Galas and Fundraisers
Mar 07 4:00: Arraymusic. The Annual Array Party. Dinner, entertainment (singer-songwriter Micah Barnes & more) and silent auction. In support of The Array Ensemble and The Array Space. 155 Walnut Ave. 416-532-3019; www.arraymusic.com Cost tba.
Mar 07 7:00: Toronto All-Star Big Band. 3rd Annual Scotty Scholarship Gala. Dinner at 7:00; dance at 8:30; silent auction; cash bar. Scholarship goes toward furthering the musical education of a deserving band member. Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. West. 416-231-5695; http://goo.gl/RD8GLA $95.
Mar 07 7:30: VOCA Chorus of Toronto. 5th Annual Cabaret/Silent Auction. An evening of fun & fundraising; choristers’ performances (solos, duets, ensembles ... serious, and not the least bit serious!), yummy savoury & sweet appetizers, cash bar, silent auction. The Grand Hall, Estonian House, 958 Broadview Ave. www.vocachorus.ca $30.
Mar 09: ORIANA Women’s Choir. 2015 Plant Sale: Due date for orders is today! This year we’re offering mixed hanging baskets, begonias, and (new this year) geraniums. Our supplier grows the seedlings especially for ORIANA, and delivers them to three convenient locations across the city. Order by Monday March 9; delivery date: Saturday, May 23. For order form go to www.orianachoir.com
Mar 28 7:00: Echo Women’s Choir. Moonlit City. An Earth Hour fundraiser featuring JUNO-nominated (Rise), multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Annabelle Chvostek; also includes a wine-tasting (courtesy of Harwood Estate Vineyards, The Solar Winery); a silent auction, an array of delectable nibblies, and a cash bar. Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square. 416-278-2968; www.echowomenschoir.ca $35.
Mar 29 8:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Annual Fundraising Gala. Screening of the 1952 classic film Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor, with the vocals and dialogue intact and soundtrack provided by the KWS. Beginning at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Kitchener, guests will enjoy cocktails and a gourmet 3-course dinner before attending the concert. The evening features special guest speaker Patricia Ward Kelly,who will share her favourite stories and memories of her late husband, Gene Kelly; also a live auction with a grand prize of a trip for 2 to a Canadian mystery location. To purchase Gala packages: kwsymphony.ca/gala; 519-745-4711; 888-745-4717. $125; $1000 (tables of 10).
Competitions
Mar 29 1:00: Orchestra Toronto. Marta Hidy Concerto Competition Live Finals: 2015 Prize for Woodwinds. Upper Gallery, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. Free admission, RSVP required at 416-467-7142.
Tours, Marches
Mar 08, 15, 22, 29 10:30am: Canadian Opera Company. 90-minute tours for the general public. These extensive tours include backstage access and are an opportunity to learn more about the first purpose-built opera house in Canada, its history, architecture and innovative acoustic design. Each tour is led by trained docents and includes information and access to the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room, the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre and R. Fraser Elliott Hall, as well as backstage areas like wig rooms and dressing rooms, the orchestra pit, and other spaces that only a stage door pass could unlock. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. West. www.coc.ca (advance); or purchase at the box office. $20 (adults); $15 (sr/st).
Mar 29: Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. 2nd Annual March for Music Therapy. A grassroots, family and community focused national event, this year taking place in 10 communities across Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, U of Windsor, Wilfrid Laurier U (Waterloo), Burlington, Toronto, Ottawa/Perth, Montreal. Groups across Canada will march up to 5 km to raise awareness and funds for music therapy. All marches will end with an event to celebrate the community coming together and supporting the CMTTF and their efforts to provide music therapy services to underserved populations in Canada www.musictherapytrust.ca; 416-535-0200; 1-888-689-9545.
Lectures, Salons, Symposia
Mar 01 10:00am: UofT Faculty of Music / Wychwood Clarinet Choir. Clarinet Day 2015. Events throughout the day. Master classes with James Campbell; workshops, playing sessions and more; vendors and refreshments; concluding with performances by the Wychwood Clarinet Choir and the UofT Clarinet Ensemble. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Bldg., 80 Queen’s Park. For more details and to register: www.wychwoodclarinetchoir.com.
