in the summer glory. Info here. https://torontosummermusic.com/event/opening-night-les-arts-florissants/
Brott Music Festival: Quanto Amore
Thursday, July 9, 7:30 p.m.
L.R.Wilson Hall, McMaster University, Hamilton, $25+
Running one of the best orchestral training programs, BMF features a night full of operatic charm in Hamilton this evening. Running since 1988, the young musicians’ orchestra first started as a two-week program, and now it spans over two months, July and August, as the festival presents a variety of orchestra-focused musical selections. As one of the few summer training programs that pays, it’s a coveted experience for many budding young musicians: the enthusiasm runs high, and playing calibre is high, with much enthusiasm. Come and listen, then join in for the post-show prosecco hangout with a sneak peek of the upcoming La Bohème at Brott. Info here. https://brottmusic.com/quanto-amore/
Toronto Summer Music: Fire & Resilience
Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
Walter Hall, University of Toronto, $30+
The TSM’s first main stage concert features mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, and a piano quintet of beautiful talents: Blake Pouliot, William Fedkenheuer, Yura Lee, Estelle Choi, and Philip Chu. This mixed program, ranging from solo Bach violin and Copland songs to Shostakovich’s rousing piano quintet — and others — celebrates the theme of survival. While immersed neck-deep in today’s chaos, it’s difficult to imagine what Art is, or can be; however, without the reminder about human spirit and its strength against the world, what’s left there, to protect, grow, and hold onto? Come out and witness excellent musicianship and soak back into the need and the importance of being human — a fragile, often difficult and inescapable state, where we also experience love, joy, and courage, all in the same mix. Info here.
Toronto International Harp Festival: Harp Concerto Night with Orchestra
Saturday, July 11, 7:30 p.m.
Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr., $75+
The Toronto International Harp Festival is in town this weekend. Harp, the instrument of kingly halls and many magical myths and legends, always draws attention wherever it goes — like the cascading fall of gentle tears in Mahler’s 5th symphony Adagietta. Or the magical moment in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, where the world transforms through pure beauty. To see not one harpist, but many, however, is a rare occurrence — an expensive and complicated affair. So to have so many harpists congregate in our city is certainly a notable moment. The festival’s highlight, a 3-4 p.m. concert featuring 50 harps and harpists, sold out eons ago; however, there are still tickets for the evening program of harp concertos. Featuring the harp canons of Wagenseil, Krumpholz, Steffan & T. C Kelly, four international soloists with orchestra will grace this summer evening — come out and experience the magic of harp in person, in the stunning space of the Aga Khan Museum. Info here.
Summer Music in the Garden: Bringing the Heat
Sunday, July 12, 4 p.m., Toronto Music Garden, free
This relaxed, beautiful series brings in some Cuban joy this Sunday afternoon. Hailing from Santiago de Cuba, the centre of traditional Cuban Music, the two brothers Jorge Luis Peña Acosta and Luis Peña bring the true folk music that stems from the heart of Cuba. Many may not be aware that Canadian tourism has effectively cancelled all direct Cuban flights and tourism packages since the spring, citing economic uncertainties and continuously evolving political difficulties regarding Cuba — and it’s a shame, as Cuban culture and people always have opened their home to countless Canadians with such generosity, till this recent abrupt one-sided closure. Those who are missing Cuba, and those who look forward to experiencing Cuba, do come out and listen to the brothers sing and tell the stories from their home, as we wait for the accessibility to reopen. Info here.
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- CRITIC’S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: July 6 – July 12 2026 - July 6, 2026
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