{"id":103987,"date":"2024-05-06T10:13:42","date_gmt":"2024-05-06T14:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=103987"},"modified":"2024-05-06T10:13:42","modified_gmt":"2024-05-06T14:13:42","slug":"critics-picks-classical-music-events-absolutely-need-see-week-may-6-may-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2024\/05\/06\/critics-picks-classical-music-events-absolutely-need-see-week-may-6-may-12\/","title":{"rendered":"CRITIC\u2019S PICKS | Classical Music Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week: May 6 \u2013 May 12"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"L-R
L-R (clockwise): Joy Lapp (Photo courtesy of the artist); pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout (Photo courtesy of the artist); the Masmoudi Quartet (Photo courtesy of the artists)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between May 6 and May 12, 2024. For more of what\u2019s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Elmer Iseler Singer: Choral and Organ Tapestry<\/h3>\n

Tuesday, May 7, Noon
\nRoy Thomson Hall. Free, Tickets Required.<\/p>\n

Elmer Iseler Singers, in their 45th season, take over the Roy Thomson Hall for an open midday concert, featuring choral-organ repertoire under the direction of Lydia Adams, with Shawn Grenke at the organ. Hear the Gabriel Kney organ roar in the huge acoustic space of the Roy Thomson Hall, while EIS deliver their signature refinement. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Kronos Quartet: Five Decades<\/h3>\n

Thursday, May 9, 8 p.m.
\nKoerner Hall. $21+<\/p>\n

Champion of innovation and new music, the iconic Kronos Quartet is on tour this year, ahead of the retirement of John Sherba (violin) and Hank Dutt (viola), Kronos veterans of 45+ years: Dutt joined in 1977, and Sherba in 1978. With David Harrington (violin) \u2014 who founded KQ in 1973, and Paul Wiancko (cello) \u2014 the latest new member since February 2023 \u2014 KQ will bring their signature programming, featuring George Crumb\u2019s Black Angels, and five additional works that will receive Toronto\/Ontario\/Canada premiers. KQ is legendary for its musical finesse and technological mastery \u2014 this is the concert not to be missed, and a handful of tickets are still available. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Art of Time Ensemble: Both Sides Now: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell<\/h3>\n

Thursday, May 9, 8 p.m., Friday, May 10, 8 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m.
\nHarbourfront Centre Theatre. $40+<\/p>\n

For 25 years, Andrew Burashko and the Art of Time Ensemble has built up quite a following with their unique chamber music series, including anything and everything from contemporary to jazz, Canadiana of the past, present, and future. For this last project for their final Coda season, it\u2019ll be the music of Folk to Jazz, heart to heart: the music of Joni Mitchell in brand new arrangements with six singers and a hybrid ensemble, loosely based on a mash-up of jazz ensemble and string quartet, plus a bit of extra. What history they built with us \u2014 and now a farewell. Tickets are no longer available online, but keep ringing the Harbourfront Centre Theatre, to be there with ATE, for the last time. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra: Tchaikovsky + Brahms<\/h3>\n

Friday, May 10, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m.
\nRoy Thomson Hall. $35+<\/p>\n

Frank Peter Zimmermann, one of the best current soloists, brings one of the best violin concertos, Brahms D major, and TSO and TSYO will double up for Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. Yes, that would be a super-packed stage, overflowing with sheer adrenaline from the youngsters. It is so important for these young musicians to experience great music and a supportive, enthusiastic audience. Please make your way to these concerts, as without the new generation, there simply is no future. The payout will be exceptional, as the youngsters will give you so much back \u2014 from their hearts. A win-win. NexGen Composers, Julia Mermelstein (May 10th) and Christina Volpini (May 11th) will have their works premiered as concert openers. Fantastic. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Upper Canada Choristers\/Cantemos: New Beginnings<\/h3>\n

Friday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
\nGrace Church on-the-hill, $25, Free for children under 16<\/p>\n

The importance of community music-making goes beyond the simple act of rehearsal and performance \u2014 it builds communities, encourages the individual pursuit of excellence, and allows creative expressions from many different backgrounds. Upper Canada Choristers\/Cantemos, are celebrating their 30th anniversary \u2014 considering the difficulties we\u2019ve all faced during COVID-19, seeing such community groups thriving again is simultaneously reassuring and amazing. There will be four brand-new works by Gwyneth Twyford, David Archibald, Matthew Secaur, and Laurie Evan Fraser, the multi-talented music director. In the spirit of inclusion and community celebration, the Boys’ Choir of Maurice Cody Junior Public School will make a guest appearance. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Brentano Quartet, Jonathan Biss & Joseph Conyers<\/h3>\n

Friday, May 10, 8 p.m.,
\nKoerner Hall. $45+<\/p>\n

Brentano, known for their exploration of contemporary quartet repertoire, bring two big ones from the canon for their debut in Koerner: a late Beethoven, Op. 130, and Schubert\u2019s Trout Quintet. Universally loved for its exuberant beauty and charm, the Trout is a great choice to go with the beauty of the spring elation; Jonathan Biss (Piano), and Joseph Conyers (Bass) \u2014 who might look familiar, as he was just in town to play under the baton ofYannick N\u00e9zet-S\u00e9guin, as the principal bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra – will join the Brentano for the Trout. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Tafelmusik: Transformations: Bach & Rameau<\/h3>\n

