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November 2019
Tapestry Opera | TAP:EX Augmented Opera
TAP:EX Augmented Opera, delves into the world of analog and digital storytelling augmentation, challenging our notion of what is real. TAP:EX Augmented Opera invites us to submerge ourselves in a night of experiential and experimental opera.
Find out more »December 2019
Esprit Orchestra | Sustain
Afterglow is the third panel of an orchestral tryptique commissioned from Scime by Esprit. In composing Sustain, Norman, America’s most celebrated young composer, considered how audiences one hundred years from now might perceive and be affected by orchestral music. He then set out in a major new creative direction to produce what some have labeled a masterpiece. With inexorable force, Evangelista’s piece draws listeners in and excites heartbeats in the same way his score affects the orchestra’s playing. Andrew Norman (U.S.A.) — Sustain (2018)* for…
Find out more »Soundstreams | Electric Messiah
Experience a theatrical reimagining of Handel’s masterpiece infused with jazz, gospel, blues, hip-hop, classical, and world music, complete with hypnotic dance. Never the same two years in a row, the intimacy of this performance creates a deep personal connection to universal themes of love, betrayal and redemption. Tickets, here.
Find out more »January 2020
Royal Conservatory of Music | 21C Music Festival: 21C Afterhours: Veronique Mathieu
Violinist Véronique Mathieu and pianist Stephanie Chua perform a program titled True North, featuring the Canadian premiere of 4 Seasons by Alice Ping Yee Ho alongside works by Derek Johnson and Canadian composer Adam Scime. The evening also includes the world premiere of a piece by Odawa First Nations composer, Barbara Croall, co-commissioned by The Royal Conservatory.
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C MUSIC FESTIVAL: Against the Grain Theatre’s Ayre and other works by Osvaldo Golijov
Osvaldo Golijov has been awarded Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships, has won two Grammy Awards for composition, and was Musical America’s Composer of the Year in 2006. 21C goes deep into his catalogue with Ayre, a thrill to experience with its lush fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean folk melodies. Starring Canadian soprano Miriam Khalil and staged by AtG’s Joel Ivany, Ayre is presented along with other works such as Mariel, K’vakarat, and Tenebrae. An all-star roster of musicians includes Jamey Haddad, Barry Shiffman, Gabriel Radford, Michael…
Find out more »University of Toronto Faculty of Music | New Music Festival: Karen Kieser Prize Concert
Vancouver pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa performs Hildegard Westerkamp’s Klavierklang on a program of Canadian music for piano, along with a performance of Francis Ubertelli’s prize-winning Quartetto 2 for string quartet. Presented in conjunction with the Jackman Humanities Institute. Presented by Greg Newsome.
Find out more »University of Toronto Faculty of Music | New Music Festival: From Bach to Latin America
With André Mehmari piano and Emmanuele Baldini violin Presented by Norbert Palej.
Find out more »Piano Lunaire | Composers’ Symposium 2020: The Shaw of the North
Providing a dynamic setting for collaboration and educational experience in the craft of composing for solo piano, TPL welcomes you to our inaugural Composers' Symposium as we jump into 2020! Each composer has creating a new work for solo piano, in mentorship with Christopher Mayo. This weekend centres around two performances, a lecture and workshop for emerging composers runs the weekend of January 17th through 19th. Locations are either Bunker Lane Press or the Canadian Music Centre. TPL COMPOSERS: Paul…
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C MUSIC FESTIVAL: 21C Cinq à Sept
Musicians from The Glenn Gould School perform works by Laurie Anderson and others. Tickets, here.
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C MUSIC FESTIVAL: Laurie Anderson: The Art of Falling
Grammy Award-winning NYC composer, Laurie Anderson, is one of America’s most renowned – and daring – creative pioneers, known for her multimedia presentations. In this concert, Anderson will perform solo works and in collaboration with her long-time musical partner, cellist Rubin Kodheli. Tickets, here.
Find out more »University of Toronto Faculty of Music | New Music Festival: Penderecki String Quartet
Including the Toronto premiere of Christos Hatzis’s String Quartet No. 4 (The Suffering) and more. Presented by Norbert Palej.
Find out more »University of Toronto Faculty of Music | New Music Festival: Speak, Be Silent
Contemporary Music Ensemble In memory of Roger D. Moore Wallace Halladay, director with Amahl Arulanandam, cello Mark Fewer, violin, and Xin Wang soprano SAARIAHO From the Grammar of Dreams SIMMS Foreverdark LIM Speak, Be Silent CHIN Gougalon 7:30 pm in Walter Hall, 80 Queen's Park Free admission
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C MUSIC FESTIVAL: 21C Afterhours: Véronique Mathieu
Volinist Véronique Mathieu performs a program titled True North, with new works by Derek Johnson and Canadian composers Alice Ping Yee Ho and Adam Scime. The evening also includes the world premiere of a piece by Odawa First Nations composer, Barbara Croall, commissioned by The Royal Conservatory. Tickets, here.
