Choral Festivals
June 20: Choral Mosaic. The Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 416-508-9639. Ticket prices include keynotes, workshops, concerts and performance opportunities. See choralmosaic.ca for more information. Early Bird registration $400. Discount for Mississauga-based choirs and choristers $375
Competitions
Aug 23-29: Fifth Canadian Chopin Piano Competition and Festival
For concert information, venues, and ticket pricing, see daily listings in Section A or visit canadianchopinsociety.com. Festival Pass available on website and at door: $150; $75(st).
Aug 23 7:00: Opening Concert. Previous Canadian Chopin Piano Competition winners.; Aug 24 10:00am: Senior Division Preliminary Round; Aug 24 7:00: Insights: An Evening with Alan Walker, Mazzoleni Concert Hall, Royal Conservatory, 273 Bloor St. W., $25; $15(st); Aug 25 10:00am: Senior Division Preliminary Round; 7:00: Conversations: An Evening with the Jury, Mazzoleni Concert Hall, Royal Conservatory, 273 Bloor St. W., $25; $15(st); Aug 26 10:00am: Senior Division Semi-Finals; 7:00: Portraits: Words and Music, Mazzoleni Concert Hall, $25; $15(st); Aug 27 10:00am: Junior Division Preliminary Round; Aug 28 7:00: Piano Recital. Krzysztof Jablonski, piano; Aug 29 2:00: Junior Division & Senior Division Finals; 7:00 Senior Division Finals & Awards Ceremony.
Sep 1: Azrieli Music Prizes. Celebrating Excellence in New Composition. Call for submissions closes Sep 1. azrielifoundation.org/music.
Film Screenings
Jul 22 7:00: Stratford Summer Music. Three Silent Films: The Surreal, the Suspenseful and the Silly – Scored by Stephen Prutsman. The Avondale, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. Tickets: stratfordsummermusic.ca or call 1-866-288-4313. $30/$25(adv).
Jul 25 10:00am: Festival of the Sound. 10. Directed by Blake Edwards, 1979. Ravel’s Boléro is the backdrop to this American romantic comedy film. Charles W. Stockey Centre, 2 Bay St., Parry Sound. For information, call 705-746-2410 or 1-866-364-0061. $12.
Jul 25 10:00am: Festival of the Sound. Death in Venice. Directed by Luchino Visconti, 1971. Charles W. Stockey Centre, 2 Bay St., Parry Sound. For information, call 705-746-2410 or 1-866-364-0061. $12.
Jul 26 7:30: Elora Festival. Voices of Light. This presentation merges the legendary 1928 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc with a live performance Voices of Light by Richard Einhorn. Performed by the Elora Singers, solo voices, and orchestra. Gambrel Barn, corner of County Roads 7 & 21, Elora. 519-846-0331 or 1-888-747-7550. $40; $15(st); $10(child).
Jul 27 3:00: Festival of the Sound. Celebration at Big Sur. Directed by Baird Bryant and Johanna Demetrakas, 1971. A documentary of the 1969 Big Sur Folk Festival in California with footage of some of the best performers of the 60s, including Joan Baez; Joni Mitchell; and Crosby, Stills and Nash. Charles W. Stockey Centre, 2 Bay St., Parry Sound. For information, call 705-746-2410 or 1-866-364-0061. $12.
Aug 18 6:00 Wellington Water Week. Concert & Dinner Series: HARPSIC*HORROR*D! Go back in time to the era of silent movies and experience Stephen Hargreaves as he improvises a score on a harpsichord to the silent horror film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, directed by Robert Wiene. 1920. Dinner and cocktails. Drake Devonshire, 24 Wharf St., Wellington. festivalplayers.ca or 613-476-1991 or boxoffice@festivalplayers.ca. $95.
Galas and Fundraisers
Jun 02 3:00: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Annual Fundraising Tea and Silent Auction. Live music, free food and beverages. CDs, books, and sheet music for sale. Parish Hall, Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. For information call 416-779-5750. Admission PWYC. Suggested donation $10.
Jun 08 7:00: Arraymusic. Benefit Concert. Showcasing some of our communities’ amazing talents. Eat, drink, check out our auction and interactive stations, and meet your fellow Arrayers. Performers include: Michael Snow & Mani Mazinani, The Missing Montgomeries, The Frequency Freaks, Stephen Clarke, David Schotzko & Rick Sacks. Tapas-style food, hands-on interactive fun, silent auction and raffle, cash bar. The Array Space, 155 Walnut Ave. $20 at the door or online at universe.com/events/come-get-social-with-us-to-benefit-arraymusic-tickets-toronto-PC1W58.