Mar 01 7:00: New Music Concerts. An Evening with Paul Griffiths. Discussion with critic, novelist and librettist Paul Griffiths, of collaboration with Elliott Carter on opera What Next? Gallery 345, 345 Sorauren Ave. 416-961-9594. $100; $150(for 2). Door prizes and refreshments. Benefit for New Music Concerts; charitable receipt for CRA allowable portion of ticket price.
Mar 02 1:30: Miles Nadal JCC. Opera and Shakespeare. With opera educator Iain Scott. Rediscover the genius of Shakespeare’s most beloved scenes, interpreted through the equally powerful genius of Verdi and other major opera composers. This 4-part series will include Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Otello and Falstaff. 750 Spadina Ave.416-924-6211 x155; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Continues March 09, 23 and 30. $60 (series);$18 (drop in).
Mar 03 6:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra/Canadian Music Centre. Let Me Tell You: Composers in Conversation. Symposium featuring British composer/New Creations Festival curator George Benjamin, whose opera Written on Skin will be performed by the TSO on March 7. Other guests on this in-depth panel include NCF composers Hans Abrahamsen and Chris Paul Harman; hosted by the TSO’s Affiliate Composer Kevin Lau. This is a rare opportunity to hear these composers share their unique experiences, insights, and challenges. Canadian Music Centre, 20 Saint Joseph St. www.tso.ca/new-creations-festival/festival-extras.aspx
Mar 03 7:30: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Contemporary Music: A Plurality of Worlds? Lecture by Paul Griffiths, Wilma & Clifford Smith Visitor in Music. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Bldg., 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3744. Free.
Mar 07 7:00: The Toronto Gilbert and Sullivan Society. A fascinating look at Evelyn Laye, star of light opera, film and theatre. St. Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor St. East. 416-763-0832. $5 (non-members).
Mar 09 1:30: Miles Nadal JCC. Opera and Shakespeare. See March 02 above.
Mar 09 7:30: Toronto Masque Theatre. So, You Want to Write a Masque? Our popular clown friends from last season return for a special salon on masque-making. Also featuring artistic director Larry Beckwith, soprano Michele DeBoer and lutenist Lucas Harris. The Shaftesbury, 21 Shaftesbury Ave. To register: torontomasquetheatre.com or 416-410-4561. $20; $15 (under thirty); $5 reduction for subscribers.
Mar 17 1:30: Oakville Opera Guild. Tea with Opera: The Yeomen of the Guard. Guest: David James, retired music librarian, UofT. Oakville Central Library Auditorium, Navy St., Oakville. 905-827-5678. $10 (minimum donation). Proceeds to scholarship awarded annually to a young Canadian singer studying at UofT. Opera Division.
Mar 20 7:00: Soundstreams. Salon 21:Aaron Gervais World Premiere. Join SoundMakers Composer in Residence, Aaron Gervais for the world premiere of Longuement me sui tenus, sung by Larissa Koniuk, Anna Atkinson, Alex Samaras, and Chris Enns. Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen’s Park. 416-504-1282. Free, PWYC reserved seating and gallery preludes available.
Mar 23 1:30: Miles Nadal JCC. Opera and Shakespeare. See March 02 above.
Mar 27 and 28 10:00am-1:00 and 2:00-5:00: International Resource Centre for Performing Artists. Encounter with Metropolitan Opera’s Joan Dornemann. Aimed at helping singers, instrumentalists and others in the field to develop their full potential and improve their chances of success, these two days are the perfect opportunity for the singer who is unsure whether he or she is ready for important auditions, to gain vital confidence and direction. They also allow emerging coaches or collaborative pianists to develop their skills. The general public is encouraged to observe the preparation required for the advancement of artists they will soon see on major stages. McLaughlin Studio, Canadian Opera Company, 227 Front Street E. 416-362-1422; http://ircpa.net. Participating singers: $200 for the two days; observers: $25 (one session); $80 (all four sessions); for IRCPA members to observe: $20 (one session); $60 (all four sessions). Vocal teachers are invited to attend as guests, but must RSVP.
