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DAILY LISTINGS
Listings are based on information sent to WholeNote in advance by event presenters. Includes dated listings for the extended period Dec 12-Jan 8 which will remain in the update until the last day of availability.
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The deadline for the next weekly update is Tue Jan 3 at 6pm. Presenters are asked to advise us as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations at listings@thewholenote.com.
To all our readers: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Weekly updates will not be published during the holiday season but will return on the weekend of Jan 7-8, 2023.
LIVE OR ONLINE
Dec 12 2:30: Orchestra Kingston. The Hockey Sweater. Abigail Richardson-Schulte: The Hockey Sweater; Christmas Carol Sing-along; Tchaikovsky: Excerpts from The Nutcracker; Anderson: Sleigh Ride; Prokofiev: The Troika from Lieutenant Kijé. Paul Tremblay, narrator; John Palmer, conductor. The Spire/Sydenham Street United Church, 82 Sydenham St., Kingston. Hockey Sweater. $25; $20(sr/st); Free(children).
Dec 12 7:00: Coro San Marco. A Star Has Shone. Classical Christmas choral music. Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, 901 Lawrence Ave. W. cultural@villacharities.com or 416-789-7011 X248. $15.
Dec 12 7:30: Confluence Concerts. Ryan Davis & Friends. Music by Bridge, Fauré, Ravel, and others. Jonelle Sills, soprano; Bora Kim, violin; Daniel Go, cello; Kevin Ahfat, piano. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. www.bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/980. $25; $10(st).
Dec 12 8:00: Roy Thomson Hall. Itzhak Perlman and Friends. Itzhak Perlman, violin; Emanuel Ax, piano; Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano; Juilliard String Quartet. 60 Simcoe St. 416-872-4255. From $75.
Dec 13 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Instrumental Series: Afternoon Escape with Vaughan Williams. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams. Gurney: Ludlow and Teme; Vaughan Williams: Quintet in c. Artists of the COC Orchestra; Marcel d’Entremont, tenor; Dakota Scott-Digout, piano. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. Free.
Dec 13 12:10: Nine Sparrows Arts Foundation. Lunchtime Chamber Music: Rising Stars Recital. Featuring students from the Glenn Gould School. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free. Donations welcome.
Dec 13 5:00: Elora Singers. A Festival of Carols. Elora Singers, Mark Vuorinen, conductor. Melville United Church, 300 St. Andrew St. W., Fergus. 519-846-0331 or www.elorasingers.ca/events. $30; $20(st/arts worker); $10(under 14). Also Dec 13(8pm).
Dec 13 7:30: Toronto Community Orchestra. ...and so we begin anew! Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik; Mozart: Overture to The Marriage of Figaro; Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien Op.45; Balmages: On Top of the World; Anderson: Sleigh Ride; and other works. Nicolo Arrigo, artistic director/conductor. Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. 416-358-0783. Free. Donations gratefully accepted at the door.
Dec 13 8:00: Elora Singers. A Festival of Carols. Elora Singers, Mark Vuorinen, conductor. Melville United Church, 300 St. Andrew St. W., Fergus. 519-846-0331 or www.elorasingers.ca/events. $30; $20(st/arts worker); $10(under 14). Also Dec 13(5pm).
Dec 13 8:00: Music Gallery. Black Ox Orkestar + Xicada. 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education, 918 Bathurst St. 416-204-1080. $10-$25.
Dec 14 12:00_noon: Roy Thomson Hall. Organ Concert. Sarah Svenden, organ. 60 Simcoe St. 416-872-4255. Free. Limit 4 tickets per person.
Dec 14 12:15: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Douglas Haas Legacy Concerts. Waterloo County Carollers; Jannelle Santi, soprano; Carol Ann Treitz, alto; Gerry King, tenor; Luke MacLean, bass. 54 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-4430. Free.
Dec 14 12:30: ORGANIX Concerts. Mark Himmelman, Organ. All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church, 2850 Bloor St. W. 416-571-3680 or www.organixconcerts.ca. Freewill offering ($20 suggested).
Dec 14 12:30: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Noonday Organ Recital. Sharon L. Beckstead, organ. 1585 Yonge St. www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free. Donations welcome.