Jun 09 1:00: Niagara Symphony Orchestra. Face to Face and Fabulous! Don’t miss this rare chance to meet Canada’s premiere percussion ensemble, TorQ, at an intimate gathering in a charming vineyard setting. Hosted by NSO Music Director Bradley Thachuk, guests will enjoy an elegant 3-course luncheon, sample a selection of marvellous wines and meet and chat with the members of TorQ Percussion and enjoy unique performances. The Pavilion, Trius Winery at Hillebrand, 1249 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake. Call 905-687-4993 ext. 225 or visit niagarasymphony.com/support-us/face-to-face/. Tickets are $125 per person. Seating is limited.
Jun 09 5:00: Sinfonia Toronto. Peonies & Pinots: A Musical Garden Party. A glorious evening of fine wines, fine dining, classical pops, musical comedy with Millan & Faye, and Art by Tamara live painting. Silent auction with collectors’ wines, wine tours in Prince Edward County, art, gift baskets, gift certificates. Exclusive location in Teddington Park: private residence address provided after reservation. Reserve at sinfoniatoronto.com or call 416-499-0403. $85 per person with charitable receipt for CRA eligible amount.
Jun 23 1:00: Westben. Annual Garden Gala Fundraiser. Blend of musical styles fusing traditional Québécois music with jazz and electronica. Marc Maziade, electric guitar, banjo, vocals; Rémi Pagé, violin, foot percussion; Roxane Beaulieu, keyboards, vocals; Hugo Blouin, double bass. Garden, near Campbellford, Campbellford. 877-883-5777. $125. Includes luncheon by Chef Ravi Anandappa and wine; silent auction.
Jun 27 6:00: Toronto Symphony Volunteer Committee. Beer with a Beat: A Craft Beer Tasting Fundraising Experience. Craft beer by Henderson Brewery, delicious food from Denninger’s, fabulous music (Classic Albums Live performs The Best of Queen), door prizes, surprise guests, and other entertainment. In support of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the music therapy program at the Hospital for Sick Children. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. For more information, visit tsvc.ca/beerwithabeat, eventbrite.ca/e/beer-with-a-beat-tickets-60578599221, or call 416-593-7769 X358. A 19+ event. Get your tickets by June 1 and pay only $65, a savings of $10.
Jul 20 5:30: Festival of the Sound. Come to the Party: Our Anniversary Dinner Gala. Fundraising dinner featuring Russell Braun, baritone; Carolyn Maule, piano; Joseph Petric, accordion; Guy Few, trumpet; and Syrène Saxophone Quartet. Charles W. Stockey Centre, 2 Bay St., Parry Sound. For information, call 705-746-2410 or 1-866-364-0061. $150.
Aug 16 7:00: Brookside Music. Fundraiser, Dinner and Dance. Dance and dine under the stars celebrating the music of the golden era of the big bands. The Toronto All Star Big Band revives the spirit, style and sound of the 30s, 40s and 50s. Includes: dinner, raffles and cash bar. Cash Bar at 5pm. Midland Golf and Country Club, 9536 Penetanguishene Rd., Midland. $80.
Lectures, Salons and Symposia
Jun 4 6:00: The Music Gallery/Canadian Music Centre/Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives. Nothing to Say and Saying It: Queer Silence in New Music. As part of the Music Gallery History Series, Jerry Pergolesi, founder of Contact/ContaQt, will be interviewed by journalist and Emergents curator Sara Constant about his research and musical experiences. Canadian Music Centre, 20 St. Joseph St. For further information call 416-204-1080. Free.
Jun 06 1:30: Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. 5th Anniversary of Woodstock: Part 1 – Won’tStock – Woodstock and Toronto’s Response. Guest speaker: Music journalist Peter Goddard looks back to August 1969 and dissects the festival that rocked the media. Were those three days truly influential, or did other music events – like Toronto Rock & Roll Revival featuring John and Yoko – have a greater historical impact? 750 Spadina Ave. 416-924-6211. Refreshments at 1pm. $5 (includes refreshments).
Jun 06 7:30: Soundstreams. Encounters in Exile. Excerpts from works by Juro Kim Feliz and Hanns Eisler. Juro Kim Feliz, spacialized recording. This event is part of “Encounters”, a free performance and discussion series. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. 416-504-1282. Free(general admission); PWYC(reserved seating).