Mar 27 7:00: North York Central Library. Introduction to Baroque Music. Enjoy a delightful evening of 17th and 18th century music, explained with demonstrations by Patricia Ahern, violinist with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. North York Central Library Auditorium, 5120 Yonge St. To register: 416-395-5639. Free.
Mar 29 2:00-5:00: International Resource Centre for Performing Artists. Who’s Who in the Industry. Artists and support personnel involved in opera, classical, jazz and other music fields are invited to learn from and interact with leaders in the business. In collaboration with The WholeNote Magazine, and moderated by broadcast personality Alexa Petrenko, this high-voltage session will examine the challenges and advantages of the present day, through the perspectives of music presenters, managers, performers, journalists, publicists and more – to date including Chris Lorway, director of programming for the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall; Jose Ortega, Lula Lounge; conductor/presenter Boris Brott; journalist/composer Michael Vincent (Musical Toronto); David Perlman, editor-in-chief, The WholeNote Magazine; publicist Linda Litwack; and artist managers Annick Carriere of Station Bleue, Montreal, and Robert Missen of Bobolink Agency. Centre for Social Innovation, 720 Bathurst St. 416-362-1422; http://ircpa.net $20 (IRCPA members); $25 (non-members).
Mar 30 1:30: Miles Nadal JCC. Opera and Shakespeare. See March 02 above.
Master Classes
Mar 02 5:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Violin master class with violinist/conductor Peter Oundjian. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 04 10:00am & 2:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Piano master class with Leon Fleisher. Location tba, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 05 10:00am & 2:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Piano master class with Leon Fleisher. Location tba, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 06 3:15: UofT Ken Page Memorial Trust Series. Master class with jazz saxophonist David Rubel and jazz vibes player Nat Steele. Upper Jazz Studio, 90 Wellesley St. West. 416-978-3744. Free.
Mar 09 9:30am: Royal Conservatory of Music. Trombone master class with Jörgen van Rijen. Conservatory Theatre, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 09 10:00am: Royal Conservatory of Music. Cello master class with Carter Brey. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 11 10:00am: Royal Conservatory of Music. Trombone master class with Jörgen van Rijen. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 13 3:15: UofT Ken Page Memorial Trust Series. Masterclass with jazz trumpeter Jim Lewis and jazz pianist David Braid. Upper Jazz Studio, 90 Wellesley St. West. 416-978-3744. Free.
Mar 14 12:00 – 5:00: Long & McQuade/Powell Flutes. Flute Master class with Paul Edmund-Davies. St. Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor St. East. Contact Patricia Dydnansky: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 416-588-7886. $50 (performers – deadline to register: Friday February 27); $10 (auditors). Followed by 8:00pm flute recital with Paul Edmund-Davies, flute & Jeanie Chung, piano – see daily concert listings.
Mar 20 3:15: UofT Ken Page Memorial Trust Series. Master class with jazz pianist David Braid. Upper Jazz Studio, 90 Wellesley St. West. 416-978-3744. Free.
Mar 23 9:30am: Royal Conservatory of Music. Tuba master class with Christopher Olka. Conservatory Theatre, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 24 7:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Tuba master class with Christopher Olka. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 25 10:00am: Royal Conservatory of Music. Tuba master class with Christopher Olka. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
March 26 time tba: Royal Conservatory of Music. Violin master class with Geoff Nuttall. Location tba, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 27 time tba: Royal Conservatory of Music. Piano master class with Robert MacDonald. Location tba, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 27 time tba: Royal Conservatory of Music. Flute master class with Marina Piccinini. Location tba, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 27 time tba: Royal Conservatory of Music. Violin master class with Geoff Nuttall. Location tba, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Mar 27 time tba: Royal Conservatory of Music. Viola master class with Ettore Causa. Location tba, 273 Bloor St. West. 416-408-2824. Free.
Screenings
Mar 03 7:00: Brookside Music. Screening of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Mariusz Kwiecien, baritone; Alex Esposito, bass; Véronique Gens, soprano; Kasper Holten, director. Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland. 705-527-4420. $15; $5 (st); free (under 13).
Mar 11 7:30: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra/ The Zoetic. Movie Night: E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial. Screening of film with pre-film feature: Hear about how orchestral music has been an integral feature in science fiction film and television; experience one of John William’s classic sci-fi masterpieces performed on the piano. The Zoetic Theatre, 526 Concession St. Hamilton. 905-902-5683; thezoetic.ca $10.
