Blue Pages

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The Ken Page Memorial Trust is a non-profit charitable fund supporting jazz and the artists who create such lasting memories for all of us. The aims of the Trust are to encourage emerging talent, foster an understanding of the evolution of the music, promote jazz education through workshops, masterclasses and outreach programs conducted by established professionals, and to provide financial aid to jazz musicians on an emergency basis.

The KPMT holds annual jazz fundraisers featuring some of the world’s leading jazz artists and honours jazz professionals with its Lifetime Achievement Award; it also presents seasonal performances of Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band. Most recently, the Trust provided grants to the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, Springboard to Music, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and the Ken Page Memorial Trust Scholarship Award in memory of Ron Collier established at Humber College.

Donations are our lifeline, our board members are unpaid and every dollar is dedicated to furthering our mission. Contributions are gratefully received, and if you are currently a donor we extend our sincere appreciation. If you would like to help us make a difference please visit our website.

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The Kindred Spirits Orchestra has been performing to great acclaim, sold-out audiences, and standing ovations at the Flato Markham Theatre and at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, as well as at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. Highlights of the 2020/21 concert season include Bruckner’s First, Shostakovich’s Fourteenth, Prokofiev’s Fifth and Scriabin’s Second symphonies, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony and Wagner’s Symphony in C Major. We are thrilled to welcome back Michael Berkovsky in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Andrew Ascenzo in Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, and Christina Petrowska-Quilico in Tan Dun’s Piano Concerto “The Fire”. Ludmil Angelov will make his début with the KSO in Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and Gregory Vandikas in Scriabin’s Piano Concerto. In June 2021, the KSO and Markham Contemporary Music Festival will return to Cornell Recital Hall for a series of concerts presenting pieces by Pärt and Górecki as well as Symphony No. 14 by Shostakovich, featuring soprano Stephanie de Ciantis and bass-baritone John Holland. The concert season will conclude with a performance at the CBC Glenn Gould Theatre and a Canada Day celebration at Unionville Millennium Theatre.

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Founded in 1952 by Jean Dobson, Barrie’s King Edward Choir today is a group of 50 dedicated musicians encompassing all voices, striving to present a repertoire that is broad and engaging to both chorister and audience: recent years have seen performances of works by Britten, Mozart, Bernstein, Vivaldi, Mark Sirett, Stephanie Martin, Imant Raminsh and Ruth Watson Henderson, along with offerings of Renaissance motets, Spirituals, folk songs and show tunes. The choir frequently collaborates with other artists and groups, and enjoys community sing-outs. Rehearsals for our three annual performances normally take place Monday nights, and new members are welcome at any time! We are under the direction of interim conductor, Leanne Edwards, with Dan McCoy as accompanist. While our rehearsal and performance activities are now on hold until at least the New Year, KEC continues to plan for a new season and we hope to see you in 2021!

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In its 47th season, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society is one of Canada’s busiest presenters of chamber music concerts with over 60 concerts per year, ranging from solo recitals to octets. Programs range from medieval to contemporary; most feature both classics and recent music. Almost all of our concerts take place at our Music Room, 57 Young St. W., Waterloo, in a private home - it holds a maximum of about 85 people. A superb Steinway piano, good acoustics, a supportive audience and an intimate but informal atmosphere make for great concert experiences. Notable performers have included pianists Janina Fialkowska, Till Fellner, André LaPlante, Sofya Gulyak, and many more; the Penderecki, New Orford, Alcan, and many other quartets; the AYR and Andromeda trios and many more.

This year we complete our “Beethoven String Quartets” series featuring the Penderecki String Quartet, with four remaining concerts at First United Church, December 16 and 18 and February 3 and 5. We hope to present three to four concerts per month, all at the church unless the pandemic ends and we can resume in our Music Room.

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Having begun her career as a summer reporter on the Winnipeg Tribune, arts publicist Linda Litwack is a long-practised matchmaker between artists and the media. Her services include various forms of writing and editing - from media releases and bios to radio spots, online postings and CD booklets - working with designers, photographers and other professionals, and, of course, liaising with the media.

In addition to media, music and other contact lists, she maintains a list of friends, usually offering discounts for special events. Since leaving CBC Publicity (20 years in radio and three in TV), she has collaborated with numerous creative people on intriguing projects, mostly in classical music but also in theatre, TV documentaries, books and the visual arts. Longtime clients have included Show One Productions, pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico, soprano Denise Williams, and the Upper Canada Choristers. Linda ran the historic Toronto Jewish Folk Choir for several years, and chaired its Program Committee. She is also a board member of the International Resource Centre for Performing Artists.