Dec 14 7:30: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy Present: A Celtic Family Christmas. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 289-868-9177. From $5. Also Dec 15.
Dec 14 7:30: TD Sunfest/Cuckoo's Nest Folk Club. VÍÍK. Chaucer's Pub, 122 Carling St., London. www.sunfest.on.ca. $25.
Dec 14 7:30: Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. Christmas Concert. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. www.welshchoir.ca. $40.
Dec 14 8:00: Jazz Bistro. Payadora Tango Ensemble. Tango for the holidays, Tango Nutcracker, tango arrangements and originals, and Argentine folk music. Elbio Fernandez, vocals; Rebekah Wolkstein, violin & vocals; Drew Jurecka, bandoneon & violin; Robert Horvath, piano; Joe Phillips, bass & guitar. 251 Victoria St. 416-363-5299. $30.
Dec 14 8:00: Massey Hall. Good Lovelies Christmas Concert. 178 Victoria St. 416-872-4255. From $39.
Dec 15 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Vocal Series: Winter Celebrations. Beloved songs, both sacred and secular, evoking both the cold of the natural world and the warmth of the winter holidays. Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. Free.
Dec 15 12:00_noon: Trinity College, University of Toronto. Sacred Music in a Sacred Space. Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. 416-978-2522. Free.
Dec 15 7:30: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy Present: A Celtic Family Christmas. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 289-868-9177. From $5. Also Dec 14.
Dec 15 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Boreal. 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas St. W. www.hughsroomlive.com.
Dec 15 8:00: Massey Hall. Classic Albums: Queen. 178 Victoria St. 416-872-4255. From $45.
Dec 16 12:00_noon: Roy Thomson Hall. An Andrean Christmas. 60 Simcoe St. 416-872-4255. Ticket prices TBA.
Dec 16 5:30: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Express Series: A Holiday Concert. Members of the COC Teaching Artist roster. Union Station (West Wing), 65 Front St. W. Free.
Dec 16 7:00: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. A film screening. 19 Trinity Sq. www.thechristmasstory.ca or 416-598-4521 X301. Suggested donation: $10; $5(child). Film screening also on Dec 9.
Dec 16 7:30: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra/Bach Elgar Choir. Handel's Messiah. Gemma New, conductor; Bach Elgar Choir. Central Presbyterian Church, 165 Charlton Ave. W., Hamilton. 905-526-7756. $30-$50. General admission seating. Also Dec 18(2pm).
Dec 16 7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Karina Gauvin, soprano; Christopher Lowrey, countertenor; Valerio Contaldo, tenor; and Brett Polegato, baritone; Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre, 273 Bloor St. W. 1-833-964-6337. From $47. Also Dec 17.
Dec 16 8:00: Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Twilight Summer Concerts. Sleigh Ride; Clement Moore: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas; and other works. Deb Dowey, vocalist; Tamara Jemuovic, narrator; John Edward Liddle, conductor. Etobicoke Collegiate Auditorium, 86 Montgomery Rd., Etobicoke. 416-410-1570 or www.eccb.ca. $15; Free(under 12).
Dec 16 8:00: Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra. Ho Ho Ho, EPO! Christmas favourites and Mozart: Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra in C K299/297c. Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra; Lauren Yeomans, flute; Rosemary Soenen, harp; Matthew Jones, conductor. Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke. www.Eventbrite.com or www.EPOrchestra.ca. $30; $25(sr); $15(st).
Dec 16 8:00: Exultate Chamber Singers. A Winter's Night. Powerful imagery of our iconic winters takes centre stage in this all-Canadian concert. Mark Sirett: Silence, Frost & Snow; Emily Green: New Work (world premiere); and works by Gordon Lightfoot and Gordie Sampson. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. 416-971-9229 or www.exultate.net/tickets. PWYC: $5, $20, $40, $100 ($60 tax receipt) or $150 ($110 tax receipt). Pre-concert chat at 7:15 p.m. with music therapist and vocalist Dan Bevan-Baker.
Dec 16 8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Gowan. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca or 905-305-7469 or boxoffice@markham.ca. From $15.
