Competitions
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. Piano & Violin Competition 2019. Application deadline: Jan 21, 2019. Further information and syllabus at
cccmusicfestival.com/Canada
Jan 16 7:00: University of Toronto & Sparks / Wiry Cries / Women on the Verge. SongSLAM, New Music Festival. SongSLAM is a unique opportunity for emerging classical music composer/performer teams to premiere new art songs and compete for cash prizes. For the first time in Canada, teams will present a new song for voice and piano in any language for the voting audience who will vote for their favourites. Walter Hall, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto 80 Queens Pk. womenontheverge.ca/sparks-and-wiry-cries-songslam for more info.
Film Screenings
Jan 20 1:00 & 4:30: Miles Nadal JCC. AKA Doc Pomus. A documentary about Brooklyn-born Jerome Felder who fell victim to polio as a child and grew up to become songwriter Doc Pomus. He wrote countless classic hits including, Save the Last Dance for Me, This Magic Moment and Viva Las Vegas. A story of an unforgettable man and his memorable music. Special guest speaker: Director William Hechter. Presented by The Toronto Jewish Film Society. A co-presentation with ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto. The Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. Admission: $15 general admission, $10 young adult. 1:30pm tickets available on Eventbrite. 4:30pm tickets available at the door only. For more information 416-924-6211 x0 or visit mnjcc.org
Jan 29 6:30: Royal Conservatory of Music. Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement (2009). A showcase of the power and influence of music, this film chronicles a musical and cultural past of those who cried out in song against inequality, poverty, war, and in support of workers, civil and human rights. The film includes a narrative of voices ranging from those of former Mississippi Freedom Riders who sang every day as they risked life and limb, to Grammy Award-winning artists and musicians who continue to pen inspired lyrics and songs capable of moving a nation, if not the world. Q&A hosted by Mervon Mehta. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W. Tickets are $17 each (Members: $12/$10/Free). Tickets at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema box office or at hotdocscinema.ca.
Feb 07 7:30: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Alicia Svigals: The Yellow Ticket. Live score for a screening of the 1918 silent film The Yellow Ticket featuring Pola Negri. Alicia Svigals, composer/violin; Marilyn Lerner, piano. 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 905-688-0722. $35; $30(member); $25(st).
Galas and Fundraisers
Dec 02 12:00 noon: Toronto Children’s Chorus. Sing Loo! More than 300 choristers from the Toronto Children’s Chorus will perform seasonal carols during this free concert to thank TCC donors. Come and go as you please. All are welcome. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, 123 Queen Street West. 416-932-8666 x231. torontochildrenschorus.com/specialappearances. Free concert, donations welcome.
Feb 02 2:00: Amadeus Choir. Songs From a Celtic Heart Annual Fundraising Event. Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Dr. amadeuschoir.com. For tickets 416-446-0188. $50, $40, $25, $5 off on tickets purchased before Jan 15. Also at 7pm.
Lectures, Salons and Symposia
Dec 06 1:00: Miles Nadal JCC. Beatles & The British Invasion. With celebrated rock & roll photographer John Rowlands. The Beatles’ arrival in New York on February 7, 1964, opened North America’s doors to a wealth of British musical talent and officially launched what became known as The British Invasion. John Rowlands, who toured with the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and the Dave Clark Five, shares his personal stories and private collection of photographs he captured of these legendary bands. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. Admission: $5. Spaces limited. To register, call 416-924-6211 x0 or visit mnjcc.org.
Dec 06 3:30: University of Toronto, Faculty of Music. METH Colloquia. Led by Max Katz, College of William and Mary. Faculty of Music, Room 130, 80 Queen’s Park. Free.
Dec 07 10:00am: Istituto Italiano di Cultura. The Life and Adventures of Lorenzo Da Ponte. Dr. Sebastiano Bazzichetto will explore the captivating life of this fascinating man with an even more fascinating and adventurous life. $20; $15(IIC st). Reservations are required: iicToronto@esteri.it.
