Michael Vincent | It’s incredible just how much goes on in Toronto each week – everything from world-class classical music and opera events, to our very own local performers and arts groups offering glimpses into the music of tomorrow. Our weekly Critic’s Picks is a fully curated list of some of the best concerts going on now through the end of the week. Of course this is not to say we are the provocateurs of taste, but simply strive 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.
Tuesday 16
St. Lawrence String Quartet at University of Toronto’s Walter Hall, 7 pm. $10-40
As new music students get used to the idea of 4 + hours of ear-training and endless four-part harmony exercises, the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music spins up a new season (and academic year) with the St. Lawrence String Quartet. They will be performing a mix of old and semi-new works with Golijov’s Kohelet, Haydn’s String Quartet Op.20 No.1, and Verdi’s String Quartet. More details here.
Array Ensemble at the Gladstone Hotel, 8 pm. Free
Arraymusic presents miniatures, written by Toronto composer Nic Gotham in collaboration with local author Martha Baillie for her new book, The Search For Heinrich Schlögel. The two Toronto-based artists have been busy at the Array Space this past summer, recording music for a gallery installation called the Schlögel Archive. According to the website, since January 2012, Baillie has been transcribing the manuscript onto hundreds of postcards and mailing these to friends. They record each postcard and uploaded them all to the projects archival website. For more details click here.
Wednesday 17
Beerology: Hopera at Habits Gastropub 7 pm. $38.80
Craft beer and opera: Hopera. Over two days, opera singers will perform a selection of eight operatic arias, duos and trios, paired with a local craft beer and presented with details on the musical selection and the beer style as well as why they were chosen. The website says it will provide meaningful insight into the worlds of local craft beer and opera. If the opera fails, at least come for the beer. Show repeats Thursday, September 18. Info here.
Thursday 18
Tafelmusik at Koerner Hall, 8 pm. $25-107
Tafelmusik returns to celebrate the season’s opening concert, which is bittersweet as this is the first season without Jeanne Lamon, who stepped down as Music Director early last summer. The concert features Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, and Vivaldi’s Il grosso mogul as well as works by Corelli, Heinichen, and Telemann. The period orchestra welcomes violinist and guest director Rodolfo Richter. The concert repeats through the 21st, with a 3:30 pm matinée. Not to be missed. Details here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall, 7 pm. $38.75-169
It’s opening night with the TSO and Peter Oundjian, who are likely feeling refreshed after a long vacation/tour in Europe this summer. Joshua Bell will be in town to commemorate the season, opening with a performance of Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture, Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, and the masterfully orchestrated Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov. Tickets and details here.
Ladom Ensemble at the Canadian Music Centre, 7:30 pm. $20
The Canadian Music Centre presents Toronto’s Ladom Ensemble, which packs a real punch! Established by music students at the University of Toronto, they have become Toronto’s premiere ensemble specializing in Persian and Balkan music. The group features: Marie-Cristine Pelchat St-Jacques (cello), Michael Bridge (accordion), Adam Campbell (percussion), and Pouya Hamidi (piano). Event info here.
Friday 19
Organix Concerts at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 7:30 pm. $0-30
The Organix Organ Festival has been going strong since April and continues this month with a performance by organist, Rhonda Sider Edgington. She will play a varied program of works from Germany, North America, England and France. For organ lovers, this is the ticket this week. More details here.
Saturday 20
Toy Piano Composers at the Music Gallery, 8 pm. $15-20
For those interested in catching-up with some of Toronto’s brightest lights, check out the Piano Composers’ Pandora’s Box, featuring music by locals Brophy, Doell, Pearce and Ryan. US-based composer and instrument inventor Anthony Marasco will also be on hand. TPC events are always worthwhile and typically focus on premieres, so come out and support this amazing group. More details here.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall, 8 pm. $33-145
Arabian Nights – part of TSO’s MasterWorks Series, features concertmaster Jonathan Crow performing Ravel’s Boléro, along with Stravinsky’s Suite from The Firebird, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade (which was recorded on the TSO’s recent CD release last month); Peter Oundjian conducting. The show repeats at George Weston Hall at 3 pm, September 21. Info here.
Sunday 22
Tribute to Our (R.) Murray Schafer at the The Westben Barn, 2 pm. $5-50
For those who don’t mind a trip to Campbellford, Ontario, the Westben Arts festival Theatre will present a very special tribute to composer R. Murray Schafer; a recent recipient of the companion of the Order of Canada last week. The concert features a star-studded list of who’s who, including: Ben Heppner (host), Donna Bennett (soprano), Eleanor James (mezzo), Gryphon Piano Trio, Judy Loman (harp), Molinari String Quartet, The Westben Festival Chorus and Brian Finley (piano). A great excuse for a road trip. Details listed here.
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