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C Music Festival: Zane Dalal conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra with Zakir Hussain, John Patitucci, Danilo Pérez, and Brian Blade
Legendary tabla master, Zakir Hussain, and jazz trailblazer/bassist, John Patitucci, bring an extraordinary program conducted by Zane Dalal, Associate Music Director of the Symphony Orchestra of India. Hear the Canadian premiere of Hussain’s tabla concerto, Peshkar, and the world premiere of Patitucci’s Hypocrisy for orchestra and jazz trio, featuring Danilo Pérez on piano, Brain Blade on drums, and Patitucci on bass. The concert will open with an improvisation by Hussain and the trio. The Glenn Gould School (GGS)’s Royal Conservatory Orchestra (RCO) is…
Find out more »Soundstreams | The Lost Karaoke Tapes
Renowned for her fusion of pop, cinema, psychedelia and turntablism, Juno-nominated composer Nicole Lizeé is inspired by the glitches of retro technology. Lizée takes you on a multimedia trip using 80’s karaoke videotapes that she found in a dumpster. Revisit hits by Olivia Newton-John, the Bee Gees, INXS, The Models, Icehouse, Avalanches, Men at Work, Kylie Minogue, Air Supply, Midnight Oil, Platinum Blonde, Honeymoon Suite, Corey Hart, Anne Murray, Rush, Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, Loverboy, Joni Mitchell and The Guess…
Find out more »February 2020
The Piano Lunaire | Snow Moon “Phases” with the Happenstancers
Program: Mozart - Trio in Eb, ‘Kegelstatt,’ K. 481 Augusta Read Thomas - Dancing Helix Rituals Beethoven - Trio in Bb, ‘Gassenhauer,’ Op. 11 Bram van Camp - Music for 3 Instruments Brenna Hardy-Kavanagh, violin & viola Brad Cherwin, clarinet Lisa Tahara, piano
Find out more »Esprit Orchestra | Electric & Eclectic
Electronic treatment of orchestral sound in concerts is rare so O’Callaghan’s multi-speaker, surround-sound blending of transformed orchestral sound with computer sound files radiates new sonic dimensions. Changing meters rapidly and scurrying all over the place, Adams’ score is riveting and full of surprises. Schnittke looms large in recent music history and his remarkable Concerto Grosso No.1 reveals the astounding vision and creative force of one of the greatest composers of the past century. John Adams (U.S.A.) — Son of Chamber Symphony (2007) for orchestra…
Find out more »March 2020
Soundstreams | Improvised Components
Rarefied early instruments and improvisation: joined at the hip? You bet, says curator Nick Storring, who invites us to hear this alluring sound world anew through 21st-century ears. Journey through music from the renaissance and baroque, solo improvisations created on the spot. There will also be contemporary works, including a world premiere composed by Nick Storring for the complete ensemble. FEATURED PERFORMERS: Nick Storring, composer, curator Katelyn Clark, harpsichord/organetto Emily Redhead, baroque violin Pierre-Yves Martel, viola da gamba Ben Grossman, hurdy-gurdy Dwight…
Find out more »Esprit Orchestra | Taiko Returns
Ishii demands physical power, delicate precision, emotional strength and willpower from our guest taiko drummers to make Mono-Prism the explosive conclusion of our concert. Goddard’s musical mastery extends to his performance as a pianist in what is, for the composer, a project of passion that Esprit is thrilled to foster. Astapov brings his Russian heritage to the fore in setting a text by one of today’s most important under-forty Russian poets. Croall’s presence as a performer brings a powerful Anishinaabekwe plea for…
Find out more »April 2020
Esprit Orchestra | New Wave Festival
A rendezvous, bridge, crucible, showcase, interface for young composers, performers, and audiences. The festival features concerts and events with music by young composers, mentors and others, including Stephanie Orlando, Misato Mochizuki, Christina Volpini, Žibuoklė Martinaitytė, Alison Yun-Fei Jiang, Quinn Jacobs, John Rea, Chris Paul Harman, Nico Muhly.
