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

By Michael Vincent on November 18, 2014

CRITIC'S PICKS-NOV19

Musical Toronto’s weekly Critic’s Picks are a 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 of the best offerings. 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.

Wednesday 19

Tafelmusik at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, Jeanne Lamon Hall. 7:00 p.m. $15-79

Tafelmusik kicks-off a busy (chilly!) week in the big smoke, with a series on the music of Purcell, Locke, and others. Theatre of Magic: Music of the English Baroque includes soprano Joélle Harvey, and guest violinist and conductor Pavlo Beznosiuk – from the renowned period-instrument orchestra Academy of Ancient Music. Show repeats, Thu Nov 20, Fri Nov 21, Sat Nov 22 at 8 p.m., Sun Nov 23 at 3:30 p.m. Add it to your datebook here.

Junction Trio at St. Anne’s Anglican Church. 7:30 p.m. PWYC

Junction Trio isn’t afraid to push the boundaries, and tonight is no different. Expect eclectic music for flute, violin, cello, and (wait for it)… singing pots and pans. Guests include ZARI, (a Toronto-based trio specializing in traditional folk music of the Republic of Georgia) and Viva Mexico Mariachi Band. Details here.

Opera by Request at the College Street United Church. 7:30 p.m. $20

Opera by Request presents an intimate Don Giovanni, with Giovanni Spanu (baritone) Gregory Finney (bass-baritone), Katharine Dain (soprano), Kiri Parker, (soprano) and William Shookhoff (piano/music director). This all-request, all-the-time presenter rarely disappoints. Info here.

Thursday 20

Toronto Symphony Orchestra/TSO Chamber Soloists at Roy Thomson Hall. 8:00 p.m./6:45 p.m. $33–145 (TSO Chamber Soloists @ 6:45 is free)

The TSO continues with a very strong week of programming, including a special pre-performance concert with the TSO Chamber Soloists, playing Nielsen’s enthralling Wind Quintet. The TSO takes over at 8 p.m. with Mozart’s Don Giovanni (Overture) K.527, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5 “Emperor”, and Nielsen’s Symphony No.5. Jan Lisiecki will be on the ivories, with the ever-thoughtful Thomas Dausgaard conducting. Includes intermission chats in the lobby. Show repeats Nov 22. Details here.

Friday 21

Soundstreams Salon 21 at the Gardiner Museum. 7:00 p.m. PWYC

Held at the Gardiner Museum, Salon 21 is an opportunity to experience old instruments in a new context. Allison Melville and Ben Grossman of the Toronto Consort will perform on period instruments, and try to answer the burning question: how does one decide to switch from the electric guitar to the medieval lute? Info here.

Windermere String Quartet at the Toronto United Mennonite Church. 7:30 p.m. $40

Join one of Toronto’s classical touchstones, the Windermere String Quartet for a concert including Beethoven’s Quartet in f Op.95 “Serioso”, Mendelssohn’s Quartet in a Op.13 and Rival’s Traces of a Silent Landscape. This is a special benefit to provide transitional housing for immigrant victims of human trafficking. Info here.

Anne-Sophie Mutter and Mutter Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall. 8:00. $39–139

One of the best things about living in Toronto is the quality of world-class performers. Tonight, we live up to it with a performance by Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Canadian début of the Mutter Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. Works include Currier’s Ringtones, Mendelssohn’s Octet, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. A week highlight for certain. More details here.

Saturday 22

Liona Boyd at Sharon Hope United Church. 7:30 p.m. $25-30

The first lady of the classical guitar has been very busy promoting her new Christmas music album, A Winter Fantasy, released this past October 21, 2014. For those looking for a light festive show this week, this is it. Details here.

Sunday 23

Amici Chamber Ensemble/ Jonathan Crow at the Conservatory Theatre. 4:00 p.m. $80

TSO wunderkind Jonathan Crow leads a celebratory gala of Eastern European music with composers who were undoubtedly gypsy style! The concert is in support of Amici Chamber Ensemble’s Young Composers Program. A worthy cause. Info here.

Esprit Orchestra at Koerner Hall. 8:00 p.m. $20-30

I’ve always been amazed at how the Esprit Orchestra can offer such affordable concerts, easily worth three times what they charge. Tonight they present some very exciting works: Yuasa’s Revealed Time, Scime’s Rise (World premiere), Schmidt: … just a stranger here… (World premiere), and Dutilleux’s The Shadows of Time. This is the place to be for new music lovers this week. Details here.

Michael Vincent
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