Dec 08 2:00: Toronto Public Library. Going Nuts Over The Nutcracker. In The Nutcracker, Clara, an army of mice, a brigade of toy soldiers, a Nutcracker prince and a Sugar Plum fairy all dance out their story to the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Immerse yourself in the ballet’s story, dance, music, costumes and props and top things off by taking home a craft of your very own making. Program is intended for children ages 6-12. Register in person in the branch or by calling 416-396-8970. Malvern Branch, 30 Sewells Road. Free.
Dec 09 2:00 Classical Music Club Toronto. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (Part II). Following up on last year’s December program we will again sample the wide range of audio and video recordings of this extremely popular work. For further information, visit classicalmusicclubtoronto.org or contact John Sharpe at 416-898-2549 or torontoshi@sympatico.ca. Annual membership: $25(regular); $10(sr/st). Free for first-time visitors. Donations accepted for refreshments.
Dec 12 6:00: Toronto Public Library. Russian Music and Poetry Nights. Join us in the beautiful Barbara Frum Library for our monthly Russian Poetry and Music Salons, hosted by local poets and musicians. All are welcome for this free event. Barbara Frum Branch, 20 Covington Rd. Free. Also on Jan 16.
Dec 12 7:00 Toronto Public Library. Music of the Ancients: Classical Chinese Music. Master musicians Professor PingXin Xu and XiaoYun Miao perform selections from the spare, contemplative music of the 9th century to the invigorating style of present times. Several instruments will be introduced. North York Central Library 5120 Yonge St. Call 416-395-5639 to register for this free program.
Dec 27 7:00: Toronto Public Library. Music of the Ancients: Renaissance Music. Join students from the University of Toronto’s Early Music Studio for an evening of music from the late 1300s to the beginnings of the Baroque era. Delight in a fascinating world full of sacred and secular songs with dance, carols, madrigals, troubadours and countertenors! North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street. 416-395-5639.
Jan 14 1:30: Miles Nadal JCC. That’s Entertainment! The Evolution of the Hollywood Musical. Film critic Adam Nayman will examine the roots, evolution and present status of the classic Hollywood musical, considering questions of aesthetics, social commentary, race and ethnicity, and changing musical forms. Films studied will include The Jazz Singer, Singin’ in the Rain, Cabaret and La La Land; influential directors such as Busby Berkeley and Vincente Minnelli; and major stars including Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Bill Robinson, Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. Drop-in: $12. For more information, visit mnjcc.org.
Jan 17 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Insights: Instrumental to Opera: The Orchestra Academy. New members of the COC Orchestra Academy are introduced. Through engaging discussion and spirited mini-performances, the Academy shares the daily challenges and rewards of being in the industry. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Admission is free. Tickets must be reserved in advance by visiting coc.ca/OperaInsights or by calling the COC Box Office at 416-363-8231.
Jan 24 1:00: Miles Nadal JCC. Bring the Piano Starring Randy Vancourt. This Juno-nominated composer, writer, and performer presents a strange-but-true one-man musical comedy that follows a musician on his piano-lugging journeys. This delightful musical comedy highlights the adventures and outrageous experiences of the life of a travelling musician, appearing everywhere from the Yukon to the South Pole — well, almost — and stopping off along the way to become a dad. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. Admission: $5. To register, please call 416-924-6211 x0 or visit mnjcc.org.
Jan 25 3:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Music Graduate Colloquium: Andrew Goldman. Andrew Goldman, Postdoctoral Scholar, Western University. “Using Neuroscience in Music Research: Critical Challenges and Contributions.” All Colloquium series events take place on selected Fridays in Talbot College 101. For FAQ, parking and other useful patron information visit music.uwo.ca/events/useful-information.html or contact Audrey Yardley-Jones, Graduate Program Assistant ayardley@uwo.ca 519-661-2111 ext. 85354. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.
Jan 25-26 9:00: University of Toronto. DM@X. The fifth annual Digital Media at the Crossroads returns to examine the future of content in digital media. DM@X keynote speakers, panels and guests offer digital media students and professionals two days of wide-ranging, informative and provocative programming. Open to students, faculty and the general public. Faculty of Music, Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queens Park. Call 416-978-3750 to register.