Find out more »Soundstreams | Secrets
Inspired by the anonymous secrets of Torontonians collected especially for this concert, this brilliant Dutch ensemble traverses classical, jazz, and soul to plumb the full range of emotion embedded in our secrets. From love lost and the depths of despair, through to the very heights of joy and ecstasy— will you let them tell your secret? FEATURED PERFORMERS Claron McFadden, vocals Michel Massot, tuba, euphonium, trombone Tuur Florizoone, chromatic accordion Marine Horbaczewski, cello Tickets, here.
Find out more »May 2020
Soundstreams | Musik für das Ende
At the age of 34, Quebec composer Claude Vivier was murdered by a man he picked up in a Parisian bar. On his desk, an unfinished piece of music appeared to foretell his own death. The man and myth are inseparable from Vivier’s music, driven by a dangerous life lived at the very extremes of human experience. From there, he brought back a vision of the pure sound and light of eternity. In this immersive spectacle for 10 singers, actor,…
Find out more »July 2020
LUDWIG VAN | Interview with pianist, Alexis Ffrench
Alexis Ffrench discussed his career, the COVID-19 lockdown, the future of classical music, and talk about the journey to create his follow-up album ‘Dreamland’.
Find out more »November 2020
ESPRIT ORCHESTRA | Take The Dog Sled – Virtual Album Launch
The Program will include a conversation between composer Alexina Louie and Inuit throat singer Evie Mark, excerpts from the recording, and a short documentary film of the original MSO tour of Nunavik in northern Quebec. Composed in 2008, TAKE THE DOG SLED was commissioned by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for their first tour of Nunavik. This event will be streamed on Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube. Hosted by Canadian Music Centre and Esprit Orchestra.
Find out more »TAPESTRY OPERA | Love Songs: A Saxophony
A Tapestry Opera and New Music Concerts co-production By Ana Sokolovic | Starring soprano Xin Wang and saxophonist Wallace Halladay | Direction and concept by Michael Hidetoshi Mori, co-developed with Xin Wang Details, HERE.
Find out more »December 2020
ART OF TIME ENSEMBLE | To All A Good Night
Art of Time Ensemble's Virtually Live season continues December 17th at 7:30 pm with To All A Good Night - a holiday concert like no other, it is at once humorous, nostalgic and irreverent. Available for free streaming on YouTube until 7:30 pm on Sunday, December 20th.
Find out more »Soundstreams | Electric Messiah
Registration for this event will be open in late November. Sign up to be an Insider for free to be the first in line! The music escapes the confines of in-person venues and transforms into a full-length music video, complete with a mix of on-location outdoor filming in the public spaces of Toronto, studio recordings, and a unique cinematic approach. Featuring a theatrically exciting cast, a brand new commission, and a feast of musical styles ranging from jazz to soul/hip-hop, Electric Messiah brings the past…
Find out more »January 2021
Royal Conservatory | 21C Music Festival — ARC Ensemble: Marc Neikrug’s A Song by Mahler
A celebrated concert singer, famous for a particular Mahler love song, develops early-onset Alzheimer’s. The drama follows her (mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano) and her husband (baritone Kelly Markgraf), who is also her pianist, as they confront their new reality. The tragic end result resolves in a new, elevated understanding of their love. A Canadian premiere.
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C Music Festival — Eve Egoyan
Eve Egoyan performs the world premieres of Seven Studies for Augmented Piano, which she created for a newly imagined instrument that delves into the space between what a piano can do and what Eve has always wished a piano could do. The core of these works is the live acoustic sound of the physical piano she is playing, but through the delicate intervention of technology, she tests (teases) the edges of the piano’s natural sound, ultimately pushing it beyond the familiar, through the impossible, and into the extraordinary. The…
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C Music Festival — Soundstreams: Garden of Vanished Pleasures
Devised and directed by esteemed opera and theatre-maker Tim Albery, this staged production features deeply felt songs about love and loss. Pieces for 4 voices and instruments by composers Cecilia Livingston and Donna McKevitt make up the program, including settings of poetry by legendary filmmaker Derek Jarman, complete with projections.