Dec 16 8:00: Jazz Room. Mary-Catherine Pazzano: Christmas - Live at The Jazz Room CD Release. Mary-Catherine Pazzano, vocals; Mark Eisenman, piano; Jason Hunter, sax; Pat Collins, bass; Steve James, drums. Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St N., Waterloo. 519-886-3350. $25.
Dec 16 8:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Yuletide Spectacular. KW Mass Choir; Grand Philharmonic; Carousel Dance Company; Andrei Feher, conductor. Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-745-4711 or 1-888-745-4717. $29-$87. Also Dec 17(2:30 & 8pm), 18(2:30pm).
Dec 16 8:00: Massey Hall. Rupi Kaur. 178 Victoria St. 416-872-4255. From $62.
Dec 17 1:30: The Edison Singers. The First Nowell: Christmas Carols Through the Ages. Noel Edison, conductor. Hart House, Great Hall, 7 Hart House Circle. 226-384-3100. $45; $25(st/18 and under).
Dec 17 2:00: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. Words and music. 19 Trinity Sq. www.thechristmasstory.ca or 416-598-4521 X301. Suggested donation: $10; $5(child). Words and music also on Dec 10(2pm), 23(7pm).
Dec 17 2:00: Roy Thomson Hall. Toronto Children's Chorus. 60 Simcoe St. 416-872-4255. From $49.
Dec 17 2:30: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Yuletide Spectacular. KW Mass Choir; Grand Philharmonic; Carousel Dance Company; Andrei Feher, conductor. Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-745-4711 or 1-888-745-4717. $29-$87. Also Dec 16(8pm), 17(8pm), 18.
Dec 17 3:00: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Holidays with Gemma New. Hamilton Children's Choir; Hamilton Youth Philharmonic Orchestra; Gemma New, conductor. Boris Brott Great Hall, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln., Hamilton. 905-526-7756. $20-$80.
Dec 17 3:00: That Choir. That Choir Carols. Greg Pike, conductor. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Toronto), 73 Simcoe St. 416-419-1756 or info@thatchoir.com or www.thatchoir.com. PWYC. Also Dec 18(8pm).
Dec 17 4:00: Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. A Merry Little Christmas. Matinée for young children. Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. www.mississaugasymphony.ca or 905-306-6000. $25. Also 7:30pm
Dec 17 7:00: Kincardine Summer Music Festival. Messiah. Nicole Reid, soprano; Gena van Oosten, alto; Matt Chittick, tenor; Aaron Dimoff, bass; Laura McAlpine, organ; Shawn Spicer & Ken Baldwin, trumpets; Saugeen County Chorus; Orchestra Grey Bruce; Robert Tite, director. Knox Presbyterian Church, 345 Durham St., Kincardine. www.ksmf.ca or 519-396-9716 or info@ksmf.ca. $25; free(ages up to 16).
Dec 17 7:00: Rose Theatre. A Next Generation Leahy Christmas. 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. 905-874-2800 or www.therosetheatre.ca. $15-$39.
Dec 17 7:30: Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto. Let Us All Be Merry. New and favourite seasonal songs with opportunities for the audience to join in. Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto; Emerging Canadian Voices; Alexis Baro, trumpet. Eglinton St. George's United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd. info@amadeuschoir.com or 416-446-0188. $35; $30(sr); $10(st).
Dec 17 7:30: Chorus York, Richmond Hill. Christmas Around the World. A program of international Christmas music. Chorus York; Jennifer Min-Young Lee, artistic director. Guests: The Bells of St. Matthew's; Joan Plume, director. St. Matthew's United Church, 333 Crosby Ave., Richmond Hill. www.chorusyork.ca or 905-884-7922. $25.
Dec 17 7:30: Guelph Chamber Choir. Messiah. Guelph Chamber Choir & Baroque Orchestra; Charlene Pauls, conductor. River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St., Guelph. 519-993-6414. $55; $50(sr); $10(ages 16-30); $5(under 15). $20(Livestream). LIVE & LIVESTREAM.
Dec 17 7:30: Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. A Merry Little Christmas. Christmas program for the entire family. Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. www.mississaugasymphony.ca or 905-306-6000. From $25. Also 4pm(Young children's matinée).