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With over 150 singers, Mississauga Festival Choir is the largest and most spirited community choir in our city. We first came together in 1984 to celebrate Mississauga's 10th anniversary, and we stayed together to celebrate the joy of singing in a choral community like no other. Our spirited singing springs from our no-audition policy. Everyone who loves to sing is welcome to join us, and audiences hear the joy in every song.

Under the leadership of David Ambrose, MFC performs many concerts, raises money for local charities, records professional CDs, holds an annual choral competition and tours the world.

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Music at Metropolitan has a long history of presenting a variety of choral and instrumental concerts and special events. During this time, we are planning online events; please visit our website and watch for Wholenote listings. Our planning includes “Friday Noon at Met” livestreamed concerts featuring our Casavant pipe organ - the largest in Canada - as well as our various singers and instrumentalists. Stay tuned! And please stay safe and well.

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Music at St. Andrew’s is a community outreach program of historic St. Andrew’s Church in downtown Toronto. It was inspired by the church’s 2011 purchase of a Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano, which we share with the greater community. The piano is featured extensively in our free “Friday Noontime Recitals.” Our seventh season launches October 4 with performances by University of Toronto postgraduate music students and professionals. On Saturday, November 30 our candle-lit church will provide an atmospheric setting for dramatic readings from A Christmas Carol. Dickens’ beloved tale will be brought to life by opera star mezzo-soprano Marion Newman, classical music expert Rick Phillips and other talented readers, and complemented by musical interludes and a gingerbread reception. Our annual “Mardi Gras” concert returns Friday, February 21 with an exuberant evening of parades and authentic New Orleans jazz, performed by Patrick Tevlin’s Happy Pals, featuring pianist Jordan Klapman. COVID-19 has changed live music performances, but we’ll find other ways to bring music to our audiences. Stay tuned! 

Music at St. Andrew’s presents great music at affordable prices! Concerts take place at St. Andrew’s Church, 73 Simcoe St., Toronto.

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The Music Gallery is Toronto’s Centre for Creative Music. We present and promote experimentation and innovation in all forms of music, and encourage cross-pollination between genres, disciplines and audiences. Since 1976, we have occupied a valued position within Toronto’s musical ecology, presenting both internationally-renowned contemporary music and a wide spectrum of local artists and projects.

We are now located in the beautiful 918 Bathurst St. Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education, though this season most of our programming will be delivered online. We present the “X Avant Festival” during October, and “Emergents” (emerging artists) and “Departures” (off-site) series as well as unique main stage concert experiences throughout our season. We also partner with artists and arts organizations to co-present their work in our space, assisted by our highly experienced technical crew. Our season runs September through June with off-season events.

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Through its “Music in the Afternoon” concert series, the WMCT presents chamber music concerts, featuring musicians on the threshold of international recognition, as well as established artists and ensembles. Concerts are held Thursday afternoons at 1:30pm at Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park, Toronto.

The WMCT is committed to presenting a full season of five online concerts for its 123rd (2020/2021) season. Planned concerts include Michael Bridge & Friends LIVESTREAM for a limited audience (November 12, 2020); Eric Lu, piano (on demand March 4 – 25, 2021); soprano Joyce El-Khoury with Serouj Kradjian, piano (April 1, 2021); Marmen Quartet & Viano Quartet - First prize co-winners Banff International Strings Quartet Competition (May 6, 2021); and Ramon Ortega Quero, oboe, with Annika Treutler, piano (June 24, 2021). Artists, programs and dates are subject to change. Please visit our website for updates.

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“…serious, discerning presenters like Music Toronto have everything to celebrate.” (Musicaltoronto.org) 

A legacy organization in classical music, Music Toronto continues to represent the world’s best chamber ensembles and pianists, though we cannot present live concerts during the pandemic. We specialize in string quartets, long recognized as the highest form of western classical music. Throughout our history we have invited to Toronto only the finest, from established masters like the Amadeus, the Tokyo and the Hagen to exciting new quartets like the vision and the Schumann. Of course we always welcome back our home-grown favourites, the St. Lawrence Quartet and the Gryphon Trio.

Our reputation for pianists is equally eclectic - and compelling. From world-renowned interpreters like Stephen Hough, Marc-André Hamelin and Janina Fialkowska to brilliant rising stars like Benjamin Grosvenor, our piano is always in good hands. Great music of five centuries, from Haydn to new works written in this 21st century, and always including Canadian music; artists new and familiar, extraordinary music-making: only the best, only at Music Toronto. Join the best audience in the city for these great concerts.

