Live Listings

Competitions

Registration deadline: Apr 1, 2019. Steinway Junior Piano Competition 2019. Division I (ages 9 and under), Division II (ages 10-13), Division III (ages 14-18). Auditions: Apr 28-May 4, 2019. Winners Concert: May 17, 2019. Venue: Steinway Piano Gallery, 2651 John St., Suite 8, Markham. For information call 905-940-5397 or e-mail info@steinwaytoronto.ca.

Application deadline: April 12, 2019. International Music Festival and Competition. Piano, voice, guitar, harp, strings, woodwinds, brass, conducting, and composition. Competition dates: May 23-June 2, 2019, at Cornell Recital Hall 3201 Bur Oak Ave., Markham. For details, visit intermusic.ca or contact 905-604-8854 or office@intermusic.ca.

Film Screenings

Apr 02 6:30: Royal Conservatory of Music. Ravi Shankar: Between Two Worlds (2001). Directed by Mark Kidel. 90 min. Celebrating the life and career of one of India’s most revered musicians, Ravi Shankar. Following the star for two years of his life, this captivating documentary details the seven decades of innovative collaboration with Western musicians like George Harrison, John Coltrane, and Yehudi Menuhin. Featuring archival footage from performances filmed from the 1930s to the present day. Q&A hosted by Mervon Mehta with sitar player Anwar Khurshid, a member of KUNÉ – Canada’s Global Orchestra. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W. Tickets can be purchased at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema box office or at hotdocscinema.ca. $17; $12(Members).

Apr 06 8:00: Small World Music Society 17th Annual Asian Music Series. Anda Union from the Steppes to the City. Co-presented with Flato Markham Theatre. Rare insight into a forgotten land on the furthest edges of China, home to more than 6 million Mongolians. Anda Union, a ten-strong group of young musicians, make a 10,000-km journey through the grasslands of Inner Mongolia revealing the secret of the roots of their haunting and beautiful music. Small World Music Centre, 180 Shaw St. 416-536-5439. Free.

May 04 7:30: St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Islington. Saturday Night at the Movies. Accompanied by featured organist Thomas Gonder, St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Islington. 3962 Bloor St. W., Etobicoke. Free parking at rear. Refreshments. Contact 416-231-4014 or saintmatts.ca. Admission $10 at the door.

Galas and Fundraisers

Apr 03 7:00: Opera in Concert. Opera Salon: Viva Verdi. A tribute concert to Giuseppe Verdi’s music. Proceeds supporting Opera in Concert. Gallery 345, 345 Sorauren Ave. Tickets available through St. Lawrence Centre Box Office, 416-366-7723. $45 (includes post-concert reception).

Apr 13 8:00: Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. Annual Fundraising Concert and Silent Auction. Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March Nos.1 & 2; Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No.2; Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D (mvt.1); Parry: Jerusalem. Diane Kim, violin; Artem Kopylov, piano; Norman Reintamm, conductor. P.C. Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough. 416-879-5566 or cathedralbluffs.com. $35/$30(adv). Silent auction at 7pm.

Apr 27 4:30: Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. On Broadway! Fundraising concert. Gaming and dinner at 4:30pm, concert at 8pm. Living Arts Centre, Hammerson Hall, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 905-306-6000. $40-$125.

Apr 27 7:00: Cambridge Symphony Orchestra. Annual Fundraiser - Una Serata Bella: Fiesta de España. Cambridge City Hall Atrium, 50 Dickson St., Cambridge. 519-716-5566. Tax receipt for a portion of the ticket price. $100.

Apr 27 8:00: Orpheus Productions. Studio 54 Memorial Voyeur Fundraiser. A workshop performance of Shakespeare’s Criminal by Dustin Peters and Sky Gilbert, including a pre-show talk with the creators, post-show cocktail party with disco desserts, and scandalous performances for your voyeuristic pleasure by Hélène Ducharme and Shana MacKinnon. Dress in your favourite 70s outfit and dance the night away Studio 54 style. All proceeds to support the budget for future productions of Shakespeare’s Criminal. Factory Studio, 125 Bathurst St. $80. Visit shakespearescriminal.brownpapertickets.com.

Apr 28 1:30: Classical Music Conservatory. Music for a Cause: Benefit Concert for the Canadian Cancer Society. Sonya Harper Nyby, soprano; Ruza Florence McIntyre, vocals and violin; Bryan Allen, guitar and vibraphone; Matt Woroshyl, saxophone; and others. Roncesvalles United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Ave. 416-537-5995. PWYC ($20 suggested; $10(sr/st/child). All proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society.