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C Music Festival — Morgan-Paige Melbourne
Pianist and Royal Conservatory alumna will perform works by Dawn Davi, Nauroz Tanya, Kathryn Knowles, Nikolai Kapustin, Brian Current, as well as a world premiere of one of her own compositions. This program is a reflection of the impact of change, struggle, growth, and affection that thrives within our daily life. An homage to what it is like to live in times of unease and uncertainty, this collection of works highlights various points of one’s being and entity. Program: Brian Current: Sungods Dawn Davi: Spirit of A…
Find out more »February 2021
Royal Conservatory | 21C Music Festival — The Glenn Gould School New Music Ensemble: FLIPBOOK: Music and Images
Curated and conducted by Brian Current, The Glenn Gould School New Music Ensemble brings you to the movies with compositions by Corie Rose Soumah, Martin Matalon, Pierre Jodlowski, and Nicole Lizée, alongside projected images. *Please note that some of the images in this presentation are not suitable for children. Program: Corie Rose Soumah: new work for 3 oboes and viola (2020) (world premiere) Martin Matalon: Las siete vidas de un gato (1996, rev 2009) for 8 players, video, and electronics Pierre Jodlowski: Respire, for 11 players, video, and electronics (2008) (North American premiere) Nicole Lizée: 8-Bit Urbex, for 15 players, soundtrack, and film (2017) (Ontario premiere)
Find out more »April 2021
Royal Conservatory | 21C Festival of New Music in a New World
Be the first to hear the world premieres of works by Morgan-Paige Melbourne and Ryan Davis, alongside fascinating, innovative compositions by Philippe Leroux, Matt Brubeck, and Cassandra Miller. Program: Philippe Leroux: Air-Ré Matt Brubeck: Entsprechung Fjóla Evans: Ridge & Furrow Thomas Demenga: Duo? O, du... Cassandra Miller: Philip the Wanderer I. Gently rumbling without direction II. Broadly, surveilling the great expanse III. Joyfully, jauntily, as if running away from regret itself Ryan Davis: Colour You Like (world premiere of the new version) Morgan-Paige Melbourne: The Night Before (world premiere) Morgan-Paige Melbourne: In My Meadow (world premiere)…
Find out more »June 2021
Royal Conservatory | The Glenn Gould School New Music Ensemble: Abalone
Curated and conducted by Brian Current, the students of The Glenn Gould School perform the world premiere of Canadian composer Anna Höstman’s Abalone for distanced ensemble. Daniel Dastoor, violin Royce Richert, violin Yanet Campbell, violin Hee-Soo Yoon, violin Christian Wrona, viola Matthew Eeuwes, viola Calvin Kim, clarinet Tiago Delgado, clarinet Godwin Friesen, piano Mario Pérez, percussion Rosie Gallagher, flute Nikki Joshi, percussion PROGRAM Anna Höstman: Abalone (world premiere) Kaija Saariaho: Laconisme de l’aile Matt Curlee: The Yellow Wallpaper
Find out more »August 2021
Soundstreams | Quiet Time
The arts are a reflection of the world around us, and can also offer solace and relief from that world. In music, silence is just as important as sound. Songwriter, singer and musician Robin Dann, no stranger to creating this type of atmosphere, guest curates an audiovisual musical experience that calms, soothes, and inspires. From past personal experiences, the beauty of the Arctic illuminates the music of both Dann and composer Allison Cameron, as we create a welcoming space inspired by some…
Find out more »September 2021
Music Mondays | 20th Century Masterpieces for Violin and Piano
Closing Music Monday's 30 Anniversary Season are two long-time friends of Music Mondays: Aaron Schwebel (Concertmaster of the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra and Associate Concertmaster of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra) and Emily Rho (Co-Artistic Director of Toronto Pocket Concerts). They will treat us to a program of three 20th century works for violin and piano. Program: Elizabeth Raum Les Ombres (1989) Aaron SchwebelviolinEmily Rhopiano Sergei Prokofiev Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in F minor, op. 80…
Find out more »Canadian Stage | Dream In High Park: An Evening with Jeremy Dutcher
Come down to High Park a concert by the incomparable Polaris Prize-winning performer, composer, activist, and musicologist Jeremy Dutcher. A member of Tobique First Nation of New Brunswick and trained in the western operatic traditional, Dutcher’s music playfully integrates classical influences into traditional songs of his Wolastoqiyik Nation people. An intimate evening under the stars, this will be a rare opportunity to commune with one of the most exciting and essential artists in the country.
Find out more »CMMAS | Eve Egoyan In Concert
September 22 -24, 2021. Streamed performance (a repeat of the live streamed performance from Open Ears Festival). New works for augmented and acoustic piano as well as Surface Tension, a collaborative work with media artist David Rokeby for piano and real-time images. Visiones sonoras. CMMAS (Centro Mexicano para la Musica y las Artes Sonoras).