Dec 17 7:30: Royal Conservatory of Music. Taylor Academy: Academy Chamber Orchestra. Mazzoleni Concert Hall, Royal Conservatory, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. Free.
Dec 17 7:30: Tafelmusik. Messiah. Handel: Messiah. Karina Gauvin, soprano; Christopher Lowrey, countertenor; Valerio Contaldo, tenor; and Brett Polegato, baritone; Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre, 273 Bloor St. W. 1-833-964-6337. From $47. Also Dec 16.
Dec 17 7:30: Tranzac Club. Howard Gladstone with Laura Fernandez. Howard Gladstone, singer, songwriter & guitar; Laura Fernandez, vocalist & composer; Tony Quarrington, guitar, Bob Cohen, bass. 292 Brunswick Ave.
Dec 17 7:30: Upper Canada Brass. December Delights. John Iveson: Charivari - A Latin Fantasy; Leonard Ballantine: Don't Doubt Him Now; Norman Bearcroft: Song of Exultation; Kevin Lau: Great North Overture; Jerome Naulais: Niagara Falls. Upper Canada Brass. Guest: Tom Hutchinson, cornet. St Mary's Anglican Church, 10030 Yonge St., Richmond Hill. 705-792-5766 or www.Bit.ly/3Ndv9x9. $25.
Dec 17 7:30: VOCA Chorus of Toronto. A Winter's Eve. An array of seasonal selections, including works by Astor Piazzolla, Ola Gjeilo, and Sarah Quartel, featuring her cycle A Winter Day. Jenny Crober, conductor; Elizabeth Acker, piano; Sybil Shanahan, cello; Daniel Morphy, percussion; Jonno Lightstone, clarinet. Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. www.vocachorus.ca. $30; $15.
Dec 17 8:00: Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. Stories of the Season. Martin MacDonald, conductor. P.C. Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough. 416-879-5566. From $25. Free for children under 12.
Dec 17 8:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Yuletide Spectacular. KW Mass Choir; Grand Philharmonic; Carousel Dance Company; Andrei Feher, conductor. Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-745-4711 or 1-888-745-4717. $29-$87. Also Dec 16, 17(2:30pm), 18(2:30pm).
Dec 17 8:00: Rose Theatre. This Is Brampton: Hype. 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. 905-874-2800 or www.therosetheatre.ca. $10.
Dec 17 8:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Music Mix: SongBird North. Temerty Theatre, Telus Centre, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. $35.
Dec 17 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Messiah. Handel: Messiah. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Lauren Fagan, soprano; Stephanie Wake-Edwards, mezzo; Michael Colvin, tenor; Elliot Madore, bass-baritone;Gustavo Gimeno, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375. From $41. Also Dec 18(3pm), 19, 20, 21.
Dec 17 8:00: Voices Chamber Choir. Rejoice and Sing. Ron Ka Ming Cheung, conductor. St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, 151 Glenlake Ave. www.voiceschoir.com. $20; $15(sr/st).
Dec 18 2:00: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra/Bach Elgar Choir. Handel's Messiah. Gemma New, conductor; Bach Elgar Choir. Central Presbyterian Church, 165 Charlton Ave. W., Hamilton. 905-526-7756. $30-$50. General admission seating. Also Dec 16(7:30pm).
Dec 18 2:30: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Yuletide Spectacular. KW Mass Choir; Grand Philharmonic; Carousel Dance Company; Andrei Feher, conductor. Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-745-4711 or 1-888-745-4717. $29-$87. Also Dec 16(8pm), 17(2:30 & 8pm).
Dec 18 3:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Messiah. Handel: Messiah. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Lauren Fagan, soprano; Stephanie Wake-Edwards, mezzo; Michael Colvin, tenor; Elliot Madore, bass-baritone; Gustavo Gimeno, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375. From $41. Also Dec 17(8pm), 19(8pm), 20(8pm), 21(8pm).
Dec 18 4:00: Link Music Lab. Hani Niroo: Yalda in the Jungle. Hani Niroo, vocals; Naghmeh Farahmand, tombak'; Marzieh Rahimzadeh, santur. Small World Music Centre, Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St. NOTE: The event is in the Farsi language.