May 04 2:30: Music4Life Ensemble. Music for a Cure. Forest Brook Community Church, 60 Kearney Dr., Ajax. $15; $10(sr); $10(st); free(child 12 and under); $50(Music4Life Supporter - $35 goes to orchestra); $25(Music4Life Supporter - $10 goes to orchestra). Concert benefit for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Free post-concert reception.

Lectures, Salons and Symposia

Apr 09 7:30: Toronto Duke Ellington Society. General Meeting. A presentation titled “Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington” by Allan Jones. 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.

Apr 10 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Talks: Yours Faithfully – Otello. Presented in partnership with the Toronto Public Library. Opera scholar Wayne Gooding will lead a multi-media exploration of Verdi’s Otello. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St. Call 416-395-5639. Free.

Apr 14 2:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Murray Perahia. From 1973 to 2010, Perahia recorded exclusively for Columbia Masterworks (now Sony Classical). His first major recording project was Mozart’s 27 piano concertos, conducted from the keyboard with the English Chamber Orchestra. In the 1980s he also recorded Beethoven’s five piano concertos, with Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. In 2016, Perahia signed with Deutsche Grammophon. In addition to his career as a piano soloist, he is actively involved in chamber music and has appeared regularly with the Guarneri and Budapest String Quartets. He is also Principal Conductor of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with which he both records and performs. From his large body of recorded works, including 8 Gramophone Award-winning discs, we will sample 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.

Apr 14 2:00: Toronto Opera Club. Really Good Arias from Lesser-Known Verismo Operas. Stephen R. Clarke, guest speaker. Edward Johnson Bldg., Faculty of Music, 80 Queens Park, Room 330., 416-924-3940. $10.

Apr 16 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Insights: Preparing for Puccini – How the COC’s Young Artists Transform for La bohème. This 90-minute performance and discussion brings you inside the world of COC opera singers in training as Ensemble Studio artists prepare to perform the rich and romantic crowd favourite, La bohème. Richard Bradshaw Theatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Reserve tickets at coc.ca/operainsights or by calling 416-363-8231. Free.

Apr 18 8:00: Small World Music Society. Demystifying Qawwali. Qawwali is the most popular Sufi devotional music from South Asia and, in recent years, has gained increased attention from worldwide audiences. Join Umair Jaffar as he explains the genre, explores its history and demystifies the hidden messages in its poetry. Small World Music Centre, 180 Shaw St. 416-536-5439. Free.

Apr 25 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Insights: Inside the Music of Verdi’s Otello. Join musicologist Matthew Timmermans as he guides participants through the musical score and a variety of interpretations. Discover how Verdi sets the mood with trembling strings and bombastic brass and hear how the world’s greatest singers put their personal stamp on these roles. No music reading experience necessary. Education Centre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Reserve tickets at coc.ca/operainsights or by calling 416-363-8231. Free.

Apr 26 4:30: Canadian Opera Company. Exploring Opera. Families with children of all ages are welcome to explore an opera in the COC’s 2018/19 season through accessible music and drama activities. This one-hour workshop focuses on La bohème by Puccini. No previous experience with opera or the performing arts is required. Education Centre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). For more information and to reserve tickets, visit coc.ca/EO. Free.

Apr 27 10:00am: Guitar Society of Toronto. So You Want to Play in a Band: A History of Women’s Contributions to Guitar Orchestras in Europe and North America. Mariette Stephenson will discuss the societal impact of large guitar ensembles and their promotion of women in music (from the Baroque era to the present day) including the involvement of female composers and music directors. St. Andrew’s Church, 73 Simcoe St. www.guitarsocietyoftoronto.com. 416-964-8298. $20; $10(st).

Apr 27 2:00: Guitar Society of Toronto. Celebrating Ida Presti’s Artistry as Solo Performer and Composer. Dr. Candice Mowbray will discuss characteristics of legendary guitarist Ida Presti’s skill and style as a performer, and the ways in which those traits are manifested in her solo compositions. St. Andrew’s Church, 73 Simcoe St. guitarsocietyoftoronto.com. 416-964-8298. $20; $10(st).

