Galas and Fundraisers

Jun 9 11am: Dundas Valley Orchestra. Musical Café Fundraiser. Musical entertainment by members of the Dundas Valley Orchestra and friends. Includes Silent Auction. The Healthy and Happy Food Market, 24 King St. W., Dundas. dundasvalleyorchestra.ca.

Jun 9 7:30pm: Symphony on the Bay. A Summer Serenade: Fundraising Chamber Concert. Musicians and friends of Symphony on the Bay playing works by Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Warlock, Kevin Lau and others. Reception to follow. Brant Hills Presbyterian Church, 2138 Brant St., Burlington. Tickets available through symphonyonthebay.ca or at the door $30(families); $20(adults); $10(12 and under).

Jun 9 8pm Arraymusic. Come Feel the Beat with Us. Featuring Rick Sacks, re-creating “Life in the Factory.” This piece features a conveyor belt that Sacks outfitted himself with found objects. There will be food, a cash bar, silent auction, and a surprise interactive art piece to which you are invited to contribute. Arraymusic, 155 Walnut Ave. 416-532-3019. $20.

Jun 10 1pm: Niagara Symphony Orchestra. Face to Face and Fabulous. Meet Toronto Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Jonathan Crow at an intimate gathering in a charming vineyard setting for a memorable afternoon to benefit the NSO. Hosted by NSO music director Bradley Thachuk, guests and friends will revel in an elegant 3-course luncheon, sample a selection of marvellous wines, meet and chat with Jonathan Crow, and enjoy Jonathan’s fabulous performances! The Pavilion Trius Winery at Hillebrand, 1249 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake. Seating is limited. For reservations call 905-687-4993 ext. 221. $125.

Jun 10 7:30pm: Storytelling Toronto. Fundraising Benefit for Storytent. Curated program and open stage featuring Rubina Sinha, Sarah Abusarar, Ruth Danziger and others. Contact Pat Bissett at 647-346-1907 for tickets. $20. For dining reservations call 416-967-1078. Free Times Café. 320 College St, $20.

Jun 14 6:30 Regeneration Community Services. Annual Big Band Benefit. Please join us for an evening of fun and entertainment featuring the Toronto All-Star Big Band. Revive the spirit of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Silent auction to follow. In support of Regeneration Community Services. For dinner reservations and to guarantee seating, contact Lula Lounge at 416-588-0307 or www.lula.ca. Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W. $35.

Jun 17 3-5pm: Upper Canada Choristers. Strawberry Social Fundraiser. Featuring the popular songs of George Gershwin and Cole Porter, with staged performances of some of their best-loved numbers. Special guests: Cantemos. Parish Hall of Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. 416-256-0510. For more information visit uppercanadachoristers.org. $30; free(child).

Jun 24 1pm: Westben. Garden Gala. At a garden near Castleton. Barbra Lica Trio; Howard Baer & Michael Monis. 705-653-5508. $125 per person; $895 for a table of 8.

Jul 18 7pm: Elora Festival. 39th Anniversary Fundraiser Dinner. Come celebrate our 39th anniversary in style! Dine with us in the newly inaugurated Wellington Room of the Elora Mill. What better way to toast the past and build the future than an intimate evening of fine dining and comic opera antics with Millan & Faye in this world-class venue. Cocktails at 5:30pm and dinner at 7pm. Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, 77 Mill St. W., Elora. 519-846-0331 or 1-888-747-7550. $225 per person ($150 tax receipt).

Lectures, Salons and Symposia

June, July, and Aug 7pm Classical Music Club Toronto. During June, July and August, the club will meet on one Saturday evening a month. Individual programs and dates were not available at the time of printing and will be finalized in the coming weeks. For further information, visit theclassicalmusicclubtoronto.org or call John Sharpe at 416-898-2549. Annual membership: $25(regular); $10(sr/st). Free for first-time visitors. Donations accepted for refreshments.

Jun 01 10am: Jewish Music Week. The Record Men. Alan Edelstein introduces the Jewish businessmen who played prominent roles creating early rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Featuring three of the most important – The Chess Brothers of Chess Records in Chicago, Art Rupe of Specialty Records in Los Angeles, and Syd Nathan of King/Federal in Cincinnati. Jazz FM91 Studioo, 4 Pardee Ave, Suite 100, Liberty Village (south of King). 416-638-4492. Free (ticket required).

Jun 03 2pm: Toronto Opera Club. Is The Internet Destroying Opera? Guest speaker: Robert Harris. Room 330, Faculty of Music, Edward Johnson Building. 80 Queen’s Park Cr. W. 416-914-3940. $10.