Dec 18 4:30: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Nine Lessons & Carols. Following the historic tradition of King’s College in Cambridge. 1585 Yonge St. www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free.
Dec 18 5:00: Opera Revue. Opera Revue at The Emmet Ray: Holiday Edition. Works by Mozart and Verdi plus holiday tunes. Danie Friesen, soprano; Alexander Hajek, baritone; Spencer Kryzanowski, piano. The Emmet Ray, 924 College St. 647-637-7491 or www.operarevue.com or resos@erbar.ca (seat reservation). $10.
Dec 18 5:00: St. Thomas's Anglican Church. Nine Lessons and Carols. Willcocks (arr.): Sussex Carol; Tavener: Today the Virgin; Culloten: Still, Still, Still; Sweelinck: Hodie Christus natus est; Traditional carols. St. Thomas's Church Choir; Elizabeth Anderson, director & organ. 383 Huron St. 416-929-3232. Freewill offering.
Dec 18 7:00: Jazz Bistro. A Jewish Boy's Christmas. Sam Broverman, Whitney Ross-Barris, Peter Hill, Jordan O'Connor, Tony Quarrington, Chris Tsujiuchi, Ilana Waldston, and members of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. 251 Victoria St. 416-363-5299. $20 cover.
Dec 18 7:00: Music at Met. Christmas at Metropolitan: Candlelight Lessons & Carols. Choir, handbells, choristers, youth band, and Canada’s largest pipe organ. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. www.metunited.ca/drawnear. Free.
Dec 18 7:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Music Mix Series: Punch Brothers. Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. From $40.
Dec 18 7:30: Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts. The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra: A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas. Carmen Bradford, vocalist; The Count Basie Orchestra; Scotty Barnhart, director. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 289-868-9177. $25-$75. Student pricing available.
Dec 18 7:30: St. Olave's Anglican Church. Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. A collection of Christmas carols, anthems and readings all done by candlelight. St Olave's Choir; Hanné Becker, director. 360 Windermere Ave. 416-769-5686. Donations welcome.
Dec 18 8:00: That Choir. That Choir Carols. Greg Pike, conductor. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 73 Simcoe St. 416-419-1756 or info@thatchoir.com or www.thatchoir.com. PWYC. Also Dec 17(3pm).
Dec 19 7:30: Kingston Symphony Orchestra. Candlelight Christmas. Kingston Choral Society (Ian Juby, artistic director); Bradley Thachuk, conductor. Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King St. W., Kingston. 613-530-2050. $35(adults/sr); $20(st); $10(12 and under). Also Dec 20 & 21.
Dec 19 7:30: Knox Presbyterian Church. Longest Night Service. Hard times and the absence of loved ones can make the Christmas season a difficult one for many. A place where you can acknowledge hard things and join with others in a place of healing and peace while we worship, this service is open to all and is ideal for those who are hurting or needing to grieve hard things during this holiday season. 630 Spadina Ave. 416-921-8993. Free. Religious service.
Dec 19 7:30: The Edison Singers. The First Nowell: Christmas Carols Through the Ages. Noel Edison, conductor. Court House Theatre, 26 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake. 226-384-3100. $45; $25(st/18 and under).
Dec 19 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Messiah. Handel: Messiah. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Lauren Fagan, soprano; Stephanie Wake-Edwards, mezzo; Michael Colvin, tenor; Elliot Madore, bass-baritone; Gustavo Gimeno, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375. From $41. Also Dec 20, 21.
Dec 20 7:30: Kingston Symphony Orchestra. Candlelight Christmas. Kingston Choral Society (Ian Juby, artistic director); Bradley Thachuk, conductor. Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King St. W., Kingston. 613-530-2050. $35(adults/sr); $20(st); $10(12 and under). Also Dec 19 & 21.
Dec 20 7:30: Orpheus Choir of Toronto. Finding Our Way: Time for Cheer. Carols and seasonal songs. Orpheus Choir of Toronto; Gabriella Sundar Singh, narrator. Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. 416-530-4428. $45; $35(sr); $20(st).
Dec 20 8:00: Hirut Cafe. Guitar Master Series. Sam Dickinson, guitar; Paul Novotny, bass. 2050 Danforth Ave. www.hirut.ca or 416-551-7560. $15.