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Now entering its 50th season, New Music Concerts is a vital and central part of Toronto’s new music scene and has been providing a leadership role in the community throughout its history. Founded by internationally-acclaimed Canadian musicians Robert Aitken and Norma Beecroft, NMC presented its first concert in January 1972 with guest composer/conductor Luciano Berio. Since that time NMC has commissioned hundreds of new works, and has brought countless historically important compositions to thousands of listeners through meticulous performances by Toronto’s top musicians, most often with the participation of the composers. NMC is known throughout the world as the pre-eminent new music organization of our country. Composers from around the world know that if their work is performed in Canada by NMC, then the performance will not only be outstanding, but probably definitive.

NMC is internationally renowned and unique in Toronto as the foremost champion of contemporary works for large chamber ensembles. After 50 years under the artistic direction of Robert Aitken, we are embarking on a transition to our new, innovative artistic director, composer, and conductor, Brian Current.

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Off Centre Music Salon re-creates the magical, inclusive atmosphere of the Viennese and Parisian Salons of the 19th century. Music is intimately shared, with each concert telling a story and creating personal connections for the audience and performers alike. Dedicated to the discovery and development of young, professional musical talent, Off Centre concerts include voice and instrumental performances. Repertoire is rarely, if ever, repeated.

During these otherworldly times, while our live concerts are on hold, we are planning a number of online events. We look forward to sharing some short performances, personal reflections and musical insights. Please continue to check the listings section of The WholeNote or our website to stay up-to-date with our planned activities.

Until we can meet again at our normal venue in Toronto, at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, please keep safe and be well.

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Opera Atelier is a world leader in the rediscovery and revitalization of period opera and ballet, particularly works from the Baroque era. Through their historically-informed productions, founding co-artistic directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg seek to provide a thrilling theatrical experience for modern audiences. Opera Atelier presents a two-opera season in Toronto, and tours internationally. The company is dedicated to the education of youth and young artists, and offers a robust slate of education, enrichment and outreach opportunities.

Opera Atelier's reimagined 2020/21 season features a new creation called Something Rich and Strange (Oct 28, 2020) and Handel's The Resurrection (April 1, 2021) both livestreamed from Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre. Visit our website for more information.

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Orchestra Toronto is an orchestra created by passionate musicians within the community, for the community. Under the direction of music director Michael Newnham, we offer the enjoyment of music, foster education and music appreciation and support emerging Canadian talent. We perform five annual concerts with repertoire from great symphonic classics to new delights, in the acoustically splendid George Weston Recital Hall, at the Meridian Arts Centre. Our organization of volunteers is committed to making symphonic music accessible to a broad and diverse public beyond the concert hall.

We are proud to be offering a full, five-concert season, in venues around the city of Toronto. Check our website for concert details.

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Oriana Women’s Choir is an auditioned ensemble of 30 amateur female singers with a long history of performance at a high artistic standard. Led by artistic director Mitchell Pady since 2011, Oriana explores the possibilities in choral music for the female voice, collaborating with a diverse range of artists to push the boundaries of typical expectations for women’s choir performances. We foster the creation of Canadian choral music, regularly commissioning works from Canadian composers for women’s voices.

Oriana typically presents a three-concert series, in November, February and May. In this anything-but-typical year, we are starting the season virtually, and continuing our focus on Canadian repertoire, including our collaborative project with the composition students in the Claude Watson Senior Arts program. We continue to monitor developments to determine when we may be able to gather safely in-person again, but in the meantime we are looking forward to engaging with you online!

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The Orpheus Choir’s vision is to celebrate the power of choral music as an agent of social change and a passionate medium of artistic expression. The 65-voice choir under artistic director Robert Cooper, champions the new and unusual in choral performance, commissioning and introducing new works and performing overlooked masterpieces. Regularly working with living composers, and singing a wide range of repertoire in concerts with high production values, Orpheus has introduced audiences to many accessible works from the current generation of leading composers. Orpheus also supports young emerging vocal talent through its highly respected Sidgwick Scholars Program and its newer Vocal Apprentice Program for high school singers. Winner of the 2018 Choral Canada Award for Outstanding Innovation, Orpheus continues to present an “expect something different” experience!

The 2020/21 season will begin virtually, with livestreamed performances in November and December, moving to live performances when circumstances permit. Planned projects include a program of favourites selected by the choir members, and an exploration of music and mental health in Allan Bevan’s Ancient of Days.

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Pax Christi Chorale Christi Chorale delivers stirring performances with great polish and total conviction. Under the leadership of artistic director David Bowser, the award-winning choir aspires to build on its strengths and accomplishments to achieve new levels of performance and audience engagement. Collaborations with outstanding guest artists and partners give audiences and performers a deep appreciation for choral masterworks and new Canadian music.