May 07 7:30. The Heliconian Club. The Joy of Singing. Presented by Stephanie Bogle. In this interactive lecture, Stephanie will talk about her career in Europe, and then get people to participate in some vocal exercises and talk about vocal technique, style and health. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazleton Ave. 416-922-3618. heliconianclub.org. Tickets $25, children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.

Master Class

Apr 28 1:00: Guitar Society of Toronto. Master Class with Berta Rojas. St. Andrew’s Church, 73 Simcoe St. guitarsocietyoftoronto.com. 416-964-8298. $20; $10(st).

Sing-alongs, Jams, Circles

Apr 08 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Insights: Sing-along Opera Choruses. Warm up those vocal cords for an opera sing-along! Led by Sandra Horst, the COC’s Price Family Chorus Master, learn some of opera’s most familiar choruses and perform them together from start to finish. No musical experience necessary. Richard Bradshaw Theatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Reserve tickets at coc.ca/operainsights or by calling 416-363-8231. Free.

Apr 07 2:30: Southern Ontario Chapter of the Hymn Society. Debbie Lou Ludolph and the Inshallah Community Choir will share excerpts from their recently published resource “Sing the Circle Wide”. Eden United Church, 3051 Battleford Rd., Mississauga. 416-694-6436. Free admission.

Tours

Apr 07 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 Apr 14, May 5. A tour is available in French on Apr 28.

Workshops

Apr 07 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Stéphane Potvin. Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750. tempotoronto.net. $20.

Apr 12 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. Refreshments included. rpstoronto.ca. Guests: $20.

Apr 28 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Reading for singers and instrumentalists of Rossini’s Stabat Mater. Daniel Norman, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 416-605-2793. $10; $6(members).

May 04 10:30am: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Singsation Saturday Choral Workshop. Presented by. Dr. Rachel Rensink-Hoff of Avanti Singers and Brock University who will lead participants through some great Kyrie-Gloria pairings from early masses of Palestrina and Byrd through to contemporary settings. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Cameron Hall, 1585 Yonge St. Information at tmchoir.org/singsation-saturdays. $10 fee includes refreshments.

May 07 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Matthias Maute. Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750. tempotoronto.net. $20.

Competitions

International Music Festival and Competition. Piano, voice, guitar, harp, strings, woodwinds, brass, conducting, and composition. Competition dates: May 23-June 2, at Cornell Recital Hall 3201 Bur Oak Ave., Markham. Application deadline: April 12. For details, visit intermusic.ca or contact 905-604-8854 or office@intermusic.ca

Steinway Junior Piano Competition 2019. Division I (ages 9 and under), Division II (ages 10-13), Division III (ages 14-18). Registration deadline: Apr 1. Auditions: Apr 28-May 4. Winners Concert: May 17. Venue: Steinway Piano Gallery, 2651 John St., Suite 8, Markham. For information call 905-940-5397 or email
info@steinwaytoronto.ca.

Yip’s Music Festival Competition. Piano, violin, musical theatre, and chamber music. Competition dates: Apr 13-14, 27-28, May 4-5. Application deadline: Feb 19. For details, visit ymf.yips.com or call 905-948-9477 x2211.

Family Events

Feb 18 1:00: The Elgin County Heritage Centre. Musical Family Day. Come down and enjoy a musical day with the whole family! Join the Town Band and explore brass instruments. Bring grandpa’s old cornet, musician or town band photos. Receive further information and identification. Try out various band instruments, with instructions from our guest curator Dr. Henry Meredith. Elgin County Heritage Centre, 460 Sunset Dr., St. Thomas. For further information, visit elgincounty.ca/museum or call 519-631-1460 x193. All ages welcome! No admission fee.

Film Screenings

Mar 23 7:00: The Gallery Players/FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Movie Night: A silent film with improvised sound score. Nosferatu (1922). Directed by F.W. Murnau. 94 min. Douglas Miller, flute; Eric Mahar, guitar; Penner Mackay, percussion; Joan Nicks, film historian. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Film House, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines 6:45pm: pre-screen talk. For more information call 905-468-1525, or visit our website galleryplayers.ca. $39; Senior $36(sr), Student/Arts Worker $14(st/arts), $80(family).