Find out more »Soundstreams | Garden Of Vanished Pleasures (online)
If modern gardening has a patron saint, it must be English artist, filmmaker, and queer rights activist Derek Jarman. As the AIDS plague took his friends one by one and he himself faced an increasingly uncertain future, he discovered his own form of hope, resilience, and solace in his garden by the sea. A theatrical, filmed production with new work from composers Cecilia Livingston and Donna McKevitt, GARDEN OF VANISHED PLEASURES is drawn from Jarman’s journals, devised and directed by Tim Albery. Runs from Thursday September 23 2021 to Sunday October 10…
Find out more »October 2021
University of Toronto Faculty of Music | Thursdays at Noon. Dialogues: Analysis and Performance Opening Concert
University of Toronto Percussion Ensemble performs Inuksuit by John Luther Adams (2009). This concert will take place outside on Philosopher’s Walk behind the Edward Johnson Building at 80 Queen’s Park.
Find out more »Soundstreams | RBC Bridges Showcase: Six World Premieres
Join us for the world premieres of six new choral works, and support the next generation of composers with the RBC Bridges Showcase! Our six participants have worked throughout the pandemic with mentor composer Sarah Kirkland Snider (“one of the decade’s more gifted, up-and-coming modern classical composers” (Pitchfork)), and have created new works for vocal ensemble and instrumentalists. 2021 Participants and Program: Jenny Beck – Sown by Hand Tyler Eschendal – to sever and to splat Rebecca Gray – SO sorry for your loss Francisco del Pino – I…
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | 21C Music Festival — Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà
Violinist Dubeau and her brilliant string ensemble perform works by Craig Armstrong, Ludovico Einaudi, Jean-Michel Blais, Ólafur Arnalds, Max Richter, and more. “Pulsation marks time, it infuses its rhythm in it, and it also evokes the heart. Just like those composers whose music calls out to me and who, with their unique signatures, mark time, our time. The music of the composers in this program speaks to me deeply – in it I have found a refuge and a wellspring of goodness.” - Angèle Dubeau Program: Craig Armstrong: Far From the Madding Crowd Jean-Michel Blais: Nostos Steve Reich: Duet Ólafur Arnalds: Doria 1440 Eulogy for evolution Happiness Does not Wait Armand Amar: Planet Ocean Human Uno Helmersson: The Grand Master Suite Alex…
Find out more »Amici Chamber Ensemble | American Berserk
American Berserk celebrates the composers who changed the face of American music: the “American Original” Charles Ives, and Pulitzer Prize winners John Adams and John Corigliano. Featuring guest artists Jonathan Crow, Yolanda Bruno, and Alejandro Valdepeñas. This intimate concert will be presented at Bathurst 918 Centre for a limited audience. Program: John Adams – Gnarly Buttons for clarinet & piano TJ Anderson – Spirit Songs for cello and piano John Adams – John’s Alleged Book of Danced for String Quartet…
Find out more »November 2021
Royal Conservatory | Skratch Bastid and special guests Andrew Forde & re.verse
Skratch Bastid is a world-renowned DJ, producer, and three-time winner of the coveted Scribble Jam DJ Battle, known for his comfort and versatility in different styles — hip hop, funk, disco, club, rock, and just about anything that makes people dance. Joining him are Toronto-based violinist Andrew Forde and re.verse, making for a night of slamming turntablism meets live.
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | Charles Settle
Percussionist Charles Settle, Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Principal Percussion and a faculty member at The Glenn Gould School, is joined by GGS faculty members Jeffrey Beecher and Andrew McCandless as well as current percussion students at the GGS, for this fascinating program. Program: Joseph Tompkins: To Varèse Thierry De Mey: Musique de tables Andy Akiho: -intuition) (Expectation Barbara Croall Assiginaak: Waaban Kaija Saariaho: Ciel étoilé Bob Becker: Mudra
Find out more »Soundstreams | Love Songs (online)
Music that contemplates our place in the universe. A 45-minute concert featuring two works by Québec composer Claude Vivier, and a world premiere by Christopher Mayo. Filmed on stage at Koerner Hall, Toronto. Tickets start at just $7! ARTISTS David Fallis, music director Vocal ensemble: Carla Huhtanen, Lindsay McIntyre, Vania Chan, Robin Dann, Bud Roach, Alex Samaras, and Keith Lam Gregory Oh, piano Ryan Scott, percussion REPERTOIRE Claude Vivier Love Songs Claude Vivier Hymnen an die Nacht Christopher Mayo Oceano…
Find out more »January 2022
Tapestry Opera/RCM | Gould’s Wall [POSTPONED]
Dare to climb the wall? A young, extraordinarily talented musician is striving for perfection in her art. Her path to greatness? A magnificent wall. Bursting with the compulsion to reach the top, she invokes Canadian icon, classical pianist Glenn Gould to guide her towards dizzying heights – but the path isn’t easy. Each brick represents her art, her rigour, and her challenge. Does she have the strength, or will she slip and fall into the abyss? Artists climb and perform suspended from The…
Find out more »February 2022
Canadian Music Centre | 7X Picanto Festival
Festival Line Up: February 4: Patrick Giguère, émettre un son, vérifier sa propre existence - Sonic Exploration, Quebec February 5: Curtis Andrews, with Trichy Sankaran, The Offering of Curtis Andrews - Intercultural music, British Columbia February 6: NUMUS ensemble - Improvised music / emerging artist, Ontario February 7: SHHH!! Ensemble with the Ottawa New Music Creators, In Sea - Improvised Music, Ontario February 8: Nick Veltmeyer and Aureas Voces Indie Early Music, Jimmy and Rosalia, a Folk Opera - Opera/vocal, Nova Scotia February 9: Ensemble Paramirabo, Si le temps , l’espace … - Chamber Music, Quebec February…