The Pax Christi Chamber Choir placed first in its category in Choral Canada’s 2017 national competition for amateur choirs. We champion great choral music among a diverse community. We have an inclusive philosophy and welcome audience members and choristers from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Pax Christi Chorale has moved its activities online for the 2020/21 season. Visit our website for more information on audition and concert information, or email interim executive director Cynthia Hawkins.

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Originally formed as the Peterborough Symphony Singers in 1990, the Peterborough Singers (PS) became a stand-alone entity in 1993. This highly-regarded, auditioned, amateur choir boasts upwards of 110 members under the direction of Sydney Birrell. The PS encourages young singers to join the choir to enhance their musical skills as well as to be part of a local community. Each season, the choir presents four concerts, incorporating a blend of repertoire from gospel to sacred, pop to oratorio. Highlights have included Bach’s B Minor Mass, St. Matthew Passion, Elijah, Belshazzar’s Feast, Canadian Legends and the annual Messiah. The Singers hold weekly rehearsals and music classes enabling our musicians to gain the skills required for Choral music performance.

World-class, professional Canadian soloists enjoy performing with the choir time and again. The PS also make a point of incorporating young emerging artists into their season, giving them a chance to perform alongside some of the more seasoned performers. Specially commissioned music from Canadian composers is part of the repertoire. For information please visit our website.

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Originally formed as the Peterborough Symphony Singers in 1990, the Peterborough Singers (PS) became a stand-alone entity in 1993. This highly-regarded, auditioned, amateur choir boasts upwards of 110 members under the direction of Sydney Birrell. The PS encourages young singers to join the choir to enhance their musical skills as well as to be part of a local community. Each season, the choir presents four concerts, incorporating a blend of repertoire from gospel to sacred, pop to oratorio. Highlights have included Bach’s B Minor Mass, St. Matthew Passion, Elijah, Belshazzar’s Feast, Canadian Legends and the annual Messiah. The Singers hold weekly rehearsals and music classes enabling our musicians to gain the skills required for Choral music performance.

World-class, professional Canadian soloists enjoy performing with the choir time and again. The PS also make a point of incorporating young emerging artists into their season, giving them a chance to perform alongside some of the more seasoned performers. Specially commissioned music from Canadian composers is part of the repertoire. For information please visit our website.

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The Piano Lunaire is a contemporary classical music organization based in Toronto, pursuing the presentation of artistic excellence in the 21st Century. The company's portfolio is three-fold: we produce monthly full moon performances, house a record label ("Lunaire Records"), and collaborate with the Canadian musical community at large, in the capacity of both fundraising and pedagogical platform. Correspondingly, our mission comprises three mandates: 1) to present new, dynamic and piano-centric music from the last fifty years to present; 2) to give voice to emerging professionals in the vibrant scene that is Toronto’s musical ecosystem and; 3) to offer audiences a direct, challenging and ultimately supportive concert experience, as they engage with the music of today and the artists of the future.

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Rebecca Davis Public Relations provides publicity, media and communications services to musicians, arts organizations and record labels, specializing in classical, jazz and other niche genres. From offices in New York and Florida, RDPR brings a respected and enthusiastic voice, in-depth musical knowledge and broad promotional expertise to help artists achieve meaningful and impactful visibility in mainstream and specialist press.

Rebecca brings more than two decades of experience working with musicians, arts organizations and the world’s leading major and independent record labels. She has implemented successful media campaigns for A-list pianists, violinists, singers, composers and vocal and instrumental ensembles. Clients have included Renée Fleming, Jonas Kaufmann, Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Calidore String Quartet, Yuja Wang, Eric Whitacre and Cantus. Rebecca was led to a career in classical music publicity through her experience as a classically trained soprano and currently performs with the St. Petersburg Opera in Florida.

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The Royal Canadian College of Organists is the oldest organization of musicians in Canada, dedicated to supporting our country's organists and promoting the organ and its music to a broad audience. The College publishes the quarterly journal Organ Canada, offers examinations for organists from beginner to professional levels, and holds a major organ convention every second summer. The Toronto Centre has approximately 200 members in the city and GTA, and is led by a vibrant executive committee that meets monthly to coordinate and plan short- and long-term events. This fall, the College's offerings are primarily online, with a video series featuring Bach's Orgelbüchlein chorale preludes as well as other performances and workshops; please see our website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

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The Royal Conservatory’s Koerner Hall is “the greatest venue in this city” and “magnificent in its acoustics, as much as in its design” (Toronto Star). This concert season, we bring you jazz, classical, world, and roots music performances by extraordinary international and Canadian artists - in a way that is safe and responsible. Join us in celebrating our Beethoven’s 250 Festival in November-December 2020 and the 21C Music Festival in January 2021, and close to 100 more concerts to choose from in the 2020/21 concert season, September 2020 through May 2021.

