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WEEKEND ROUNDUP | Eleven Posts You May Have Missed This Week

By Michael Vincent on November 30, 2014

CONCERT REVIEW | Second City Hijacks the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

By Colin Eatock on November 30, 2014

Who makes classical music funny? Victor Borge did it, and so did Anna Russell. The violin-piano duo of Aleksey Igudesman and Richard Hyung-ki Joo are also funny. Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt are hilarious in their show Two Pianos Four Hands. And let’s not forget Peter Schikele (a.k.a. “PDQ Bach”), Dudley Moore, Steve Martin, Bugs Bunny and Monty Python.

THE SCOOP | Toronto Symphony Orchestra Announce the End of the "Deficit Era"

By Michael Vincent on November 28, 2014

It’s been a challenging few years for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. With a 15% drop in attendance, a 1.2 million dollar deficit from last year (and $800,000 the year before) the stakes are high.

Q&A | 20 Questions for Stewart Goodyear

By Michael Vincent on November 28, 2014

Just mentioning the name, Stuart Goodyear around Toronto and people perk-up. To call him a pianist really doesn't cut it. He's more of a one man phenomenon - a piano superhero of sorts. Goodyear began his training at The Royal Conservatory in Toronto, and has become a go-to soloists for orchestras around the world, including Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Montreal Symphony, Toronto Symphony Orchestra (just to name a few)...

WHO'S WHO | Opera Atelier

By Member on November 27, 2014

Opera Atelier is a world leader in the rediscovery and revitalization of period opera and ballet, particularly works from the Baroque era. Through their historically informed productions, Founding Co-Artistic Directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg seek to provide a thrilling theatrical experience for modern audiences. Opera Atelier’s productions are performed with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra on period instruments, and incorporate music, dance and theatrical staging with strong production values.

LISZTS | 15 Of The Best Insults By Composers

By Ludwig Van on November 27, 2014

Be warned, fair reader: your favourite composer may be on either the giving or the receiving end of these jabs!

THE VOICE | Canadian Opera Company Competition Crowns Three Kings

By Neil Crory on November 26, 2014

I can't recall ever attending a vocal competition in which the men took home all the medals: bronze, silver and gold. Those cunning little sopranos and mezzos always seem to find ways to endear themselves into the hearts of jury and audience members, don't they? That is until last evening for the final round of the Second Annual Canadian Opera Company's Centre Stage Ensemble Studio Competition Gala at the Four Season's Centre.

CD REVIEW | Poor Accoustics Thwart Recording of Philadelphia Orchestra/Yannick Nezet-Seguin

By Paul E. Robinson on November 26, 2014

In the spring of 2012 the Philadelphia Orchestra presented a “Stokowski Celebration” in the orchestra’s old home, the Academy of Music. The programs consisted of music associated with Stokowski, the longtime music director of the orchestra, and there was a well-curated display of Stokowski memorabilia in the lobby and on the orchestra’s website. Yannick Nezet-Seguin conducted all the concerts and in one remarkable moment Stokowski “passed” the baton to Yannick by means of lifelike holograms on either side of the proscenium. A year later Yannick made his first recording with the Philadelphia Orchestra and it included several of the works played at the Stokowski Celebration.

CRITIC’S PICKS | 10 Musical Outings You Absolutely Must Do This Week

By Michael Vincent on November 25, 2014

Musical Toronto’s weekly Critic’s Picks are a fully curated list of some of the best concerts happening now through the end of the week. Of course this is not to say we are the provocateurs of taste, but simply seek to provide a good weekly summary. For a look at the full breadth of what’s available in and around Toronto, check out the comprehensive concert listings from our friends at Wholenote Magazine.

THE VOICE | Isabel Bayrakdarian: "As a bird, I no longer like sitting on top of the tree"

By Neil Crory on November 25, 2014