Apr 02 6:30: Royal Conservatory of Music. Ravi Shankar: Between Two Worlds (2001).Directed by Mark Kidel. 90 min. Celebrating the life and career of one of India’s most revered musicians, Ravi Shankar. Following the star for two years of his life, this captivating documentary details the seven decades of innovative collaboration with Western musicians like George Harrison, John Coltrane, and Yehudi Menuhin. Featuring archival footage from performances filmed from the 1930s to the present day. Q&A hosted by Mervon Mehta with sitar player Anwar Khurshid, member of KUNÉ – Canada’s Global Orchestra. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W. Tickets can be purchased at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema box office or at hotdocscinema.ca. $17; $12(Members).

Galas and Fundraisers

Mar 01 7:00: Yorkminster Park Speakers Series. Rites of Passion: The St. Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach. A lecture by musicologist Rick Phillips. Yorkminster Park Church, 1585 Yonge St. Admission is $10 or PWYC. Visit ypspeakersseries.com.

Mar 01 7:30: Melos. Venetian Carnevale Fundraiser. Join Melos in Baroque Venice for a raucous evening of music, drama, food, drink and all-round revelry while helping to support Melos’ ongoing educational outreach and excellent period performances! Silent auction featuring art and music lessons, gift packages, and weekend getaways in Prince Edward County. Italo-Canadian Club, 1174 Italia Lane, Kingston. (Snow date Mar 2, in case of storm.) Transport available from downtown Kingston. Tickets $60 available at melos-earlymusic.org. Information from the website or by email at meloskingston@gmail.com or by phone at 613-767-7245.

Mar 02 7:00: VOCA Chorus of Toronto. 9th Annual Cabaret / Silent Auction. Great Hall, Estonian House, 958 Broadview Ave. Jenny Crober, artistic director; Elizabeth Acker, accompanist. Huge variety of chorister acts; 50/50 draw; appetizers, cash bar; free parking. 416-931-8224. Tickets: $30.

Mar 23 8:00: Beth Anne Cole. Concert & Fundraising Gala. CD Release: Call Down the Dew. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. $30/$25(adv at bethannecole.com). Further information at bethannecole.com.

Apr 03 7:00: Opera in Concert. Opera Salon: Viva Verdi. A tribute concert to Giuseppe Verdi’s music. Proceeds supporting Opera in Concert. Gallery 345, 345 Sorauren Ave. Tickets available through St. Lawrence Centre Box Office, 416-366-7723. $45 (includes post-concert reception).

Lectures, Salons and Symposia

Mar 04 7:30: Confluence. Music Has No Borders. Words and music in a warm space, featuring a short lecture by Canadian composer and historian John Beckwith on his long association and friendship with the great Hungarian-Canadian composer Istvan Anhalt (1919-2012); Alice Ping Yee Ho speaking about Witch on Thin Ice; and Majd Sekkar and Andrew Downing speaking about music in Syria. With performances by Gregory Oh, piano; Majd Sekkar, clarinet; and Andrew Downing, double bass. The Shaftesbury Atrium, 21 Shaftesbury Ave. $25 at the door or pre-order at bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/611.

Mar 05 6:30: Toronto Reference Library. The Many Faces of Joseph Joachim. A portrait of the eminent 19th-century violinist, including career highlights, social and cultural influences, and insights into his life and legacies. Presented by Susan Spier, violinist/musicologist, former member of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, writer for The Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, and lecturer in music appreciation at Ryerson and McGill. 789 Yonge St., Beeton Hall. Free. No registration required. For further information, visit torontopubliclibrary.ca

Mar 07 2:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Diabelli Variations Bicentennial. The 33 Variations on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli, Op. 120, commonly known as the Diabelli Variations, is a set of variations for the piano written between 1819 and 1823 by Ludwig van Beethoven on a waltz composed by Anton Diabelli. Often considered to be one of the greatest sets of variations for keyboard along with J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations, the work has been called “the greatest set of variations ever written” (Donald Tovey), “the greatest of all piano works” (Alfred Brendel), and “a microcosm of Beethoven’s art” (Hans von Bülow). In celebration of the bicentennial of the piece in 2019 we will examine a selection of video and audio 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.

Mar 12 7:30: Toronto Duke Ellington Society. General Meeting. “Essentially Ellington” is a video presentation by Jim Northover. Jim promises that there is absolutely no intellectual content whatsoever to this presentation, but the joy and excitement will more than make up for that. 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.

Mar 18 1:30: Miles Nadal JCC. Great Canadian Opera Singers. Presented by one of Canada’s foremost opera educators, Iain Scott. While our greatest claim to fame is our tenors, we have also created outstanding stars in all of the other vocal categories. This lecture will reinforce your pride in being Canadian! Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave. To register, please call 416-924-6211 x0 or visit www.mnjcc.org. Admission: $22.