We look forward to sharing uplifting and inspiring live music with you!

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In response to COVID-19, the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra will proudly and safely present our 41st season online. The SPO has always been dedicated to enriching the musical life of the greater Scarborough area by presenting engaging, high-quality musical performances. We are proud and grateful to continue to do so.

For 2020/21, the SPO will present two online series based on interesting themes. All-new “SPOGreatMusic” podcast episodes will be available on major platforms every other Friday, beginning September 18, and new Music Performance videos will be posted every other Friday to our YouTube channel, beginning on October 9. Both series run through April 2021.

Music Performance videos will feature SPO musicians, the Odin String Quartet, guest artists, and our artist-in-residence, Dr. Lisa Tahara. We will also post animated short films created by fourth year Sheridan College students with new music by composers from our SPO family. Podcasts will feature amazing interviews with musicians, composers, historians, musicologists, special guests, sector representatives, community partners (including the Stratford Symphony Orchestra, Scarborough Arts, and FabCollab Toronto), and more. Our composer-in-residence and podcast host is Dr. Daniel Mehdizadeh.

For more information, theme details, music performance selections, and links, please visit our website and social media platforms regularly. #SPOGreatMusic.

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SINE NOMINE was formed in Toronto in 1991 to research and perform music from before 1500, and has given concerts in Canada, the United States, and the UK. The members have varied backgrounds in vocal and instrumental performance (wind instruments, fiddles, lutes, and percussion), musicology, medieval history, language, literature, liturgy, and manuscript studies. In preparing repertoire, we draw on all of these specialties, and experiment with improvisation and ornamentation, as well as medieval pronunciations and tuning systems, hoping to create performances which are intelligible and enjoyable to modern audiences - and which would not have been wholly foreign to medieval listeners! We blend vocal and instrumental music from medieval courts and churches with readings, and occasionally drama, liturgy, or dance, to provide insight into the fascinating artistic and intellectual culture of the Middle Ages.

Our 2020/21 Toronto season is on hold, pending public health developments, but our current project is a detailed exploration of a 14th-century Italian manuscript with an unusually rich combination of vocal music and instrumental dances.

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Founded in 1982, Soundstreams is one of the world’s leading contemporary music companies, and the largest global presenter of new Canadian music. Artistic director Lawrence Cherney and executive director Menon Dwarka are committed to showcasing the work of living composers with a focus on innovative thematic and experiential programming, and creating a living and lasting legacy for Canadian music.

Soundstreams also serves a broad community of music lovers through free outreach and education programs including Encounters, the RBC Bridges workshop for early career composers, BMO SoundWave and SoundMakers. Encounters is a free discovery series featuring performances, discussions, and audience participation; the RBC Bridges workshop for early career composers helps talented contemporary composers from around the world launch their careers; BMO SoundWave provides accessible-priced tickets; and SoundMakers provides interactive learning experiences online and in the classroom.

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SPEAK Music is a Canadian publicity and promotions company based in Toronto, Ontario. Our mission is to help discover new musical talent and reconnect established artists with the ever-changing Canadian media landscape. We specialize in genres from folk to indie, world music to jazz, country and blues to pop, and everything in between. SPEAK Music has been providing encouragement and professional support to performing musicians, independent record labels, distributors, festivals, not-for-profit organizations, and music charities since March 2003.

SPEAK Music provides press releases, album servicing, consulting, media training, reviews, features, interviews, premieres, non-commercial radio, and tour press. We want your music to be heard by as many media and music tastemakers as possible.

Director Beverly Kreller has extensive media and artist relations, publicity, special event, and production experience, with strong communications and writing skills, and is highly motivated, enthusiastic, and results-oriented. She was the publicist and artistic director of the Winterfolk Festival for the past 12 years and began her own successful SPEAK Music Be Kind Festival in January, 2020. She also performs with her duo, HOTCHA!

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Reaching Out Through Music was founded in 2007 with the goal of providing free, high-quality music education to the children and youth of St. James Town, a dense, underserved community that is home to thousands of ethnically diverse, low-income newcomers to Canada. Over the years, hundreds of children have participated in a variety of free arts programs including choir, piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, voice and, most recently, drama. Professional artists provide sensitive, child-centred instruction, and the children receive free instruments, as needed. The St. James Town Children’s Choir remains at the heart of the organization. Our recent name change from Reaching Out Through Music to St. James Town Community Arts (SJTCA) was prompted by the desire to highlight the community that we serve and to acknowledge our expansion into other artistic domains. The SJTCA team consists of dedicated professionals and volunteers who contribute their talent and passion with the shared belief that every child should reap the benefits of arts education and engagement regardless of their financial means. Visit us on our website and follow us @sjtca.