Find out more »Confluence Concerts/Amplified Opera | The Butterfly Project: The Ballade of Chō-Chō San
Pre-Performance Presentation Introducing The Ballad of Chō-Chō San and its themes Marion Newman (she/her), mezzo-soprano, artistic associate of Confluence Concerts, co-founder of Amplified Opera Kunio Hara (he/him), Associate Professor, Music History at the University of South Carolina Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野 (they/them), soprano, creator of the Butterfly Project, co-founder of Amplified Opera Asitha Tennekoon (he/him), tenor, co-founder of Amplified Opera Aria Umezawa (she/her), co-founder of Amplified Opera and Aria Umezawa (she/her), co-founder of Amplified Opera, director of the COC’s planned* 2022 production…
Find out more »New Music Concerts | 50th Anniversary Distanced Commissions
New Music Concerts continues their commissions for distanced ensemble with John Oswald's re-FUSE FEATURING: New Music Concerts —Distanced Ensemble
Find out more »March 2022
The Music Gallery | Beverley Johnston – Finding HER Voice
A celebration of International Women’s Day with percussionist Beverley Johnston. ‘Finding HER Voice’ A celebration on International Women’s Day with Canadian percussionist Beverley Johnston featuring works by Alice Ping Yee Ho, Holly Winter, Christos Hatzis, Norbert Palej and Frederic Rzewski. All the works are based on iconic or historic female figures including Baba Yaga, Mother Earth, Eris, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Yoko Ono. The fusion of live percussion and audio playback will be complemented with slide projections and video. A percussive…
Find out more »Canadian Opera Company | Fantasma
WORLD PREMIERE Recommended for young adults (12-18 years old) While visiting a boisterous, old-fashioned carnival, best friends Léa and Ivy stumble upon a dark secret. Their ghostly discovery makes them confront an age-old dilemma: when faced with another person’s suffering, do you turn away, or try to help? This new opera, by former COC Composer-in-Residence Ian Cusson with libretto by acclaimed playwright Colleen Murphy, explores themes of death, violence, compassion and the courage to insist on being heard. Former COC Director/Dramaturg-in-Residence Julie McIsaac joins the…
Find out more »Tapestry Opera | Songbook XI
The fantastic baritone Jorell Williams ( called “magnificent” by the New York Times) headlines this concert, alongside pianist and Women in Musical Leadership Conductor Jennifer Tung. The pair are joined by up-and-coming opera stars of tomorrow, who perform selected pieces from Tapestry’s beautiful back catalogue.
Find out more »New Music Concerts | Difficult Grace: Seth Parker Woods in Concert
Evocative, theatrical and genre-bending, DIFFICULT GRACE is Seth Parker Woods’s multimedia solo concert featuring a vivid sonic journey and artworks that draws inspiration from The Great Migration, historic events from the Chicago Defender, acts of translation, and commentaries on the human condition. Seth Parker Woods —Cello
Find out more »National Arts Centre Orchestra | Truth in Our Time
*WORLD PREMIERE: NAC Orchestra commission of Philip Glass on the theme of Truth In Our Time in tribute to Canadian journalist Peter Jennings. Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and Music Director Alexander Shelley return to Toronto to explore the theme of “Truth in our Times” with the World Première of Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 13, his ode to freedom of the press, commissioned by the Orchestra as a tribute to Canadian-born journalist Peter Jennings. Works by Korngold and Shostakovich offer…
Find out more »April 2022
Esprit Orchestra | Esprit Live 2022!: Act 1
Program Alexina Louie The Void River of Stars Christopher Goddard Piano Concerto Andrew Norman Sustain Christopher Goddard – piano Alex Pauk - conductor
Find out more »Royal Conservatory | Eve Egoyan
Eve Egoyan performs the world premieres of Works for Augmented and Acoustic Piano, which she created for a newly imagined instrument that delves into the space between what a piano can do and what Eve has always wished a piano could do. The core of these works is the live acoustic sound of the physical piano she is playing, but through the delicate intervention of technology, she tests (teases) the edges of the piano’s natural sound, ultimately pushing it beyond the familiar, through the impossible, and into the extraordinary.…
Find out more »New Music Concerts | Imagined Sounds Curated by Keiko Devaux
Celebrated composer Keiko Devaux curates a concert of exciting new works to accompany her Azrieli Prize-winning work Arras. Each piece examines our relationship with musical memory. This concert also features the direction of Juliane Gallant in collaboration with Tapestry Opera’s Women in Musical Leadership Project. This concert is generously supported by the Azrieli Foundation. FEATURING: Keiko Devaux —Curator/Composer Juliane Gallant —Guest Conductor (Tapestry Women in Musical Leadership)
Find out more »Estonian Music Week | Kristjan Randalu: “Absence Solo”
Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu performs music from Absence – a striking album of his own rigorous-yet-lyrical music. As an improviser of prodigious technique, once described by Herbie Hancock “a dazzling piano player”, Randalu’s affinities are with the jazz musicians, but the forms and dynamics of his pieces also reflect a discerning sense of structure. Absence was recorded in France and produced by Manfred Eicher.