Mar 23 8:00: Acoustic Harvest. “Give Me Wood and I’ll Make It Sing for You”. Lecture, presentation and concert by guitar maker Grit Laskin. St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., Scarborough. For more information contact Lillian Wauthier at
lillian.wauthier@gmail.com. $25/$22(adv).

Mar 29 12:30: Queen’s Colloquium Series. Melos and Queen’s University host Alpharabius, a musical ensemble dedicated to exploring the musical interactions of the rich cultures of the Mediterranean from the 9th to the 19th centuries. Joining them is new Kingston resident, and traditional Egyptian dancer, Angelina Thorne. Featuring renowned Arabic music historian, Dr. George Sawa, playing qanun; percussionist Suzanne Meyers-Sawa, and members of Sine Nomine Ensemble for Mediaeval Music on period instruments, Alpharabius will perform European and Middle Eastern instrumentals from centuries of cultural exchange, and accompany traditional Egyptian bellydance by Ms Thorne. Co-sponsored by Melos Choir and Period Instruments, in preparation for their May 11 concert at the Bader. Dan School of Drama and Dance, Room 120, Harrison-LeCaine Hall, 39 Bader Lane, Kingston. Contact meloskingston@gmail.com or phone 613-767-7245.

Mar 31 11:30am: Music Therapy Centre. Sixth Annual Music March for Music Therapy. This year our fundraising goal is $40,000! Help us reach it by purchasing a ticket to the after-party (goo.gl/MnfU8y) or by creating a fundraising page (goo.gl/GESRXp). We are doing the same route as last year along Bloor Street West from the Music Therapy Centre to Lee’s Palace. The after-party at Lee’s Palace will have amazing entertainment, delicious food, drinks, awesome raffle prizes, and more. 11:30 - Event begins at Music Therapy Centre (1175 Bloor St. W); 12:00 - We start marching!; 1:00 - After-party and artist showcase at Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor St. W)
This year’s lineup has some incredible local acts, and there are more to come! Matata 6, Rachel Romu, Darrelle London, plus a special performance from our music therapists!

Open Rehearsals

Mar 27 7:30: Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. Open Rehearsal. Dewi Sant Church, 33 Melrose Ave. Come and meet the choir, sing along, or just listen. welshchoir.ca.

Sing-alongs, Jams, Circles

Apr 07 2:30: Southern Ontario Chapter of the Hymn Society. Debbie Lou Ludolph and the Inshallah Community Choir will share excerpts from their recently published resource “Sing the Circle Wide”. Eden United Church, 3051 Battleford Rd., Mississauga. 416-694-6436. Free admission.

Tours

Mar 03 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 Mar 10. A tour is available in French on Mar 17.

Workshops

Mar 01 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.

Mar 03 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Femke Bergsma. Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750. tempotoronto.net. $20.

Mar 13 10:00am: Royal Canadian College for Organists Toronto Centre. Pedals, Pipes & Pizza. Ages 3-12 (10am-1pm). Ages 13-19 (12pm-3pm). Pizza and juice served at noon. Participants will learn about and play a pipe organ. They will even have the opportunity to build a small pipe organ with “Orgelkids”. Younger participants are welcome to bring their parents, grandparents or other care givers. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. (2 blocks north of St. Clair, east side). 416-789-1175. Free.

Mar 22 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.

Mar 24 12:30: Kingston Road Village Concert Series. TorQ Percussion Quartet Workshop. Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, Jamie Drake and Daniel Morphy. Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd. 416-699-6091. Participants will perform in the finale of TorQ’s 3pm concert. For information visit torqpercussionworkshop.eventbrite.com. $20.

Mar 24 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Reading for singers and instrumentalists of Fauré’s Requiem. Leonidas Varahidis, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 416-386-0258. $10; $6(members).

Mar 30 9:30am: Melos Choir. Open Workshop for Period Instruments. With members of Alpharabius and Sine Nomine. Topics include Ancient Egyptian dance (e.g., belly dance), Middle Eastern percussion, the evolution of the guitar, Islamic courtly history, and playing recorder/renaissance instrumental music. See our website for details of location, times, topics and fees: melos-earlymusic.org, or contact meloskingston@gmail.com for more information. All are welcome!

