Clubs & Groups
Dec 07 1:00: Recollectiv. A unique musical group whose members are affected by memory challenges caused by Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or PTSD. Volunteers of all ages also form part of the band making a positive intergenerational experience for all participants. The group’s mission is to help people with memory challenges find joy and a sense of community through music-making. Meets weekly and is free with pre-registration. For information visit recollectiv.ca or call Smile Theatre at 416-599-8440. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. Also Dec 14, 21, 28, Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, and Feb 1.
Dec 01 2:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Bach: Christmas Oratorio. 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 19 2:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Beethoven Bicentennial I. 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.
Competitions and Applications
DEADLINE Dec 01: Toronto Mozart Vocal Competition. Applications are being accepted now. Further information at mozartproject.ca.
DEADLINE Jan 06: Artists’ International Music & Dance Association. Lorenzo Bellini International Vocal Competition 2020. Audition dates: Jan 11 & 12, 2020. Registration and information: 416-250-1882 or torontoschoolofmusiccanada@yahoo.ca.
Jan 11 12:00noon: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Maritsa Brookes Concerto Competition. Von Kuster Hall, Music Building, Western University, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767. Free.
DEADLINE Feb 01: International Music Festival and Competition. All ages and levels. Piano, voice, guitar, harp, strings, woodwinds, brass, conducting, composition. Competition dates: Mar 21-Apr 5, 2020. For information: intermusic.ca or 905-604-8854 or office@intermusic.ca.
DEADLINE Feb 18: Yip’s Music Festival Competition. Piano, violin, musical theatre and chamber music. Competition dates: Apr 18, 19, 25, 26, May 2, 3, 2020. For information: ymf.yips.com or 905-948-9477 x2211.
Films
Jan 19 6:30pm; Royal Conservatory. Music on Film: Heart of a Dog. Director: Laurie Anderson, 75 min, 2015, USA. Laurie Anderson takes us on a magical journey through the nature of love, loss, and absence. Centered on her beloved dog Lolabelle, who died in 2011, and dedicated to her late husband, Lou Reed, the film seamlessly weaves together childhood memories, video diaries, and philosophical musings on the meaning of life. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W. Post-film talk with Laurie Anderson, hosted by Mervon Mehta. Tickets & information: hotdocscinema.ca
Jan 21 7:00: Toronto Consort. The Search for Salamone Rossi. A documentary film screening and Q&A. Innis Town Hall, U of T, 2 Sussex Ave. 416-964-6337 or torontoconsort.org. $20.
Galas, Tributes and Fundraisers
Dec 02 7:30: Casey House Foundation. Voices for World AIDS Day. A fundraising concert for Casey House, Ontario’s HIV/AIDS hospital. A mixed program of classical and jazz for the whole family. Shannon Mercer, soprano; Asitha Tennekoon, tenor; Julie Nasrallah, host; Emily Steinwall Trio; Pearle Harbour, tragicomedienne; and others. Glenn Gould Studio. CBC Building, 250 Front St. W. 416-962-4040. For further information: caseyhouse.com. Free (suggested donation $20).
Dec 21 2:30: Polina Chernik and Julia Tchernik. Music and Miracles Youth Charity Concert. In support of the Music Therapy Program at SickKids Hospital. Polina Chernik, piano, Alexander Dondish, violin/guitar, Elizabeth Gilerovitch, voice, Karim Khakimov, flute, Grace Zemlyak, voice. Array Music, 155 Walnut Ave. 416-638-8226. $10 or PWYC.
Jan 23 7:00: Echo Women’s Choir. An Evening with Singer/Songwriter Andrea Ramolo and Special Guests. A benefit concert for Echo Women’s Choir. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. Free snacks, cash bar and silent auction. Tickets: $20 available at the door or via Eventbrite: echo_presents_andrea_ramolo.eventbrite.ca. Further information at echowomenschoir.ca or facebook.com/events/1301762543366645/.
Lectures, Salons and Symposia
Dec 02: 1:30: Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. Mozart at the Opera. Presented by opera educator Iain Scott. By December 1791, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had written the defining compositions in every available musical genre of his time: symphony, chamber music, masses, and – above all – three types of operas: Opera Seria, Opera Buffa and Singspiel. Iain will discuss a spectrum of directorial approaches to these masterworks, providing fresh insights into these multi-layered experiences. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. To register, call 416-924-6211 x0 or visit mnjcc.org. $22.
Dec 05 1:00: Miles Nadal JCC. Are You Hep to the Jive?: The Music of Cab Callloway. Led by musician Jonno Lightstone. Cab Calloway (the legendary “Hi De Ho” man) was a larger-than-life showman known for scat singing, dancing, and flashy elegance. He catapulted to fame with performances at The Cotton Club, created signature songs like “Minnie the Moocher”, and led one of the greatest bands of the Swing Era. Enjoy this historical lecture complete with live music. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. Admission: $5. Spaces limited. To register, call 416-924-6211 x0 or visit www.mnjcc.org.
