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.
Wednesday 6
Tafelmusik | J.S. Bach: The Circle of Creation at the Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. 7:00 p.m. $39-89 [Repeats May 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 (George Weston Hall). Start times vary]
Tafelmusik’s multi-talented Alison Mackay returns with a brand-new multimedia musical creation that celebrates the genius of Bach. According to the event website, “Our concert features film footage of two pioneers in this field: the harpsichord builder and restorer Malcolm Rose, who supplies the brass and iron wire for the strings of Tafelmusik’s harpsichord, and the Italian firm of Aquila, which produces gut strings for the violin family in the northern Italian city of Vicenza.” Drop your plans, and make sure you see this. | DETAILS
Canadian Opera Company | Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. $49-424 (Show runs May 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 23 –times vary).
The COC open their revival production of the classic modernist pairing of Bartók’s “Bluebeard’s Castle” and Schoenberg’s “Erwartung” this week. What’s unusual is that the COC have decided to put Bluebeard first on the bill, which reverses the usual order of the two. The cast looks strong with bass-baritone John Relyea (Duke Bluebeard), mezzo Ekaterina Gubanova (Judith) and mezzo Krisztina Szabó (Woman). John Relyea promises it is “Going to be big, and loud and beautiful.” | DETAILS
Toronto Symphony Orchestra | Mendelssohn Violin Concerto at Roy Thomson Hall. 8:00 p.m. $33-145
One of the most inspiring violinists of the world, Augustin Hadelich meets the TSO tonight, with Peter Oundjian as our guide. They will take the stage at Roy Thomson Hall to perform Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E Minor, Kevin Lau’s “Treeship”, and Bruckner’s Seventh. This show adds to one of the best TSO seasons in recent memory and should not be missed. | DETAILS
Thursday 7
Women’s Musical Club of Toronto | Ensemble Made in Canada at Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building.1:30 p.m. $45
Have a free afternoon? The award-winning Ensemble Made In Canada will make an appearance at the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto on Thursday for a program of Works by Beethoven, Brahms and a premiere by Christopher Mayo (Toronto). These are top-shelf musicians, so make sure to get in on this show. | DETAILS
Friday 8
Canadian Children’s Opera Company | Alice in Wonderland at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $15-35 (Kid Friendly!) [Repeats May 9 (matinée and evening), May 10 (matinée)]
If you like kid-friendly programming, they you’ll want to check out the CCOC this week. They present an adaptation of Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland by By E. Gay and Albano. This is the classic story of looking down the rabbit hole as told by the creative team including tenor Benoit Boutet (White Rabbit). Ann Cooper Gay conducts. | DETAILS
Alliance Française de Toronto | Classical Concert – French Repertoire at Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Rd. 8:00 p.m. $15-25
I’m sure there are a lot of fans of French repertoire out there – and what better place to hear it than the Alliance Française de Toronto. Violinist Jacques Israelievitch and pianist Benjamin Smith will take you through a program of classics by Messiaen: Theme and Variations; Debussy: Sonata; Ravel: Sonata; Franck: Sonata. A sure bet. | DETAILS
Royal Conservatory | Music of the Americas: Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project at Koerner Hall. 8:00 p.m. $30-65
Each season RCM’s Executive Director of Performing Arts Mervon Mehta programs a unique series celebrating cultural diversity from around the world. Tonight, in anticipation of the PanAm games, they present Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project. The unique concert features music originally recorded by American folklorist Alan Lomax – the man who helped bring traditional folk music from once under appreciated cultures into forefront. We highly recommend this one. | DETAILS
Saturday 9
Alliance Française de Toronto/Shoestring Opera | The Magic Flute at Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Rd. 11:00 a.m. $8-15 + Costume party at 10:30am (Kid Friendly!)
Starting with costume party at 10:30 (dress code: small animals), Alliance Française de Toronto and Shoestring Opera have teamed up to present their take on Mozart’s Magic Flute. They describe it as “…A dive, or rather an introduction to the dream world and to love with his trials, rituals and the eternal conflicts that arise from it. It’s a world where one finds oneself but also where we learn to see each other.” We’re Sold! (Plus Children under 7 free) | DETAILS
Adam Sherkin | Let Hands Speak at the Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. 7:30 p.m. $30-45
If you’re looking for some piano music this weekend, check out Toronto-based pianist Adam Sherkin this week at the Jane Mallett Theatre. He will be performing an unusual program including Coulthard: Toccata; Eckhardt-Grammaté: Caprice No.1; Gougeon: Piano-Soleil; Murphy: Star Burning Blue; Sherkin: Northern Frames; Tagish Fires; Sunderance. There will be a shindig in the lobby after the show. | DETAILS
Opera by Request | Thomas: Hamlet at College Street United Church. 7:30 p.m. $20
With Mother’s Day landing this Sunday, bring her to see “Hamlet,” a grand opera by French composer Ambroise Thomas. You’ll hear baritone Simon Chaussé in the title role (Hamlet) with soprano Vania Chan as Ophélie, bass-baritone Domenico Sanfilippo as Claudius and mezzo Erica Iris Huang as Gertrude. William Shookhoff, will provide piano accompaniment. Your Mom will love it. | DETAILS
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