Mar 30 10:30am: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Singsation Saturday Choral Workshop. Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell of FreePlay will introduce participants to singing jazz, blues and South Indian melodies and rhythms. Cameron Hall, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. $10 fee includes refreshments. More info: tmchoir.org/singsation-saturdays.

Apr 06 7:15: Toronto Gilbert and Sullivan Society. “When I first put this uniform on…” wrote William Gilbert in Patience – and he was a stickler for perfection in costuming. Learn how to costume a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta in an entertaining evening with the G&S Society. St. Andrew’s Church, 117 Bloor St. E. Parking below off Hayden. Non-members $5. Refreshments included.

Apr 07 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Stéphane Potvin, Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750. tempotoronto.net. $20.

Competitions

Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. CCC Toronto Piano and Violin Competition 2019. Competition dates: Feb 21-28. Gala Concert and Award Ceremony at 2pm on Apr 14 at P.C. Ho Theatre, 5183 Sheppard Ave. E. For details, visit cccmusicfestival.com or call 416-292-9293 x229.

International Music Festival and Competition. Piano, voice, guitar, harp, strings, woodwinds, brass, conducting, and composition. Competition dates: May 23-June 2, at Cornell Recital Hall 3201 Bur Oak Ave., Markham. Application deadline: April 12. For details, visit intermusic.ca or contact 905-604-8854 or office@intermusic.ca

Yip’s Music Festival Competition. Piano, violin, musical theatre, and chamber music. Competition dates: Apr 13-14, 27-28, May 4-5. Application deadline: Feb 19. For details, visit ymf.yips.com or call 905-948-9477 x2211.

Film Screenings

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).

Feb 11 6:30: Toronto International Film Festival. Divine: A Jessye Norman Tribute. The Tales of Hoffman (1951), directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W. 1-888-599-8433. $14; $11.50(sr/st); $10(child/youth).

Feb 12 8:30: Toronto International Film Festival. Divine: A Jessye Norman Tribute. Jessye Norman Sings Carmen (1989), director Albert Maysles’ behind-the-scenes documentary of Norman’s recording of Bizet’s opera with conductor Seiji Ozawa; followed by Oedipus Rex (1993), director Julie Taymor’s theatrical adaptation of Stravinsky’s opera-oratorio featuring Jessye Norman as Jocasta. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W. 1-888-599-8433. $14; $11.50(sr/st); $10(child/youth).

Feb 13 6:30: Toronto International Film Festival. Divine: A Jessye Norman Tribute. Diva (1981), an exhilarating fusion of high culture and pulp thriller directed by Jean-Jacques Beineixta. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W. 1-888-599-8433. $14; $11.50(sr/st); $10(child/youth).

Feb 26 6:30: Royal Conservatory of Music. Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds: The Conductor Zubin Mehta. Germany, 2016, 98 min. Filled with stirring performances and interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, this is a dazzling tribute to the international career of musical maestro Zubin Mehta. On his 80th birthday, join his son Mervon Mehta, Executive Director of Performing Arts at The Royal Conservatory, for a magnificent tribute to one of the world’s greatest living conductors. Q&A hosted by well-known critic and teacher William Littler with Mervon Mehta. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W. Tickets at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema box office or at hotdocscinema.ca. $17 each (Members: $12/$10/Free).

Galas and Fundraisers

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.

Feb 16 4:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Doyle à la Carte Part II. Music from Gilbert & Sullivan operas. Henry Ingram, MC. Edward Jackman Centre, 947 Queen St. E., 2nd Floor. 416-366-7723. $45. Cabaret-style fundraising concert.

Feb 17 7:00: Gallery 345/New Music Concerts. New Music Concerts Special Non-subscription Event: An Evening with Moritz Ernst. Stockhausen: Klavierstück X; and works by Mike Egerton, Arthur Lourié, Miklos Maros, and Sandeep Bhagwati. Moritz Ernst, piano. Gallery 345, 345 Sorauren Ave. 416-961-9594. $100/2 for $150. Reservations required. Includes door prizes and refreshments. Proceeds to benefit New Music Concerts; charitable receipts for CRA allowable portion.