Find out more »National Arts Centre Orchestra | Truth in Our Time – Live Broadcast
*OTTAWA PREMIERE: NAC Orchestra commission of Philip Glass on the theme of Truth In Our Time in tribute to Canadian journalist Peter Jennings. NICOLE LIZÉE Zeiss After Dark: Sesquie for Canada’s 150th SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 9 in E-flat major, Op. 70 more info KORNGOLD Concerto in D Major, Opus 35, for Violin and Orchestra (Blake Pouliot, soloist) PHILIP GLASS Symphony No. 13*
Find out more »Esprit Orchestra | Esprit Live 2022!: Act 2
Program Eugene Astapov A Still Life for mezzo soprano and orchestra Keiko Devaux Excavated Sound Unsuk Chin Mannequin Žibuoklė Martinaitytė Saudade Shannon Mercer – mezzo soprano Alex Pauk – conductor Eugene Astapov - conductor
Find out more »Soundstreams | A Love Song to Toronto
A coming together of two iconic Canadian artists – Michael Greyeyes adds his expressive choreography to Claude Vivier’s enigmatic music. Our not-to-be missed event of the season, ‘A Love Song to Toronto’ will be performed on April 28th, 2022 at St. Andrew’s Church, Toronto. Choreographer, director, and actor Michael Greyeyes creates new dance works, inspired by two pieces of the late Québécois composer Claude Vivier. The choreography based on Vivier’s compositions “Shiraz” and “Cinq chansons pour percussion” will be presented on…
Find out more »May 2022
Royal Conservatory | The Glenn Gould School New Music Ensemble: Sometimes the Devil Plays Fate
Curated and conducted by Brian Current, the students of The Glenn Gould School perform the world premiere of Paul Frehner’s Sometimes the Devil Plays Fate for mezzo-soprano and chamber orchestra, and works by visiting composer Sandeep Bhagwati. Free tickets will be available starting at 10am on Monday, April 25, 2022.