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St. Thomas’s Church, Toronto, is one of the oldest Anglo-Catholic congregations in Canada. Established in 1874, the parish has been, from its earliest days, at the forefront of the liturgical and musical life of the Anglican Church of Canada. Excellent choral and organ music are vital components of all Sunday services, Feast Days, and the liturgies of Advent and Holy Week. Starting in September, for as long as COVID-19 restrictions are in effect and choral gatherings are prohibited, we are pleased to offer weekly solo excerpts from Bach's Church Cantatas, and hope that these provide comfort and joy in such unusual and difficult times. All of our services are live-streamed online and can be found through the St. Thomas's website.

Looking ahead to when we can once again sing together, St. Thomas's will present three choral services each Sunday, sung by a dedicated group of volunteers supported by section leads: “Sung Eucharist (Contemporary Rite)” at 9:30am; “Solemn Eucharist (Traditional Rite)” at 11am; and “Solemn Evensong and Devotions” at 7pm. The repertoire is diverse, from plainsong and Renaissance masterpieces to gems of the British cathedral tradition, contemporary Canadian compositions, and other choral masterworks.

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The critically-acclaimed Symphony In The Barn Festival at Glencolton Farms, Canada's leading biodynamic farm, brings together music, and the tastes and sounds of idyllic farm life as an immersive backdrop for a three-day open-air weekend festival. A typical concert is accompanied by the sounds of the birds in the rafters, a visit by one of the farm animals, and features a starlight reception, and farm-baked refreshments.  Symphony in the Barn has been host to critically-acclaimed opera productions, jazz concerts, an annual film festival, its annual Christkindl market, First Nations dance, classical chamber, and orchestral performances. With the tagline “Where Culture Meets Agriculture”, the festival is centred around themes of sustainability, education, and artistic enlightenment.

Symphony in The Barn looks forward to celebrating its 26th anniversary, by producing a full open-air festival on the first weekend in August 2021. Farmer/conductor/general director Michael Schmidt is excited to announce the appointment of pianist Kati Gleiser and conductor Kevin Mallon as co-artistic directors. Virginia Gallop joins the team as Executive Director.

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Under the leadership of artistic director Peter Mahon, The Tallis Choir is a mixed-voice chamber choir of 36 voices that has been performing together since 1977. The choir presents an annual subscription series of four concerts between October and May each year in the magnificent acoustic of St. Patrick’s Church in downtown Toronto. Known for innovative programming and polished performances of repertoire covering more than five centuries, the Tallis Choir is an extremely versatile ensemble. They specialize in performances of rarely-heard sacred masterpieces of the Italian, Spanish and English Renaissance that form the cornerstone of their concert series. While they frequently feature a capella polyphonic works, the Choir often works with guest artists performing on period string and wind instruments to add further authenticity to the experience. Additionally, the Choir can be heard in performances around the GTA and southern Ontario, having appeared in the Colours of Music Festival, Luminato Festival, and in multiple performances at the Sony Centre.

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Called “the leader of the opera pack” by the Globe and Mail, Tapestry Opera is a rare gem in Canada’s cultural landscape. After four decades of boundary-breaking opera, the company enters its 41st year filled with hope and the drive to explore in its 2020/21 season.

Featuring digital comedy opera shorts about the current social and political climate, the first-ever opera writers' room and group-creation workshop, Tapestry's 2020/21 season showcases the best of the creativity that comes with adversity. Faced with a year in which indoor live performances are no guarantee, the company instead curated a season full of cancellation-proof digital works. Monthly livestreams from the beautiful Ernest Balmer Studio each embody the spirit of innovation that defines Tapestry; slow-release digital gems pop up on your timelines without warning; and the world premiere of a gorgeous new work, Dragon's Tale by Ka Nin Chan and Mark Brownell, satisfies the desire for human connection in a free, outdoor performance in June 2021, co-produced with Soundstreams.

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Called “the leader of the opera pack” by the Globe and Mail, Tapestry Opera is a rare gem in Canada’s cultural landscape. After four decades of boundary-breaking opera, the company enters its 41st year filled with hope and the drive to explore in its 2020/21 season.

Featuring digital comedy opera shorts about the current social and political climate, the first-ever opera writers' room and group-creation workshop, Tapestry's 2020/21 season showcases the best of the creativity that comes with adversity. Faced with a year in which indoor live performances are no guarantee, the company instead curated a season full of cancellation-proof digital works. Monthly livestreams from the beautiful Ernest Balmer Studio each embody the spirit of innovation that defines Tapestry; slow-release digital gems pop up on your timelines without warning; and the world premiere of a gorgeous new work, Dragon's Tale by Ka Nin Chan and Mark Brownell, satisfies the desire for human connection in a free, outdoor performance in June 2021, co-produced with Soundstreams.