Dec 20 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Messiah. Handel: Messiah. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Lauren Fagan, soprano; Stephanie Wake-Edwards, mezzo; Michael Colvin, tenor; Elliot Madore, bass-baritone; Gustavo Gimeno, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375. From $41. Also Dec 17, 18(3pm), 19, 21.
Dec 21 12:30: ORGANIX Concerts. Christopher Dawes, Organ. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 3055 Bloor St. W. 416-571-3680 or www.organixconcerts.ca. Freewill offering ($20 suggested).
Dec 21 6:00: Arraymusic. Quantum Listening with Anne Bourne. Free outdoor listening walk and sounding with the lake. Array Space, 155 Walnut Ave. www.arraymusic.ca or annebourne.field@gmail.com. Purchase ferry ticket in advance at Ferry Ticket. PWYC.
Dec 21 7:00: Sultans of String. Sultans of String Christmas Caravan Show. Sultans of String; Rebecca Campbell, vocalist; Donné Roberts, guitar; Marito Marques, drums; Saskia Tomkins, nyckelharpa. Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd. 416-699-6091 or www.sultanschristmascaravan.eventbrite.com. $35(adv); $40(at door). Foodbank donations accepted.
Dec 21 7:00: Vesuvius Ensemble. Quanno Nascette Ninno: Christmas in Southern Italy. Tommaso Sollazzo, bagpipes. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. www.bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/976. $30. Also Dec 22.
Dec 21 7:30: Kingston Symphony Orchestra. Candlelight Christmas. Kingston Choral Society (Ian Juby, artistic director); Bradley Thachuk, conductor. Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King St. W., Kingston. 613-530-2050. $35(adults/sr); $20(st); $10(12 and under). Also Dec 19 & 20.
Dec 21 7:30: The Edison Singers. The First Nowell: Christmas Carols Through the Ages. Noel Edison, conductor. Knox Presbyterian Church, 51 Church St., Elora. 226-384-3100. $45; $25(st/18 and under).
Dec 21 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Messiah. Handel: Messiah. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Lauren Fagan, soprano; Stephanie Wake-Edwards, mezzo; Michael Colvin, tenor; Elliot Madore, bass-baritone; Gustavo Gimeno, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375. From $41. Also Dec 17, 18(3pm), 19, 20.
Dec 22 7:00: Vesuvius Ensemble. Quanno Nascette Ninno: Christmas in Southern Italy. Tommaso Sollazzo, bagpipes. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. www.bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/976. $30. Also Dec 21.
Dec 22 7:30: Crow's Theatre. Soundstreams: Electric Messiah. Electric Messiah re-imagines Handel’s great masterpiece with inspirations from different genres to create a feast of musical styles for curious listeners. Genres range from classical to jazz, improv, hip-hop and soul with a cast of vocal soloists, electric organ, harpsichord and guitar, synthesizer, turntables and hypnotic dance. 345 Carlaw Ave. www.tickets.crowstheatre.com. From $28. Also Dec 23(7:30pm), 24(1:30 & 7:30pm).
Dec 22 8:00: Hirut Cafe. Luis Deniz Quartet. 2050 Danforth Ave. www.hirut.ca or 416-551-7560. $15.
Dec 22 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Suzie Vinnick. 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas St. W. www.hughsroomlive.com.
Dec 22 8:00: Massey Hall. Barenaked Ladies. 178 Victoria St. 416-872-4255. From $64.
Dec 22 8:00: Old Mill Toronto. A Jewish Boy's Christmas. Sam Broverman, Whitney Ross-Barris, Peter Hill, Jordan O'Connor, Drew Jurecka, Chris Tsujiuchi, Ilana Waldston and members of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. 21 Old Mill Rd. $20 cover.
Dec 22 8:00: Roy Thomson Hall. In the Christmas Mood With the Glenn Miller Orchestra. 60 Simcoe St. 416-872-4255. From $92.
Dec 23 7:00: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. Words and music. 19 Trinity Sq. www.thechristmasstory.ca or 416-598-4521 X301. Suggested donation: $10; $5(child). Words and music also on Dec 10(2pm), 17(2pm).