Mar 01 7:30: Melos. Venetian Carnevale Fundraiser. Join Melos in Baroque Venice for a raucous evening of music, drama, food, drink and all-round revelry while helping to support Melos’ ongoing educational outreach and excellent period performances! Silent auction featuring art and music lessons, gift packages, weekend getaways in Prince Edward County, and more! Italo-Canadian Club, 1174 Italia Lane, Kingston. (Snow date March 2nd, in case of storm.) Transport available from downtown Kingston. Tickets $60, available on Snapd, at Novel Idea, St George’s Cathedral Office, Long & McQuade, and through our website:
melos-earlymusic.org. Information from the website or by email at meloskingston@gmail.com or by phone at 613-767-7245.

Lectures, Salons and Symposia

Feb 01 3:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Music Graduate Colloquium. Eva Saether, Lund University, Sweden. “Habitus Crises, Politics of Diversity, and Sensuous Scholarship: When Music Asks the Questions.” Talbot College, Room 101. 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 aged 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, participants will focus on the 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, Feb 3. To apply, complete the application available at coc.ca/YOL or e-mail education@coc.ca for more information.

Feb 12 6:30: Toronto International Film Festival. In Conversation with…Jessye Norman. This in-depth conversation between Jessye Norman and Canadian Opera Company general director Alexander Neef will focus on Ms. Norman’s tremendous career in opera, her own experience in film, and the ability of gifted filmmakers to translate the operatic art form into the medium of cinema. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W. 1-888-599-8433. $23.75; $19.25(sr/st).

Feb 12 7:30: Toronto Duke Ellington Society. General Meeting. Jack Chambers will make a presentation titled “The Human Voice Is Not Disdained”. An evening of vocals and special songs taken from Ellington’s vast works. 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.

Feb 14 7:00: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Insights: Fashion and Fantasy - Costumes and Wigs. Costume Supervisor Sandra Corazza and Wig and Make-Up Supervisor Sharon Ryman share how they balance unbridled imagination with stage and historic requirements to bring the director’s vision to life. Education Centre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Reserve free tickets in advance by visiting coc.ca/operainsights or calling the COC Box Office at 416-363-8231.

Feb 16 11am-5pm: Toronto Reference Library. Black Opera: Uncovering Music History. Presented in partnership with the Glenn Gould Foundation, this symposium traces the heroic struggles of pioneering artists of African origin to enter the operatic world, their fight for acceptance and recognition, their triumphs and accomplishments. This event is part of a week of celebrations in Toronto for Jessye Norman, winner of the Twelfth Glenn Gould Prize.
11am-11:30am: Opening concert with soprano Nadine Anyan, soprano; Tristan Scott, tenor; Korin Thomas-Smith, baritone; and Angela Park, piano.
11:30-12:30: Black Voices in the Opera. A conversation between Dr. Naomi André (University of Michigan) and Dr. Gregory Hopkins (Artistic Director of the Harlem Opera Theatre), moderated by Dr. Melanie Zeck (Centre for Black Musical Research, Columbia College) Inspired by Dr. André’s book Black Opera, this conversation on the history of black opera will explore how artists and composers have used opera to reclaim black people’s place in history.
1:00-2:00: Three Scenes from Black Opera That Changed the History of Music. Gregory Hopkins will present a selection of key performances from the history of Black Opera.
2:30-3:30: Not Your music: A Conversation on Cultural Appropriation. Robert Harris and Naomi André discuss cultural appropriation in the opera and the performing arts, and explore recent examples.
3:45-4:00: Second concert. Presented by the Glenn Gould Foundation.
4:00-4:45: 12th Glenn Gould Prize Laureate: Jessye Norman. A Conversation with Jessye Norman About Her Life in Opera.
All events are at the Toronto Reference Library, Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, 789 Yonge St. 416-393-7175. This day of events is free, but you must register to attend. Please call 416-393-7175 for further information.

Feb 24 2:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Masaaki Suzuki’s Bach. A major recording project of the 21st century was completed in 2014: a 55-volume set of the complete church cantatas of Bach by the Bach Collegium Japan led by its founder and conductor Masaaki Suzuki. We will experience a selection of audio and video performances from his vast recorded legacy. 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.

Mar 01 7:00: Yorkminster Park Speakers Series. Rites of Passion: The St. Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach. A lecture by musicologist Rick Phillips. Yorkminster Park Church, 1585 Yonge St. Admission is $10 or PWYC. Visit ypspeakersseries.com.

Mar 04 7:30: Confluence. Walter Unger Memorial Salon. Words and music in a warm space, featuring a short lecture by Canadian composer and historian John Beckwith on his long association and friendship with the great Hungarian-Canadian composer Istvan Anhalt (1919–2012). The Shaftesbury Atrium, 21 Shaftesbury Ave. $25 at the door or pre-order at bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/611.