Jun 11 7:30: Toronto Duke Ellington Society. General Meeting. A presentation on the history of the Society and a selection of members’ presentations. Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke. For further information, visit torontodukeellingtonsociety.com or call 416-239-2683. Membership is $35(single) or $50(couple). First visit is free.
Jun 22 7:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Welcome Maestro Gimeno. The incoming music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents a series of concerts from June 28 to 30. To give you a taste of the maestro in action, we will listen to a selection of his recordings. 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. Please note that our programs during June, July and August are at 7pm on Saturdays rather than our usual time of 2pm on Sundays.
Jul 03 3:00: Latvian Festival of Song and Dance in Canada. Latvian Choral Traditions. A seminar with State Choir LATVIJA and conductor Maris Sirmais. Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church, 427 Bloor St. W. songfesttickets.com. Tickets: $25.
Jul 20 7:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Gone Fishing!: Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Schubert’s Trout Quintet. We will examine one of the most popular chamber pieces ever as well as other music with a fishy or aquatic theme. 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. Please note that our programs during June, July and August are at 7pm on Saturdays rather than our usual time of 2pm on Sundays.
Jul 18 11:00am: Stratford Summer Music. Robert Harris Illustrated Musical Lecture #1: Interview with Mark Fewer, Stratford Summer Music, Artistic Director. University of Waterloo, Stratford Campus, 125 St. Patrick St., Stratford. Tickets: stratfordsummermusic.ca or call 1-866-288-4313. $30/$25(adv).
Jul 25 11:00am: Stratford Summer Music. Robert Harris Illustrated Musical Lecture #2: The Poser of Gospel. University of Waterloo, Stratford Campus, 125 St. Patrick St., Stratford. Tickets: stratfordsummermusic.ca or call 1-866-288-4313. $30/$25(adv).
Jul 31 10:30am: Festival of the Sound. Artistic Directors Roundtable. Jeffrey Stokes hosts the directors of festivals from across the country and Europe. Festival Station Office, 1 Avenue Rd., Parry Sound. For information, call 705-746-2410 or 1-866-364-0061. Free.
Aug 01 10:30am: Festival of the Sound. Office Hour: Inside the Radio. Julie Nesrallah and Andrea Ratuski share their experiences as broadcasters of classical music on CBC Radio. Festival Station Office, 1 Avenue Rd., Parry Sound. For information, call 705-746-2410 or 1-866-364-0061. Free.
Aug 08 11:00am: Stratford Summer Music. Robert Harris Illustrated Musical Lecture #3: Musical Families. University of Waterloo, Stratford Campus, 125 St. Patrick St., Stratford. Tickets: stratfordsummermusic.ca or call 1-866-288-4313. $30/$25(adv).
Aug 21 10:00am: Stratford Summer Music. Lecture on Bach’s St. Matthew Passion by Howard Dyck. The Avondale, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. Information at stratfordsummermusic.ca. PWYC.
Aug 22 11:00am: Stratford Summer Music. Robert Harris Illustrated Musical Lecture #4: Forced Collaborations. University of Waterloo, Stratford Campus, 125 St. Patrick St., Stratford. Tickets: stratfordsummermusic.ca or call 1-866-288-4313. $30/$25(adv).
Aug 24 7:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. BYOR (Bring Your Own Recording). Club members are invited to bring along an audio or video program (approximately 15 minutes per member) to share. An opportunity to discover the music your fellow members enjoy. 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. Please note that our programs during June, July and August are at 7pm on Saturdays rather than our usual time of 2pm on Sundays.
Masterclasses
Jul 15 1:00: Elora Festival. Masterclass: Jane Archibald. Top voice students from area universities will be coached by Canada’s superstar soprano, Jane Archibald. Come and watch this fascinating mentorship. St. John’s Anglican Church, 33 Henderson St., Elora. For further information, contact 519-846-5911 or stjohnselora.ca. $15; $10(st).
Jul 15 7:00: Highlands Opera Studio. Masterclass with Richard Margison. Audit lessons with internationally acclaimed tenor and vocal pedagogue Richard Margison as he works with the 2019 Highland Opera Studio singers. St. George’s Anglican Church, 617 Mountain St., Haliburton. For tickets or further information: 705-457-5646 or 1-855-455-5533. Also Jul 16 at Abbey North, 1487 Cranberry Lake Rd., Haliburton and Jul 27 at Highland Hills (formerly Minden) United Church, 21 Newcastle St., Minden. $15.