Jan 27 2:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Christine Goerke’s Elektra. Dramatic soprano Christine Goerke returns to Toronto to perform in Richard Strauss’s Elektra with the Canadian Opera Company. This soprano’s repertoire includes many of the major dramatic soprano roles in the repertoire which we will include in the program. For further information, visit classicalmusicclubtoronto.org or contact John Sharpe at 416-898-2549 or torontoshi@sympatico.ca. Annual membership: $25(regular); $10(sr/st). Free for first-time visitors. Donations accepted for refreshments.
Jan 28 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Insights: Women in Opera. Some of the most popular operas were penned at a time when equality for women was not a front-of-mind topic of conversation. In this engaging discussion, some of the industry’s leading women, from on and off the stage, will discuss what it’s like to be a woman working in opera. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Admission is free. Tickets must be reserved in advance by visiting coc.ca/OperaInsights or by calling the COC Box Office at 416-363-8231.
Jan 30 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Talks: Yours Faithfully – Così fan tutte. Presented in partnership with the Toronto Public Library. Join opera scholar Wayne Gooding in a multi-media exploration of Mozart’s wry comedy Così fan tutte. Don Mills Library, 888 Lawrence Ave. E. Admission is free but advanced registration is recommended by calling the Don Mills branch of the Toronto Public Library at 416-395-5710.
Jan 31 1:00: Miles Nadal JCC. What Makes a Jazz Standard? With musician Jonno Lightstone. We’re all familiar with jazz standards like “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Star Dust”. But what makes these song standards? Enjoy this historical lecture complete with live music. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. Admission $5. To register, please call 416-924-6211 ext 0 or visit mnjcc.org.
Jan 31 12:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Music Education Seminar Series: Eva Saether. For the complete schedule and more information on events specific to grad students, visit the Music Education Seminar Series webpage.For FAQ, parking and other useful patron information visit music.uwo.ca/events/useful-information.html. Western University, Talbot College, Room: 30, London. Free.
Jan 31 3:30: University of Toronto. METH Colloquia. Megan Long, Oberlin College and Conservatory, Musicology, Ethnomusicology & Music Theory. Presentation will be followed by a casual reception. Faculty of Music, Room 130, 80 Queens Park. Free and open to the public.
Feb 01 3:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Music Graduate Colloquium: Eva Saether. Eva Saether, Lund University, Sweden. “Habitus Crises, Politics of Diversity, and Sensuous Scholarship: When Music Asks the Questions”All Colloquium series events take place on selected Fridays in Talbot College, Room 101 at 3:30 pm. For FAQ, parking and other useful patron information visit music.uwo.ca/events/useful-information.html. Western University, London. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.
Feb 01 5:00: Canadian Opera Company. Youth Opera Lab: Costumes and Wigs. For teens and young adults ages 16 to 24 offering an opportunity to dissect and explore an opera being presented on the COC’s mainstage. Led by opera educator Bryna Berezowska and special guests, the participants will focus on the stunning costumes and wigs that appear in the COC’s production of Così fan tutte. No previous experience with opera is necessary. Participants are selected based on the interest and relevance demonstrated in their online applications. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Participate in the lab and you will receive two free tickets to the dress rehearsal of Così fan tutte on Sunday, February 3, 2019. To apply, complete the application available at coc.ca/YOL or e-mail education@coc.ca for more information.
Feb 02 9:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Music Education Teacher Workshop: Eva Saether. Join us for a series of music education workshops (open to teachers), presented by the Music Education Department at the Don Wright Faculty of Music. For the complete schedule and information about other music education workshops, visit the Music Education Workshops webpage. Western University, Talbot College, Room 307, London.
Masterclasses
Dec 07 10:00am: Royal Conservatory. Voice Masterclass. Led by Brian Zeger. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca. Also at 2:00.
Dec 07 10:00am: Royal Conservatory. Percussion Masterclass. Led by Joseph Tompkins. Temerty Theatre, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca. Also at 2:00.
Dec 07 5:00: Royal Conservatory. Piano Masterclass. Led by Leslie Kinton. Room 410, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca. Also at 7:00 (Temerty Theatre).
Dec 07 5:00: Royal Conservatory. Violin Masterclass. Led by Valerie Li. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca.
Dec 07 7:00: Royal Conservatory. Cello Masterclass. Led by Andrés Diaz. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca.