Jun 12 7pm: The Toronto Chapter of the Duke Ellington Society. Montgomery’s Inn, corner of Dundas St. W. and Islington Ave. Anyone interested in Ellington’s music and his contributions to the art of jazz is welcome. Information at torontodukeellingtonsociety.com or 416-239-2683. Membership fee is $35 per person or $50 per couple, with one free initial visit.

Jun 30 2pm: Westben. Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Bach and His World. Who are the baroque craftsmen who helped J.S. Bach realize his genius? Who carved the violins? Who hand-pulled brass harpsichord strings, and who tapped pine trees for the resin that would set gut strings into vibration? Explore the wonderful world of Bach and his times through the master’s music, narration and video projections with Canada’s premiere Baroque Orchestra and narrator Blair Williams (Shaw Festival). Featuring the works by Bach, including Sinfonias from BWV 249a, the Third Brandenburg Concerto & excerpts from the Goldberg Variations. The Barn, 6698 County Road 30 North, Campbellford. 705-653-5508. $75(adult); $74(adult wing); $73(sr); $72(sr wing); $15(st & under 30); $5(under 19).

Jul 14 10:30pm: Westben. Nocturne Under the Stars. An exploration of the Chopin Nocturnes with Westben’s Artistic Director, Brian Finley, and author Helen Humphreys reading from her memoir, Nocturne. The Barn, 6698 County Road 30 North, Campbellford. 705-653-5508. $44(adult); $43(adult wing); $42(sr); $41(sr wing); $15(st & under 30); $5(under 19).

Jul 18 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Robert Harris Illustrated Musical Lecture Series: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Tchaikovsky’s work is both loved and hated. It is his most famous piece, and his most reviled. Robert Harris will examine both composer and work to discover that juswt about everything we think about him is wrong. University of Waterloo Stratford Campus, 125 St. Patrick St., Straford. 519-271-2101. $25.

Jul 30 1pm: Ottawa Chamberfest. What Makes It Great?: Beethoven’s Archduke Trio. Composer and educator Rob Kapilow sheds light on the inner workings of one of Beethoven’s most eloquent and compassionate chamber works. National Gallery of Ottawa, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. 613-234-8000. $25.

Jul 30 2pm: Stratford Summer Music Community Percussion Workshop. DIY Recording for Percussion: Lecture by Ray Dillard. Intended for college-level percussionists, this intense but rewarding week of rehearsals, discussions, master classes, creation, and performance is under the direction of the TorQ Percussion Quartet (Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, James Drake, and Daniel Morphy). Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Jul 31 2:45pm. Ottawa Chamberfest. Chamber Chats: The Story of Francis Pegahmagabow. Learn the story behind the multiamedia performance of Sounding Thunder: The Songs of Francis Pegahmagabow. Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper St., Ottawa. 613-234-8000. Free.

Aug 1 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Canadian Percussion Music: An Illustrated Lecture. Presented by TorQ Percussion Quartet (Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, James Drake, and Daniel Morphy). Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 8 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Robert Harris Illustrated Musical Lecture Series: Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier. Bach’s masterpiece is the foundation on which Western music for the past 300 years has been built. Robert Harris will guide us to unravel some of the manifold mysteries of this work. University of Waterloo Stratford Campus, 125 St. Patrick St., Stratford. 519-271-2101. $25.

Aug 22 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Robert Harris Illustrated Musical Lecture Series: Our Beloved CBC – The Future Meets the Past. An examination of the history, current state, and possible future of one of the most significant cultural institutions in Canada. University of Waterloo Stratford Campus, 125 St. Patrick St., Stratford. 519-271-2101. $25.

Master Classes

Jun 21-23 9am: Westben. Vocal Intensive with Michael Warren. One of New York City’s top vocal experts, Dr. Michael Warren returns for another powerful 3-day immersion experience designed for all levels and genres of singers, age 16 and older. Sessions seek to heighten a singer’s vocal and artistic development in group and private settings. Working one-on-one with this gifted and positive vocal coach, participants can choose to participate in master classes or private lessons. Clock Tower Cultural Centre, 36 Front St. S., Campbellford. Contact the Westben Box Office at 705-653-5508 for schedule, fees and availability. Space is limited, so book early).

July 26-28 7pm: Highlands Opera Studio. Master Classes with Richard Margison. Meet the singers of Highland Opera Studio 2018 and hear them work with internationally acclaimed Canadian tenor Richard Margison. This is a great opportunity for those interested in singing to learn more about what makes a great performance even better. If you like watching The Voice or American Idol, you’ll love the Master classes! St George’s Anglican Church, 617 Mountain St, Haliburton. 1-855-455-5533. Tickets $15.