Sep 07 9:00am: Honens Festival. Masterclass. William Fedkenhauser (violinist of the Miró Quartet) and Nicolas Namoradze (piano) share their artistic advice and experience with the best and brightest of Albertan musicians. TransAlta Pavilion (piano) & Room ED2008 (violin), Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mt. Royal Gate SW, Calgary. 403-299-0140. Free.
Tours
Jun 2 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 Jun 9, 16.
Aug 18 3:00: Wellington Water Week. Musical and Edible Promenade through Wellington. Come for a walk through Wellington and experience four miniature musical concerts in four different locations. A musical guided tour exploring the concept of waves through sound and movement. Local chef Chris Byrne will delight you with four new edible creations to accompany each stop. Starts and ends at Wellington United Church, 243 Main St., Wellington. festivalplayers.ca or 613-476-1991 or boxoffice@festivalplayers.ca. $50.
Workshops
Jun 02 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Reading for singers and instrumentalists of Dvořák’s Stabat Mater. Alexandra Bourque, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 416-386-0258. $10; $6(members).
Jun 03-29: Long Reach Opera Workshop. Summer Opera Training Program. Faculty includes Dr. Michael Donovan, music director; Anne-Marison Donovan, stage director; Christopher Bagan, piano and historical keyboards; Hyejin Kwon & Kate Carver, collaborative pianists & coaches; Sara Maida-Nicol, Italian language coach; Brad Cook, movement & acting coach; and others. Performances of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at 7:30pm on Jun 26, 27, 28 & 29 at Trinity St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. W., 226-972-3950 or lrow@operaworkshop.ca or operaworkshop.ca.
Jun 03 10:00am: Labyrinth Ontario. Bulgarian Singing with Tzvetanka Varimezova. Tzvetanka brings her decades of experience as a choir director, vocal teacher, and highly respected performer to teach solo and group styles of Bulgarian singing. Specific vocal techniques and several styles of Bulgarian repertoire will be covered. Vocalists of any background and students at all levels are welcome. Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. Further information at labyrinthontario.com. Also Jun 4-7. $450.
Jun 03 10:00am: Labyrinth Ontario. Lyra with Sympathetic Strings with Kelly Thoma. This individualized workshop covers technique and repertoire on a contemporary version of the traditional Cretan Lyra which Kelly has been involved in developing. Players of any experience level and students at all levels are welcome. Those needing an instrument should contact Labyrinth Ontario at labyrinthontario@gmail.com. Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. Further information at labyrinthontario.com. Also Jun 4-7. $450.
Jun 03 10:00am: Labyrinth Ontario. Modal Music Composition with Ross Daly. Blending lecture, demonstration, performance, and hands-on composition, this workshop draws from Ross Daly’s decades of study of modal traditions. Suitable for performers and composers of all backgrounds and students at all levels. An instrument capable of playing quarter tones is recommended. Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. Further information at labyrinthontario.com. Also Jun 4-7. $450.
Jun 08 5:00: MusiCamp, Folk Camp Canada, Clay & Paper Theatre, Didgori Ensemble. Georgian Choral Workshop. Led by the Didgori Ensemble from Georgia. St. Vladimir Institute, 620 Spadina Ave. 647-836-4852. Suggested donation at door: $25.
Jun 09 11:00am: MusiCamp, Didgori Ensemble. Five-Hour Intensive Georgian Choral Workshop. Workshop led by the Didgori Ensemble from Georgia. Limited to 12 participants MusiCamp Studio, 11 Cobourg Ave. 647-836-4852. $100.
Jul 13 10:00am: Elora Festival. State Choir LATVIJA. Conductor Maris Sirmais and State Choir LATVIJA will present a fascinating journey into the evolution of the Latvian song festival and folk-song arrangements. You’ll hear the choir demonstrate these arrangements, sing some of the best-known Latvian songs of the last decade, and you’ll have an opportunity to sing along! Gambrel Barn, corner of County Roads 7 & 21, Elora. 519-846-0331 or 1-888-747-7550. $15; $10(st/child).
Aug 18 12:00 noon: Wellington Water Week. Where We Are, What We Make. A concert, workshop and film screening for kids of all ages. Featured on the concert is Water Week guest artist Ryan Scott performing Orion Constellation Theory, a work partly inspired by the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the location of the three largest pyramids of Giza and the three middle stars of the Orion constellation. Bring the whole family and explore the correlation between where we live and what we create. Wellington Heritage Museum, 290 Main St., Wellington. festivalplayers.ca or 613-476-1991 or boxoffice@festivalplayers.ca. Free.