Dec 09 2:00: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Classical 101 Talk. Presented by Composer Abigail Richardson-Schulte. Caroline Place, 118 Market St., Hamilton. 905-526-7756 or hpo.org. Free.
Dec 11 2:00: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Seniors’ Symphony Experience: Tchaikovsky - His Life and Music. Presented by composer Abigail Richardson-Schulte. Talk with piano demonstrations. Caroline Place, 118 Market St., Hamilton. 905-526-7756 or hpo.org. Free.
Jan 07 12:10: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Voice Performance Class: In Conversation with Emily D’Angelo, mezzo. Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Open to the public.
Jan 17 5:10: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. New Music Festival: Lecture by Women on the Verge “Evolution of an Idea: Bringing your artistic vision to market”. Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Open to the public.
Jan 19 1:00: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. New Music Festival: UofT Opera presents Coffee with the Composers. Presented by Colin McMahon. Geiger-Torel Room, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Open to the public.
Jan 23 7:30: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Lecture: James W. Wright - They Shot, He Scored: Eldon Rathburn and the Legacy of the National Film Board. Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Open to the public.
Master Classes
Jan 14 10:00am: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. New Music Festival: Composition Master Class I with André Mehmari. Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Open to the public. Also Jan 15.
Feb 06 1:10: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Brass Chamber Master Class with Gábor Tarkövi. Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Open to the public.
Feb 06 5:00: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Trumpet Master Class with Gábor Tarkövi. Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Open to the public.
Singalongs, Jams, Circles
Dec 01 7:00: Jazz United Jam. A spot where dancers, singers and musicians are all equal. Everybody contributes to make the songs come alive. The Jam is practice at a more democratic approach to music and dance. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. 416-923-8137. Free/PWYC. Also Dec 8, 15, 22, 29, Jan 5, 12, 26.
Dec 21 2:00: Tafelmusik. Sing-Along Messiah. Margot Rood, soprano; Lucile Richardot, mezzo; Thomas Hobbs, tenor; Peter Harvey, baritone; Tafelmusik Chamber Choir; Ivars Taurins, conductor (in character as Mr. Handel). Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-872-4255. $20-$49.50.
Dec 31 7:00: Art Gallery of Burlington. Crystal Journey Welcomes 2020. Paiste planet gongs, Persian santoors, harmonica and quartz crystal bowls. Doors open at 6pm. Drum circle at 7pm with Tom Wolf. Crystal Journey will perform two sets at 8:30pm-9:30pm and 10:30pm-11:30pm. At midnight we will “gong” in 2020 with the Big Earth Gong. We encourage you to gather around the Gong. Vendors, chill and zen areas, kids zone with supervision. Includes access to Art Gallery displays, Garden Area and Zen Room. Coffee/tea and vegan snacks. Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington. www.eventbrite.ca/e/crystal-journey-new-years-eve-2019-2020-tickets-63602930076. $60; free(under 12). Only 220 tickets will be available and only a few at the door.
Jan 11 7:15: Toronto Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Songfest. An annual gathering of great G&S groups from around the city performing excerpts of G&S operettas. A fantastic evening with refreshments included. St. Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor St. E. Free parking off Hayden St. below church. For more information, please call 416-763-0832. $5 for non-members.
Tours
Dec 01 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 Dec 8, Jan 12, 26 (also available in French).
Workshops & Classes
Dec 01 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Colin Savage. Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750 or tempotoronto.net. $20.
Dec 06 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. rpstoronto.ca. $20. Refreshments included.
Jan 05 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by viola da gamba player Valerie Sylvester, Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750 or tempotoronto.net. $20.
Jan 11 1:00. Durham Girls’ Choir. Winter Workshop. Girls aged 7 through 18 from across the Durham Region are invited to join us for an afternoon of singing and musical fun. Bring a friend, make new friends, and be amazed by the beautiful sounds you create in just one afternoon. A great way to experience what a performing choir is all about, without the commitment of a full year. Choir membership is NOT required. Parents are welcome to observe the workshop and are invited to our special performance at the end of the day. Durham Girls’ Choir is not church-affiliated. Location: TBD. 905-434-7269. Free workshop (reservation required).
Jan 17 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. $20. Refreshments included.
Jan 19 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Reading for Singers and String Players of Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri. Mark Vuorinen, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 647-458-0213. $10; $6(members).
Jan 25 10:30am: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Singsation Saturday Choral Workshop. Conductor Jordan Travis will explore two types of close-harmony singing. Now’s the time to give some Barbershop a try. Cameron Hall, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. $10 fee includes refreshments. More info: tmchoir.org/singsation-saturdays.
Jan 26 2:30: Fit for the Stage. Elevated Performance for Singers: A Comprehensive Mind and Body Workshop. Overcome physical and mental blocks to performing at your highest level in this day of hands-on learning. Led by Leigh Graham, fitness and mindset coach and vocalist. 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education, 918 Bathurst St. For information and registration: fitforthestage.com
Feb 02 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Francis Colpron. St. Leonard’s Church, Canon Dykes Memorial Room, 25 Wanless Ave. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750 or tempotoronto.net. $20.
Feb 07 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. $20. Refreshments included.