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Building on more than 50 years of concert performances, the Toronto Chamber Choir of around 40 skilled singers under artistic director Lucas Harris has held a prominent place in Canada’s early music scene since 1968. It specializes in Renaissance and Baroque repertoire, collaborating regularly with Toronto’s rich pool of period instrumentalists, but also with forays into other periods. Currently on pandemic hiatus but meeting virtually until it’s safe to resume, the choir generally presents four concerts per season - two Saturday evening concerts and two Sunday afternoon “Kaffeemusik” presentations - that explore the cultural context of our repertoire through narration, often with a special guest expert. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings with occasional Saturday “retreats.” Auditions for new volunteer members are held anytime by arrangement with the director, while auditions for our Toronto Chamber Consort section lead program are held in May or June. Choir blog and other information is available on the website.

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The Toronto Choral Society (TCS) was founded in 1845, to foster a positive musical environment that enables members to learn and develop both musical ability and choral repertoire. The TCS aims to be an integral part of the community of Toronto, presenting important works from the traditional choral repertoire, exploring the music of the many cultures that make up our community, and making an active contribution to the life of the city by participating in community events. During this difficult time TCS hopes you are all safe. We would love to provide you with more information about our upcoming concerts, unfortunately at this time due to the current lock-down restrictions we will not be performing live concerts until sometime in 2021.

We are currently pursuing the possibility of an online concert in November. There are a number of technical issues that still need to be resolved as well as engaging our choir members through online rehearsals. We have been very fortunate with the loyalty of our members and supporters and we will keep you informed as things develop.

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For 29 years, Toronto Classical Singers has been known for its unique musical point of view and its high-quality performances, often presenting the lesser-known and rarely performed vocal/orchestral repertoire as well as the standard works. With its exuberant approach, the group celebrates the choral tradition with its complex sonority of large choir with professional orchestra.

Over our 29 seasons in Toronto, it took a full-blown pandemic to cancel a single performance and like all arts groups we are greatly impacted by the situation. We are postponing our May 2021 performance but hope that founding conductor Jurgen Petrenko will lead the choir, the Talisker Players and soloists for our all Vaughan Williams concert as part of next season’s programming. As vast as the ocean, his Sea Symphony will be performed with Five Mystical Songs, creating a concert of atmospheric awe and wonder.

We look forward to resuming our full schedule in 2021-2022, as we celebrate 30 years of contributing to the fabric of musical life in Toronto.

Our concerts are presented at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street. Please visit us at www.torontoclassicalsingers.ca for more information.

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The Toronto Consort is Canada’s leading ensemble, specializing in the music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and early Baroque. Led by a collective of artistic associates, ten of Canada’s leading early music specialists, the Consort presents a main stage concert series at the beautiful Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, located in the Annex. The Consort has toured extensively and has recorded music for film and television, including the hit television series "The Tudors and The Borgias", and is releasing its 15th CD recording in Autumn 2019: Frescobaldi and the Glories of Rome.

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Canada’s world-renowned large vocal ensemble plans to continue to bring great choral music to the community throughout the pandemic. For the 2020/21 season, the TMC will be under the artistic leadership of Simon Rivard who was appointed associate conductor in July. TMC is designing a 2020/21 season that will include virtual choir performances, digital programs and artistic collaborations. Programming will begin online with the hope of adding in-person elements as health and safety regulations permit.

Fall 2020 programs in development include a Thanksgiving program with guest curator Suba Sankaran, a Remembrance Day program with guest curator Andrew Balfour, and the TMC’s annual celebration of Christmas music in December, “Festival of Carols.”

Visit the TMC’s website for updates on 2020/21 programs and to access online programs and virtual choir pieces created during Spring 2020.

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Operated by the Mozart Project, the Toronto Mozart Players are composed of professional solo, chamber and orchestral musicians dedicated to performance of the highest calibre. Specializing in the music of Mozart and his contemporaries, the Toronto Mozart Players perform a varied repertoire from the early eighteenth century to the twenty-first century under the direction of David Bowser. With commitment to Canadian repertoire and commissioned works by Canadian composers, the Toronto Mozart Players present world premieres along with classical repertoire.

Toronto Mozart Players perform both at Church of the Redeemer, in the Bloor Street Cultural Corridor, and virtually. Concert programs offer variety and include chamber, orchestral, vocal and choral works - featuring the Toronto Mozart Choir.

For more information, including concert dates and information on the Toronto Mozart Choir, please visit our website.

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Toronto Operetta Theatre is in its third decade as Canada’s only performing arts company dedicated to music theatre in all its variety.