Masterclasses

Feb 01 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 2pm.

Feb 15 3:00: University of Toronto. Jessye Norman Master Class. Jessye Norman, John R. Stratton Visitor in Music, is one of the world’s most celebrated performing artists and a passionate advocate of arts education. Ms. Norman will lead a rare public 3-hour masterclass for Voice and Opera students from University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. The masterclass is open to the public. University of Toronto, Faculty of Music, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-408-0208. Free general admission.

Readings

Feb 14 7:00: The Music Gallery, Public Recordings, A Different Booklist and Art Metropole. today with all its hopes and sorrows: a reading by IONE. Composer Pauline Oliveros’ long-time collaborator and spouse: author, director, and text-sound artist IONE. A Different Booklist, 770 Bathurst St. 416-538-0889. $7 or PWYC. No advance tickets, pay at the door only.

Sing-alongs, Jams, Circles

Feb 02 12:30: Recollectiv. Rekindling and rediscovering joy through music for people with memory challenges. Southern Cross Room, Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. Free with advance registration at recollectiv.ca/participate. Also Feb 9, 16, 23, Mar 2.

Tours

Feb 03 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 Feb 10 and Mar 3. A tour is available in French on Feb 17.

Workshops

Feb 02 9:30am: 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.

Feb 02 10:30am: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Singsation Saturday Choral Workshop. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir 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. More info at tmchoir.org/singsation-saturdays/. $10 fee includes refreshments.

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.

Feb 07 9:00: Moodset. Live Writing Project. Combining elements of both a workshop and showcase, the Live Writing Project brings the creative process to the forefront for an interactive evening. Moodset, a jazz and R&B collaborative quintet comprised of students and alumni from the University of Toronto’s jazz performance program, will create new arrangements based on suggestions provided by the audience. Moodset is Alexa Belgrave, keyboards; Jacqueline The, vocals; Madeleine Ertel, trumpet; Caleb Klager, bass; and Mackenzie Read, drums. Yauca’s Lounge, 755 Dovercourt Rd. Tickets: $10. For more information, visit torontojazz.com.

Feb 08 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.

Feb 09 9:30am: St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Hymn Writing Workshop. Led by Dr. Lydia Pedersen, BA, Mus.Bac., M.Ed., D.Min. St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 59 Toronto St. S., Uxbridge. For information call 905-852-7016. $20.

Feb 09 2:00: Dr. Penny Johnson. Piano Listening for Kids. Comparative listening, guided discussion and other activities designed to develop a sense of independent investigation and personal curiosity at the piano. This program is for piano students and those interested in the piano. Recommended for ages 11-17. Log Cabin at the Bradley Museum, 1620 Orr Rd., Mississauga. For information call 647-457-0208. $25 registration fee per student.

Feb 15 12:30: Canadian Opera Company. Exploring Opera. For families with children of all ages. Explore an opera in the COC’s 2018/19 season through accessible music and drama activities. This one-hour workshop focuses on Così fan tutte by Mozart. No previous experience with opera or the performing arts is required. Education Centre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.). Reserve free tickets in advance by visiting coc.ca/EO.

Feb 16 1:00: The Music Gallery and 918 Bathurst. Sounding Difference: Anne Bourne + special guest IONE. This event is a continuation of The Music Gallery’s celebration of Pauline Oliveros’ Deep Listening practices. As part of the weekend’s programming, Anne Bourne will impart Oliveros’ Text Scores, and with plain words, invite participants to an experience of shared creative expression. This event features IONE as special guest. The Music Gallery, 918 Bathurst St. The event is free, but requires registration at eventbrite.com/e/sounding-difference-
listening-and-sounding-the-text-scores-of-pauline-oliveros-tickets-53877074781. The event is currently at capacity but we will reopen the registration process a week before the event.

Feb 17 2:00: CAMMAC Toronto Region. Mendelssohn: Magnificat in D and Vaughan Williams: Toward the Unknown Region. Reading for singers and instrumentalists. Jennifer Lee, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park,1570 Yonge St. 647-458-0213. $10; $6(members).

Mar 01 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.

Mar 03 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization. Workshop coached by recorder player Femke Bergsma. Armour Heights Community Centre, 2140 Avenue Rd. Bring your early instruments and a music stand. 416-779-5750. tempotoronto.net. $20.

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.