Jul 31 5pm: Stratford Summer Music. Open Master Class I. This master class is open to the public. Intended for college-level percussionists, this intense but rewarding week of rehearsals, discussions, master classes, creation, and performance is under the direction of the TorQ Percussion Quartet (Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, James Drake, and Daniel Morphy). Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 2 2pm: Stratford Summer Music. Open Master Class II. This master class is open to the public. Part of a week-long program intended for college-level percussionists under the direction of the TorQ Percussion Quartet (Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, James Drake, and Daniel Morphy). Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 15 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Vocal Academy: Voice Master Class with Krisztina Szabo. Open to the public. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 16 2pm: Stratford Summer Music. Vocal Academy: Master Class with Johannes Debus. The Music Director of the Canadian Opera Company with lead a master class in opera and career mentoring. Open to the public. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 17 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Vocal Academy: Voice Master Class with Phillip Addis. Open to the public. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 18 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Vocal Academy: Oratorio Master Class with Howard Dyck. Open to the public. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 18 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Vocal Academy: Voice Master Class with Nathalie Paulin. Open to the public. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. PWYC.

Aug 23 1-4pm: Opera Muskoka Festival. Vocal Master Class with Jennifer Tung. Pinegrove Fellowship Church, 295 Taylor Rd., Bracebridge. 705-765-1048. $100; $10(audience). Concert at 7:30pm. 705-765-1048. $25.

Aug 24 1-4pm: Opera Muskoka Festival. Violin Master Class with Moshe Hammer. Pinegrove Fellowship Church, 295 Taylor Rd., Bracebridge. 705-765-1048. $100; $10(audience). Concert at 7:30pm. 705-765-1048. $25.

Open Houses

Jun 24 10am-6pm: Royal Conservatory of Music. Wide Open House. Join us for our free all-ages event! Highlights include a courtyard party with performances by Cadence A Cappella, an instrument petting zoo, an activity zone for children, sample lessons and classes for all ages, music appreciation sessions, free concerts in Koerner Hall, and a music trade show! For information visit rcmusic.com/who. Free.

Outdoor Experiences

Jul 8 7am: Westben. One-of-a Kind Experiences: Find the Birds, Find the Pianist. Local bird watching as the sun rises then find Brian Finley who will be serenading the forest and you on a hidden piano somewhere close by. Ferris Provincial Park, Campbellford. 705-653-5508. $55.

Jul 17 10am: Stratford Summer Music. Play Me, I’m Yours Street Pianos. Daily until Aug 19 from 10am to 7pm, weather permitting. Four beautifully decorated pianos painted by local artists James Colbeck, Allan Dhingra, Lasha Mutual and Maxine Noel. Downtown Stratford. 519-271-2101. Free.

Screenings

Aug 13 7pm: Tanya Tagaq: Interpreting Nanook of the North. Experimental vocalist and artist Tanya Tagaq is a forceful advocate for her Inuit brothers and sisters. Her creativity blends Inuit throat singing with electronic, classical, punk and rock. A screening of the 1922 silent docudrama Nanook of the North will be presented accompanied by Tanya Tagaq’s live vocal interpretations. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-2101. $40.

Sing-alongs, Jams, Circles

Jun 12 7pm: Villa Charities. Canta Italia Tuesday Series. Join us for weekly Italian classic sing-alongs as we celebrate Italian Heritage Month. These lively events feature renowned Italian-Canadian musician Claudio Santaluce who was an active member of the Columbus Centre community. This will be a great opportunity to bring the whole family out to participate in Italian heritage and culture. Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, 901 Lawrence Ave. W. 416-789-7011 x248. Free. Also Jun 19 & 26.

Workshops

Jun 03 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Reading for Singers and Instrumentalists. Mozart: Opera choruses from La Clemenza di Tito, The Abduction from the Seraglio, Idomeneo, and The Magic Flute. Erna Van Daele, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 416-482-6562. $10; $6(members).

Jun 15 7:30: Toronto Recorder Players Society. Renaissance and Baroque Workshop. For recorders and other early instruments and Annual General Meeting. Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church, 527 Mount Pleasant Rd (entrance off Belsize). (416) 480-1853. Guests: $15. Refreshments included. http://www.rpstoronto.ca/

Jun 15-16. Parent-Child Mother Goose. Teacher Training Workshop. Learn rhymes, songs and stories from around the world and build skills to start running a program in your community. For more information, visit nationalpcmgp.ca/training/calendar/.