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

By Michael Vincent on December 16, 2014

Criticspicks-dec16-21

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.

Tuesday 16

Elizabeth Raum CD Launch at the Canadian Music Centre. 7:30 p.m. Free!

One of Canada’s finest composers, Regina-based Elizabeth Raum will be in town tonight to release her latest CD, Myth, Legend, Romance on the Centrediscs label. Includes performances by Erika Raum, (violin), and Rivka Golani, (viola). Come out and support this extraordinary composer. Details here.

Hannaford Street Silver Band/Orpheus Choir of Toronto at the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. 7:30 p.m. $15-40

Back by popular demand, the Hannaford Street Silver Band and the Orpheus Choir of Toronto have teamed up once again for Welcome Christmas II. Brass and choir is a power combination, and a perfect way to relish the holiday spirit. More info here.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah at Roy Thomson Hall. 8:00 p.m. $38-105.

Handel’s Messiah is a long standing tradition for many in Toronto, and the TSO consistently offer one of the best productions out there. Join soloists Jane Archibald (soprano), Allyson McHardy (mezzo), Lawrence Wiliford (tenor), Philippe Sly (bass), and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, under the baton of Grant Llewellyn. Show repeats Dec 17, 19, 20, 21 (mat). Info here.

Wednesday 17

Amadeus Choir at Roy Thomson Hall. Noon. Free!

Starting off Roy Thomson Hall’s 18th Annual Free Noon Hour Choir & Organ Concerts, The Juno-award winning Amadeus Choir (now in their 40th year) present Make a Joyful Sound – a concert of Seasonal Songwriting Competition-winning songs. Includes conductor Lydia Adams, and organist Shawn Grenke. Highly Recommended – plus it’s free! Details here.

Tafelmusik: Handel’s Messiah at Koerner Hall. 7:30 p.m. $29-119

For those who like their Messiah with an 18th century flavour, Tafelmusik’s is the way to go. As usual, Messiah expert and conductor Ivars Taurins will be leading the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir with two Canadian soloists Colin Balzer, (tenor) and Brett Polegato (baritone), as well as Lydia Teuscher (soprano) and James Laing (countertenor). Repeats Dec 18, 19, 20, and concludes with the annual Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall on Sunday, December 21. Info here.

Thursday 18

Class Axe: New Music for Classical Guitar at the Canadian Music Centre. 7:30 p.m. Free!

Class Axe is a coordinated workshop by the Guitar Society of Toronto and the Canadian Music Centre, with the goal of highlighting contemporary composition for the guitar. The inaugural workshop included four composers from across Canada, and will culminate tonight with four premieres performed by Toronto-based guitarist Rob MacDonald. Highly recommended. Details here.

A Steel Pan Christmas at Musideum. 8:00 p.m. $10-20.

For those looking for new ways to hear new sounds of Christmas, you’re in for a treat! Steel pannist Solomon Joseph, and multi-instrumentalists, Roger Sader and Donald Quan will present a special Caribbean-themed Christmas concert. Details here.

Friday 19

Unsilent Night at the Music Gallery. 8:00 p.m. PWYC

Having gone to at least 10 years of Phil Kline’s Unsilent Nights, I can say they are as memorable as they are unique. Difficult to describe, you will walk as a group of Christmas boombox marauders through the city of Toronto and transform the soundscape into a contemporary Christmas wonderland. This is a great event for kids as well. Followed by a concert at the Music Gallery. Not-to-be-missed. Info here.

Saturday 20

Toronto Children’s Chorus, Alumni Choir and Youth Choir at Roy Thomson Hall. 2:00 p.m. $35.50-45.50

Acclaimed Canadian acting legend Gordon Pinsent joins the TCC to narrate the John Rutter classic Brother Heinrich’s Christmas. This is a choral fable about a 14th-century Dominican abbot named Heinrich Suso. Legend has it he notated the carol In dulci jubilo after it had been sung to him by a band of angels. His donkey Sigismund unexpectedly helps him finish it. Come early (1:15) and hear the Alumni Choir sing carols in the lobby. Details here.

Sunday 21

Mooredale Youth Orchestras at Laidlaw Auditorium, Upper Canada College. 3:00 p.m. $10-15

Mooredale Youth Orchestras present a concert including Mozart’s Symphony No.40 in g, Corelli’s Christmas Concerto in g “Fatto per la Notte di Natale” Op.6 No.8, Handel’s Water Music Suite (La Réjouissance, arr. Herfurth), Purcell’s Suite No.5 (Rigaudon), and Gluck’s Alceste (Caprice in G). Info here.

Michael Vincent
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