The 2021 season opens with an online presentation of our patron’s favourite Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers in early Spring of 2021. The world premiere of Canadian work A Northern Lights Dream by Michael Rose and Kálmán’s The Csardas Princess are being planned and the details to be announced at a later date.

Please check our website and social media for upcoming performance announcements and archived video series.

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One of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a vital role in the city’s dynamic cultural life for 98 years. Music director Gustavo Gimeno brings an expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity, and sense of adventure to programming the 92-musician Orchestra. The TSO is committed to serving local and national communities through vibrant performances, extensive educational activities, and impactful community relationships. It has a notable recording and broadcast history and has been celebrated internationally during its many tours. Toronto’s iconic Roy Thomson Hall is the TSO’s home, drawing patrons from around the world. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s name remains synonymous with musical versatility and growth, and artistic distinction.

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Trio Arkel is a chamber music ensemble presenting classical music in the heart of Toronto. Leading musicians Marie Bérard and Winona Zelenka collaborate with renowned guest artists in three eclectic programs each season, performing both favourites and lesser-known works in concerts that fascinate and delight.

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Established in 1918, U of T Music is Canada’s leading comprehensive institution for higher education in music and is a growing global presence in musical training, interdisciplinary research, and digital media content development. Home to a diverse and dynamic community of scholars, performers, composers, and educators, U of T Music offers a supportive community in one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic cities. We provide a superb learning environment, an internationally renowned teaching faculty, multiple performance halls, and an outstanding music library collection. With degrees and diplomas available in numerous areas of study, our array of courses and programs provides our 900 students an exceptional opportunity to explore various fields within music.

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This award-winning women’s ensemble, established by Halyna Kvitka Kondracki in 1965, has delighted audiences around the world with its rich repertoire of Ukrainian classical, sacred, contemporary and folk music.

Vesnivka begins its 54th season on October 27 with a concert featuring the music of Ukrainian composer Oleksander Koshyts. Koshyts led the National Choir of Ukraine on a concert tour in North America in the 1920s and later taught in Winnipeg. Joining Vesnivka and its partner, the Toronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir (TUMCC), will be St. Nicholas Choir. On January 12, Vesnivka and TUMCC present their ever-popular annual “Ukrainian Christmas” concert with guest soloists and a folk instrumental ensemble. The season wraps up on March 29 with a concert commemorating the 180th anniversary of the publication of Kobzar - a collection of poetry and prose by Ukraine’s famous literary figure Taras Shevchenko – featuring music written by Ukrainian composers inspired by his poignant words. Guest artists will include soloists from the Ukrainian Art Song Project. Vesnivka also sings Christmas and Easter Liturgies on January 7 and April 19 at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church (Toronto).

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Vesnivka Choir, established in 1965 by founding artistic director Halyna Kvitka Kondracki, is an award-winning women’s ensemble whose repertoire consists of Ukrainian liturgical, classical, contemporary and traditional folk music. The choir’s regular concert season comprises three major concerts, one of which is an annual Christmas concert. Vesnivka, together with its partner the Toronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir (TUMCC), are often accompanied by local professional soloists and chamber ensembles. The choir also sings Christmas and Easter Liturgies. While regular rehearsals (normally held on Mondays for TUMCC and on Tuesdays for Vesnivka) as well as performances have been put on hold as a result of the current pandemic, the choirs are occasionally meeting virtually to continue their work. New singers are welcome. We invite you to explore our website for information on the choirs and on Vesnivka's e-library of Ukrainian choral music, which offers free downloadable scores in both Ukrainian and transliterated versions. Information on ordering CD recordings is also available on the website. We look forward to resuming our full schedule and sharing live music with you as soon as it is safe to do so.

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The namesake of the Victoria Scholars, Tomás Luis de Victoria, was an outstanding Renaissance composer whose music is renowned for its spirituality and emotional expressiveness. The Victoria Scholars bring clarity and balance of sound so characteristic of Renaissance music to all their repertoire, encompassing Medieval plainchant, works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary eras, and newly-commissioned works. Past winners of the Healey Willan Grand Prize in the CBC Radio National Competition for Amateur Choirs, the Victoria Scholars have performed with many exceptional arts organizations (including Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Kiev Chamber Choir) and vocal soloists (including Sondra Radvanovsky, Michael Schade, Russell Braun and Norine Burgess). They have toured nationally and internationally and are heard regularly on CBC Radio 2 and Classical 96.3FM.

We are pleased to offer audiences a three-concert series each year; however, due to COVID-19 and in the interests of the health and safety of both our audience and choir members, we currently do not have any concerts planned. Please visit us on our website or Facebook for updates on the remainder of the 2020/21 season should the situation change.