Find out more »Esprit Orchestra | Esprit Live 2022!: Act 3
Program Claude Vivier Orion Stephanie Orlando riptide Julia Mermelstein in water suspended Christina Volpini waves, breaking, reflecting light video projections by Moira Ness Alex Pauk - conductor
Find out more »Tapestry Opera | R.U.R. A Torrent Of Light
SCI-FI OPERA SET IN THE NEAR FUTURE Founded by power-couple Helena and Dom, the tech company R.U.R. dominates the A.I. software market and powers the now-ubiquitous androids that serve their human owners. As Dom continues to consolidate R.U.R.’s power in the marketplace, Helena’s research leads to an A.I. breakthrough that will pit their visions for the future squarely against each other. They’ve reached a turning point for humanity — but is humanity ready? Inspired by Karel Čapek’s 1920’s science-fiction play Rossum’s Universal Robots (which…
Find out more »June 2022
Canadian Opera Company | The Queen In Me
WORLD PREMIERE A new co-production by Canadian Opera Company, Amplified Opera, Nightwood Theatre, and Theatre Gargantua Created and Performed by Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野 Co-Directed by Andrea Donaldson & Aria Umezawa Conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser Set & Costume Design by Joanna Yu Lighting Design by André du Toit Projection Design by Laura Warren Stage Managed by Jane Honek Assistant Stage managed by Stephanie Marrs JUNE 2–4, 2022 7:30 PM Performed at the Canadian Opera Company Theatre 227 Front St. E., Toronto, Ontario
Find out more »Soundstreams | Celebrating R. Murray Schafer
A concert to celebrate and commemorate the legacy of R. Murray Schafer. “He was one-of-a-kind, one of the most remarkable artists ever to come out of Canada. He was the Wagner of the North: the mythologies he created are infused with a profound sense of spiritual connection to wilderness lands and waters.”—SOUNDSTREAMS' FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, LAWRENCE CHERNEY FEATURED ARTISTS David Fallis, Conductor Choir 21 Meghan Lindsay, Soprano Lindsay McIntyre, Soprano Molinari String Quartet Judy Loman, Harp Michael Murray, Percussion Joyce…
Find out more »Esprit Orchestra | Esprit Live 2022!: Act 4
Program Sofia Gubaidulina Fachwerk for accordion and orchestra Alison Yun-Fei Jiang Sanctuary Thomas Adès Polaris Michael Bridge - accordion Alex Pauk - conductor
Find out more »Soundstreams | Percussion Theatre
Canadian percussionist Noam Bierstone is the 2021/22 Soundstreams New Voices guest curator, and Percussion Theatre is his curated concert experience exploring the fascinating concept of instrumental theatre – the music doesn’t just accompany an action, the music is the action. The theatrical nature of works draw audiences in, while opening ears to new and fantastic sound worlds.
Find out more »July 2022
Ludovici Einaudi | Underwater Tour
Seven Days Walking could be Ludovico Einaudi’s masterwork. Seven albums released over seven months throughout 2019 – variation after variation on a theme, all of them inspired by a winter’s walk he repeated over a period of time in the Alps. It’s a complete world, dreamed up in seven days. “I hope that you listen to one album one day, and another the next, and can’t figure out which is which,” Einaudi says playfully, which is a modest comment coming from the…
Find out more »Toronto Summer Music Festival | VC2 Cello Duo
VC2 Cello Duo is an imaginative and riveting ensemble that captivates audiences through their performances of classical masterworks, unknown gems, and boundary-pushing music. VC2 Cello Duo Amahl Arulanandam, cello Bryan Holt, cello Foo Fighters, arr. VC2 Cello Duo: “Everlong” Vincent Ho: Heist 2* Jacques Offenbach: Duet in B minor, Op. 51, No. 2 Kaitlyn Raitz: Thistle & Lace Johan Halvorsen, arr. Blaise Déjardin: Variations on La Folia Kelly-Marie Murphy: Final Glimpse** Jean-Louis Duport, arr. VC2 Cello Duo: Étude No. 2 in F minor Andrew…
Find out more »Toronto Summer Music Festival | Echo Chamber Toronto: Poetry In Motion
Echo Chamber Toronto is a performance series that intertwines contemporary dance with live chamber music. This concert explores the relationship of music and poetry with a program featuring Vaughan Williams’ evocative The Lark Ascending and Schönberg’s exquisite masterpiece Verklärte Nacht. The poetry on which these works are based have prevalent elements of movement, lending themselves beautifully to dance. Echo Chamber Toronto Aaron Schwebel, violin Sheila Jaffé, violin Keith Hamm, viola Rémi Pelletier, viola Leana Rutt, cello Julie Hereish, cello Philip Chiu, piano Anisa…
Find out more »October 2022
Soundstreams | Surface Tension
Soundstreams combines an emerging composer showcase with a performance of Surface Tension by visiting composer and mentor, Ireland’s Donnacha Dennehy, with both halves of the concert performed by Canada’s virtuosic TorQ Percussion Quartet, this year’s resident Soundstreams ensemble.
Find out more »Esprit Orchestra | Spira
Alex Pauk, conductor PROGRAM: Unsuk Chin (Korea/Germany) Spira (2019)* Concerto for Orchestra Christopher Goddard (Canada) Les tringles des sistres tintaient (2018) for orchestra —Intermission— Thomas Adès (UK) Asyla (1997) for large orchestra
Find out more »November 2022
Esprit Orchestra | Violinissimo
Alex Pauk, conductor Aaron Schwebel, Marie Bérard, Stephen Sitarski, violins PROGRAM: José Evangelista (Canada) Violinissimo (1992) concerto for violin and orchestra Andrew Staniland (Canada) Six Enigmas (2022)** concerto for violin and orchestra John Rea (Canada) Figures hâtives (2006) concerto for violin and orchestra —Intermission— Alexina Louie (Canada) Triple Concerto for Three Violins and Orchestra (2017)
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