Friday, May 10, 8 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m., Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m.
\nJeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St Paul\u2019s Centre. $47+<\/p>\n

Omnivorous Kristian Bezuidenhout, the Artistic Director of the Freiburger Barockorchester and Principal Guest Director with the English Concert, who plays all things piano (harpsichord, fortepiano, and the modern piano), will be sitting at the Harpsichord this week, to lead the Tafelmusik through the music of Purcell, Avison, Bach, Handel, and Rameau. This has been a great season to see how Tafelmusik responds and rises to their different styled guest leaders, and with the glorious keyboard music of such masters, the perspective is great. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Exultate Chamber Singers: Home in the 6ix \u2014 Part 2!<\/h3>\n

Friday, May 10, 8 p.m.
\nCalvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. PWYC, suggested donation $40<\/p>\n

\u2018The well of Toronto composers is deep\u2019 \u2014 I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. This second part of \u2018Home in the 6ix\u2019 explores the music of Toronto composers exclusively. Works by Andrew Balfour, Shireen Abu Khader, Healey Willan, Larisa Kuzmenko and John Beckwith will fill the evening under the direction of Mark Ramsay. There\u2019ll be a pre-concert chat starting at 7:15 p.m., with a few of the composers present. Chamber choir is one of the most heartfelt musical formats, and sharing this wonderful city as performers, audience, and creators, is a great luxury that we get to enjoy. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cantabile Chamber Singers: A Prism of Sound<\/h3>\n

Saturday, May 11, 7:30 p.m.
\nChurch of the Redeemer $30, $15 for youth, free for 12&under<\/p>\n

A Canadian new work graces Cantabile Chamber Singers\u2019 last concert of the season. Saman Shahi\u2019s \u201cFragments\u201d tells diaspora stories, with Nika Khanjani\u2019s texts, drawn from personal interviews of the displaced people. Our own local, Ton Beau Quartet, will be joining the CCS, and additional works of Toronto\/Canadian composers \u2014 Eleanor Daley, Matthew Emery, and many more, fill out the program. Without intermission, this concert is going to be an intimate sharing and celebration of what makes Toronto unique \u2014 its people. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Alliance Fran\u00e7aise de Toronto: Eternal Cities by The Masmoudi Quartet<\/h3>\n

Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m.
\nSpadina Theatre, 24 Spadina Road. $15+.<\/p>\n

Mohamed Masmoudi, an oud composer and performer, is a true pioneer, busy merging two different worlds: Western classical and jazz, and Arabic Middle-East and North Africa. For this program, Eternal Cities, Maumoudi\u2019s quartet will present his world of diaspora, history, and memories, and newly forged path in the new world. It is rare to hear good Arabic jazz in Toronto – if you\u2019ve ever been curious, this is the right choice for your Saturday night exploration. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Jon Cowherd Trio and Larnell Lewis & Joy Lapps<\/h3>\n

Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m.
\nKoerner Hall. $40+<\/p>\n

What do you get when you put Larnell Lewis, Joy Lapps, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Jon Cowherd, on one night? A night of superstars. Joy\u2019s artistry, drawing from her Antiguan and Barbudan roots, and Larnell\u2019s exploration of how Afro-Caribbean roots have created a meaningful community-building movement, along with their their Torontonian heritage, is an interesting sharepoint with the Koerner audience – another successful combination of Toronto diaspora. The trio of jazz giants: Patitucci, Blade, and Cowherd, promises much further riches. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

That Choir: 15 Years<\/h3>\n

Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m.
\nChurch of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square PWYC, suggested donation $30<\/p>\n

Truly one of the best chamber choirs in Canada, That Choir specializes in contemporary a capella choral music, and in celebration of their 15th season, Artistic Director Craig Pike promises a lovely Sunday afternoon of audience favourites. Pike is a maverick, in his entrepreneurial ways in Arts and beyond, and in his solid command of dedicated singers. He doesn\u2019t hesitate to pick difficult repertoire, and That Choir always delivers the goods. Their first come-back concert from COVID-19, opening with Whitacre\u2019s \u2018When David Heard,\u2019 was truly a heartbreaking experience in its beauty, utter sense of loss, despair and hope for salvation. If you haven\u2019t heard them, please make your way, and if you have heard them, I bet you already have your ticket ready. Info here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Classical music and opera events in Toronto for the week of May 6 to May 12, 2024. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":103991,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[40967,11,76,19,3895,32,43,49,63],"tags":[375,4941],"yst_prominent_words":[8345,7643,14729,29809,6606,10287,12857,14728,6843,6674,6683],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/Copy-of-CRITICS-PICKS-3.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9bakr-r3d","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103987"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103987"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":103993,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103987\/revisions\/103993"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103987"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=103987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}