Dec 23 7:30: Crow's Theatre. Soundstreams: Electric Messiah. Electric Messiah re-imagines Handel’s great masterpiece with inspirations from different genres to create a feast of musical styles for curious listeners. Genres range from classical to jazz, improv, hip-hop and soul with a cast of vocal soloists, electric organ, harpsichord and guitar, synthesizer, turntables and hypnotic dance. 345 Carlaw Ave. www.tickets.crowstheatre.com. From $28. Also Dec 24(1:30 & 7:30pm).
Dec 23 8:00: Roy Thomson Hall. The Tenors. 60 Simcoe St. www.ticketmaster.ca. From $56.50.
Dec 24 1:30: Crow's Theatre. Soundstreams: Electric Messiah. Electric Messiah re-imagines Handel’s great masterpiece with inspirations from different genres to create a feast of musical styles for curious listeners. Genres range from classical to jazz, improv, hip-hop and soul with a cast of vocal soloists, electric organ, harpsichord and guitar, synthesizer, turntables and hypnotic dance. 345 Carlaw Ave. www.tickets.crowstheatre.com. From $28. Also Dec 24(7:30pm).
Dec 24 5:30: Music at Met. Christmas at Metropolitan: Family Christmas Eve. Contemporary service with music & activities. Metropolitan United Church (Toronto), 56 Queen St. E. www.metunited.ca/drawnear. Free. Religious service.
Dec 24 7:30: Crow's Theatre. Soundstreams: Electric Messiah. Electric Messiah re-imagines Handel’s great masterpiece with inspirations from different genres to create a feast of musical styles for curious listeners. Genres range from classical to jazz, improv, hip-hop and soul with a cast of vocal soloists, electric organ, harpsichord and guitar, synthesizer, turntables and hypnotic dance. 345 Carlaw Ave. www.tickets.crowstheatre.com. From $28.
Dec 24 11:00: Music at Met. Christmas at Metropolitan: Christmas Eve With Communion. The Christmas story under candlelight with choir and organ. Metropolitan United Church (Toronto), 56 Queen St. E. www.metunited.ca/drawnear. Free. Religious service.
Dec 25 11:00am: Music at Met. Christmas at Metropolitan: A Folktale Christmas. A cozy service with storytelling and music. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. www.metunited.ca/drawnear. Free. Religious service.
Dec 28 3:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Die Fledermaus. Music by Johann Strauss II. Kirsten LeBlanc, soprano; Andrea Núñez, soprano; Keith Classen, tenor; Scott Rumble, tenor; Derek Bate, conductor; Guillermo Silva-Marin, stage director. Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St. E. 416-366-7723 or 1–800-708-6754 or www.tolive.com. $75-$95. Also Dec 29, 30, 31 (all at 8pm).
Dec 29 1:30: Jester's Court. A Jewish Boy's Christmas. Sam Broverman, Whitney Ross-Barris, Peter Hill, Jordan O'Connor. 279 Queen St., Port Perry. lynn@lynnmcdonaldjazz.com. $30 cover.
Dec 29 8:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Die Fledermaus. Music by Johann Strauss II. Kirsten LeBlanc, soprano; Andrea Núñez, soprano; Keith Classen, tenor; Scott Rumble, tenor; Derek Bate, conductor; Guillermo Silva-Marin, stage director. Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St. E. 416-366-7723 or 1–800-708-6754 or www.tolive.com. $75-$95. Also Dec 30(8pm), 31(8pm).
Dec 30 2:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Ballet Jörgen: Nutcracker. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca or 905-305-7469 or boxoffice@markham.ca. From $15. Also Dec 30(7pm); 31(2pm).
Dec 30 8:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Die Fledermaus. Music by Johann Strauss II. Kirsten LeBlanc, soprano; Andrea Núñez, soprano; Keith Classen, tenor; Scott Rumble, tenor; Derek Bate, conductor; Guillermo Silva-Marin, stage director. Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St. E. 416-366-7723 or 1–800-708-6754 or www.tolive.com. $75-$95. Also Dec 31(8pm).