Jan 18 11:00am: Royal Conservatory Piano Masterclass. Led by Ronan O’Hora. Room TBA, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca. Also at 2:30.
Jan 21 10:00am: University of Toronto. Composition Masterclass with Toshio Hosokawa.Toshio Hosokawa and Roger D. moore Distinguished Visitor in Composition conducts a composition masterclass at the U of T Faculty of Music. Presented by Norbert Palej. Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. Free. Also on Jan 22.
Jan 25 10:00am: Royal Conservatory Cello Masterclass. Led by Collin Carr. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca. Also at 2:00.
Jan 26 10:00am: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Piano Masterclass. Led by Yael Weiss. Yael Weiss is at Western as guest judge for the annual Fred Pattison Piano Competition. All are welcome to attend. For FAQ, parking and other useful patron information visit music.uwo.ca/events/useful-information.html. Music Building (MB) Room: von Kuster Hall. Admission to this masterclass is free.
Feb 1 10:00am: Royal Conservatory Violin Masterclass. Led by Jinjoo Cho. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Free admission. All are welcome to attend. For further information visit rcmusic.ca. Also at 2:00.
Sing-alongs, Jams, Circles
Dec 01 12:30: Recollectiv. A musical group for people with memory challenges due to illness or trauma. Southern Cross Room, Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. Free with advance registration at recollectiv.ca. Meets every Sat (Dec 8, 15, 22, 29, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2).
Dec 01 7:15: Toronto Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Join us for a lovely and lively evening Christmas-related entertainments. St. Andrew’s Church, 117 Bloor St. E. Parking below off Hayden. $5(non-members). Refreshments included.
Dec 18 4:00: Toronto Public Library. Holiday Sing-Along. Are you excited for the holidays? Do you like to sing? Join us for a holiday sing-a-along! Drop in. Preschool children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call the branch at 416-393-7657. Deer Park Branch, 40 St. Clair Ave. E.
Jan 4 7:00: Toronto Public Library. Live in the Library Music Performance. The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library brings you Live in the Library. Come and enjoy a musical performance. No registration required. All welcome! Parkdale Branch, 1303 Queen St. W. Also on Feb 1.
Jan 12 7:15: Toronto Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Songfest. Our annual gathering of great G&S groups around the city to perform excerpts of G&S operettas – and more. A great evening! With great refreshments, too! St. Andrew’s Church, 117 Bloor St. E.
Tours
Dec 02 10:30am: Canadian Opera Company. 90-Minute Tour of the Four Seasons Centre. Led by a trained docent. 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 such as the 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. W. 416-363-8231. coc.ca. $20(adults); $15(sr/st). Also Jan 19, 20, 27, Feb 3. Tours are available in French on Jan 27.
Workshops
Dec 07 7:30: Toronto Recorder Players Society. Renaissance and Baroque workshop for recorders and other early instruments. Coach: Avery MacLean. Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church, 527 Mount Pleasant Rd. (entrance off Belsize). 416-480-1853. Guests: $20. Refreshments included. rpstoronto.ca/
Dec 09 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Alison Melville. Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750. tempotoronto.net. $20.
Jan 06 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Anne Massicotte. Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750. Tempotoronto.net. $20.
Jan 11 7:30: Toronto Recorder Players Society. Renaissance and Baroque workshop for recorders and other early instruments. Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church, 527 Mount Pleasant Rd. (entrance off Belsize). 416-480-1853. rpstoronto.ca/. Guests: $15. Refreshments included.
Jan 27 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Mozart: Coronation Mass. Reading for singers and instrumentalists. Shawn Grenke, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 416-482-6562. $10; $6(members).
Feb 02 10:30am. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Singsation Saturday Choral Workshop. TMC associate conductor Ezra Burke presents Songs of Milk and Honey, a sing through of music drawn from the Hebraic tradition, including excerpts from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Handel’s Israel in Egypt and contemporary works. Bring your voice, we provide the music. Cameron Hall, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. 1585 Yonge St. $10 fee includes refreshments. More info at tmchoir.org/singsation-saturdays
Feb 03 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by viol player Elin Søderstrom. St. Leonard’s Church, Canon Dykes Memorial Room, 25 Wanless Ave. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750.
tempotoronto.net. $20.