Mar 22 12:00 noon: Bloor Cinema Hot Docs. Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer. With soprano Adrienne Pieczonka; baritone Bryn Terfel; Tim Albery, director. 506 Bloor St. West. 416-637-3123; bloorcinema.com $15; member rates available.
Mar 29 8:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Annual Fundraising Gala. Screening of the 1952 classic film Singin’ in the Rain. See Galas and Fundraisers above.
Singalongs, Jams, Circles
Mar 15 1:00 – 3:30: World Fiddle Day Toronto. Practise jam. Led by musician Anne Lederman; hosted by Long & McQuade. Join players of bowed string instruments to learn world folk repertoire for our community World Fiddle Day event at Fort York, May 16. 925 Bloor St. West. For more information and repertoire: 647-217-4620; https://worldfiddledaytoronto.wordpress.com/ By donation. Next sessions: March 19, April 02.
Mar 19 6:45 - 8:45: World Fiddle Day Toronto. See March 15.
Apr 02 6:45 – 8:45: World Fiddle Day Toronto. See March 15.
Workshops
Mar 01 2:30: Musikay. Confident chorister’s workshop - Conducting. For choral singers who want a better grasp on conducting technique and those who want to feel more confident in following their conductor(s). Participants will be both choristers and conductors. They will develop basic conducting gestures and patterns, learn how to prepare a score for conducting, how to give clear verbal instructions and how to be efficient in rehearsals. As a result they will better understand the meaning of conductors’ direction. Grace Lutheran Church, 1107 Main St. West, Hamilton. 905-522-6841; www.musikay.ca $30.
Mar 02 1:00: Canadian Music Centre. Create a Healthy Support System for Your Arts Career. Interactive workshop with facilitator,Anne Carbert, career counsellor & coach. 20 St. Joseph St. 416-961-6601 x201. Please register online: www.musiccentre.ca $25.
Mar 02 2:00: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Workshop for Singers, Composers and Librettists. Conducted by soprano Barbara Hannigan; Hans Abrahamsen, Michael and Sonja Koerner Distinguished Visitor in Composition; and Paul Griffiths, Wilma & Clifford Smith Visitor in Music. The workshop focuses on Let me tell you, a new work by Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen based on Paul Griffiths’ novel by the same name. The work was commissioned and premiered by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, with soprano Barbara Hannigan, to whom the work was dedicated. Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3744. Free.
Mar 06 7:30: CAMMAC Recorder Players’ Society. Renaissance and Baroque Workshop for recorders and other early instruments. Kim Pineda, coach. Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church, 527 Mount Pleasant Rd. 416-480-1853. $20 (guests); $5 (members). Refreshments included.
Mar 13 2:30: Long & McQuade/Powell Flutes. Sonare Flutes Workshop with Paul Edmund-Davies. All levels welcome to participate in a workshop featuring music on the soundtracks Paul has played on, including Harry Potter and Star Wars. Long & McQuade Clinic Room, 935 Bloor St. West. Contact Patricia Dydnansky: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 416-588-7886. Free.
Mar 20 10:00am and 1:00: RCCO Toronto. Pipes, Pedals, & Pizza. Children and teens are invited to “tour” one of Toronto’s largest pipe organs. Includes hands-on experience with the console (the ultimate control panel with four keyboards!), a walk through the actual pipes -- even while the organ is playing, and a demonstration of how pipes are manufactured, assembled and put together. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. 289-314-5600. Free. NOTE: Two sessions: 10:00am – 12:00 noon for children ages 6 to 11 (guardian/parental attendance preferred); and 1:00 – 3:00 for teens ages 12 to 18; pizza lunch at 12:00 noon.
Mar 20 7:30: CAMMAC Recorder Players’ Society. Renaissance and Baroque workshop for recorders and other early instruments. Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church, 527 Mount Pleasant Rd. 416-480-1853. $15 (guests); members free. Refreshments included.
Mar 22 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Reading for singers and instrumentalists of Haydn’s Creation. David Weaver, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 416-551-5183. $10; $6 (members).