Dec 31 2:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Ballet Jörgen: Nutcracker. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca or 905-305-7469 or boxoffice@markham.ca. From $15.
Dec 31 4:00: David Hickey. Crystal Journey New Year's Eve Concert. Crystal Journey & The Bhadra Collective. Burlington Lions Hall, 471 Pearl St., Burlington. www.eventbrite.ca or 905-928-9706. From $48.
Dec 31 8:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Die Fledermaus. Music by Johann Strauss II. Kirsten LeBlanc, soprano; Andrea Núñez, soprano; Keith Classen, tenor; Scott Rumble, tenor; Derek Bate, conductor; Guillermo Silva-Marin, stage director. Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St. E. 416-366-7723 or 1–800-708-6754 or www.tolive.com. $75-$95.
Jan 01 2:30: Attila Glatz Concert Productions. Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. www.salutetovienna.com. From $75. Also Jan 2(Hamilton).
Jan 02 2:30: Attila Glatz Concert Productions. Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert. FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln., Hamilton. www.salutetovienna.com. From $50. Also Jan 1(Toronto).
Jan 06 7:00: St. James Cathedral. La Nativité du Seigneur. Matthew Larkin, organ. Cathedral Church of St. James, 106 King St. E. 416-364-7865 X221. Free.
Jan 07 7:00: Toronto Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Annual SongFest. An evening of fantastic singing of G&S and more plus great refreshments. St. Andrew's United Church, 117 Bloor St E. Free(members); $5(non-members). All welcome.
Jan 07 7:30: Li Delun Music Foundation. New Year's Concert 2023. God Save The King; J. Strauss II: Voices of Spring Waltz; Rachmaninoff: Mvmt III from Piano Concerto No.3; Tang poetry recitation; Glinka:Valse-Fantaisie; Dvořák: Mvmt IV from Symphony No. 9; and other works. Toronto Festival Orchestra; Linhan Cui, conductor; JJ Jun Li Bui, piano; Dashan, Tang Dynasty poetry recitation; Andrew Eland, card performance; KeminZhang, host. George Weston Recital Hall, Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St. 647-281-8768 or www.ticketmaster.ca or info@lidelun.org.
Jan 08 5:00: St. Thomas's Anglican Church. Evensong with Epiphany Carols. Grayston Ives: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Edington Service); Peter Cornelius (arr. Atkins): The Three Kings; Vaughan Williams: The Blessed Son of God; Philip Stopford: Lully, Lulla, Lullay; William Mathias: A Babe Is Born All of a May. Choir of St. Thomas's Church; Elizabeth Anderson, director; David Simon, organ. 383 Huron St. 416-979-2323. Freewill offering. Also livestreamed at www.stthomas.on.ca. Religious service.
LIVE REHEARSAL OPPORTUNITIES
Dec 18 12:00_noon: Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan/Array Music. Gamelan Meetup. Array Space, 155 Walnut Ave. Gamelan Meetups.
The Choralairs. Welcoming singers in all voice parts as they resume in-person rehearsals (with masks & Covid safety protocols) on Tuesdays. Rehearsals are 7pm- 8:45pm at Edithvale C.C. 131 Finch Ave W. Toronto. Please contact Elaine at 905-731-8416 or choralairs@gmail.com to let us know if you are coming. Check out our website at: www.choralairschoir.com.
Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Full rehearsals every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. 309 Horner Ave. Open to all who are looking for a great band to join. Text Rob Hunter at 416-878-1730.
North Toronto Community Band. Openings for drums, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 pm. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.
ONGOING EVENTS
Mix 669. Beyond the B-side: Open Mic @ The Mix 669. Adam Golding, host. 669 College St. 647-909-2109. $5 cover. Weekly on Wed at 7pm.
ONLINE GROUPS
Recollectiv: A unique musical online meeting group made up of people affected by memory challenges caused by illness (such as dementia) or brain injury (stroke, PTSD, etc.) and their care partners. Participation is free with pre-registration. Email info@recollectiv.ca for meeting times, information and registration.
ONLINE ON DEMAND & PODCASTS
Arts@Home. A vibrant hub connecting Torontonians to arts and culture. Designed to strengthen personal and societal resilience through the arts. www.artsathome.ca.
