EARLY MUSIC ON THE ROAD

Toronto’s early music presenters have been busy people this month. In the midst of their regular musicmaking activities, both the Toronto Consort and Tafelmusik have been “on the road” these past few weeks -- bravely and boldly going where Toronto’s early music presenters are not often found.

Tafelmusik has just arrived back in the city after a 16-day tour across Australia and New Zealand, garnering rave reviews for their multimedia program House of Dreams. The brainchild of double-bassist Alison Mackay, House of Dreams takes listeners through works by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Purcell and Marais, set against a backdrop of images and paintings from the likes of Vermeer, Canaletto and Watteau -- and this year bringing Tafelmusik to sold-out houses in eight Australian cities as well as Auckland, New Zealand.

Be sure to check out Mackay’s newest multimedia creation, J.S. Bach: The Circle of Creation. The program will premiere at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre this May.

The WholeNote also has tickets up for grabs to one of Tafelmusik’s shows in the nearer future -- Aisslinn Nosky’s “Baroque Misbehaving,” where musical misdemeanours will include works by Purcell, Rosenmüller, Charpentier, Torelli, Oesterle and Telemann. For a chance to win tickets, check out our Prizes section. To learn more about Tafelmusik’s current projects, visit tafelmusik.org.

While Tafelmusik was across the globe, the Toronto Consort journeyed across town to Roy Thomson Hall last week, where the Toronto Symphony was wrapping up their annual New Creations Festival. Both before and after a riveting TSO performance in concert of George Benjamin’s 2012 opera Written on Skin, the Toronto Consort commandeered the lobby for some playing, on baroque flute, hurdy gurdy, baroque guitar and more, in repertoire spanning the centuries from the late medieval French story that inspired Written on Skin to contemporary work.

Kudos to Consort members for successfully navigating the bridge between recent and distant pasts, and for playing two beautiful sets!

Later this month, the Toronto Consort, in collaboration with Michael Slattery and La Nef, will also present a new take on some well-known early music fare. What if John Dowland, the great English lute master, was actually Irish? Their concert on March 27-28 makes a musical argument for Dowland-as-Irishman, setting his famous songs and fantasias with Irish flute, fiddle and cittern. The program, called “Dowland in Dublin,” will be based on La Nef’s stunning 2012 album of the same name, which WholeNote columnist David Podgorski claims has successfully “turned the early music world on its ear.”

The WholeNote has a limited number of concert tickets and CDs, which interested readers have the opportunity to win. For details, check out our Prizes section here. For more info on the Toronto Consort, visit torontoconsort.org.

ATTENTION, ARTS WORKERS

For those in the industry -- especially those who like to be in the know -- the International Resource Centre for Performing Artists (IRCPA) has a number of exciting events coming up, all dedicated to providing forums for artists to exchange ideas, meet colleagues and learn new things. IRCPA programming in the coming months includes a workshop for singers with Joan Dornemann, assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera, and a special panel discussion event in the same building as WholeNote headquarters -- the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Annex location at 720 Bathurst St.

On the afternoon of Sunday, March 29 at CSI Annex, IRCPA will host “Who’s Who in the Industry” -- a panel discussion with a number of industry professionals. With a panel of concert presenters, managers, journalists and publicists, the event is billed as a forum for artists to speak directly with industry members whose decisions build and shape our city’s musical seasons. David Perlman, publisher at The WholeNote, will be joining the panel for what is sure to be an enlightening discussion -- the list of speakers announced so far  is as follows:

Concert presenters Chris Lorway (Roy Thomson Hall), Jose Ortega (Lula Lounge) and Boris Brott (Opera & Festival Hamilton); managers Annick-Patricia Carrière (Station Bleue, Montreal) and Robert Missen (Bobolink, Toronto); journalists David Perlman (The WholeNote) and Michael Vincent (Musical Toronto); publicists Linda Litwack and Jane Harbury

Take a look at http://ircpa.net/2015/01/whos-who-in-the-industry-panel-discussion-march-29-2015/ttp://ircpa.net/2015/01/whos-who-in-the-industry-panel-discussion-march-29-2015/ for more details about the event. If you are eager to attend and a speedy emailer, send us an email at publisher@thewholenote.com -- the first 4 emailers will each receive a complimentary ticket to this event as guests of The WholeNote!

Hope to see you there!

PRIZES, PRIZES

In this issue: win tickets to the Toronto Consort’s Dowland in Dublin concert with La Nef and Michael Slattery, and to opening night of Tafelmusik’s Baroque Misbehaving. Just click on the following links for a chance to win -- feel free to enter both contests!

Tickets and CD: The Toronto Consort’s “Dowland in Dublin”, Saturday March 28

Tickets: Tafelmusik’s “Baroque Misbehaving”, Thursday April 23

JUST IN: CORRECTED AND NEW LISTINGS

First, a correction: in our March issue, we mistakenly wrote that Wolfrey House’s “By His Stripes We Are Healed” concert was on March 4. It is in fact on April 3, and the corrected listing is as follows:

Apr 3 1:30: Wolfrey House. By His Stripes We Are Healed. For Good Friday. Handel: Messiah(excerpts from part 2). Sacred Concert Chamber Ensemble; String Quartet; Vocal Octet. St. Barnabas on the Danforth, 361 Danforth Ave. 416-463-1344. Free.

Our apologies for this error! Other listings added to our website since the March issue can be found below:

 Sunday March 15

1:00: World Fiddle Day Toronto. World Fiddle Day Toronto Jam Session. Practise jam led by Anne Lederman, hosted by Long & McQuade. , . 647 217-4620. Entry by donation. Next session is March 29; see worldfiddledaytoronto.ca for details.

 Thursday March 19

8:00: Daemon Theatre. The Last Five Years. Kaleigh Gorka (Cathy); Josh Wiles (Jamie); Carl Pucl, director/producer; Doug Price, music director; and others. SMCS Centre for the Arts, 1515 Bathurst St. . $30-$45; $20-$25(st/arts worker); $10(student rush tickets, available 1 hour before the show). Also Mar 20(eve), 21(mat and eve).

 Friday March 20

6:30: Lakeshore Arts. The Chocolate Equinox. Evening event including chocolate sampling, concert and silent auction. The Mississauga Symphony String Quartet. The King's Garden, 15 Canmotor Ave., Etobicoke. 416-201-7093. $60(food and chocolate included).

 Saturday March 21

1:00: AKAM Concert Production. Amstel Saxophone Quartet. The Amstel Saxaphone Quartet from The Netherlands performs a program titled "The Unknown Colours of Saxophone.". Bach: Prelude and Fuge in c minor, BWV 537 (arr. Ties Mellema); Germanus: Moonwalk (2013); Brahms: from Symphony No. 3 in F, Op. 90: (arr. R. Jak); Riley: Good Medicine (arr. Bas Apswoude); Glass: Mishima (1985) (arr. Amstel Quartet). Remco Jak, soprano saxophone; Olivier Sliepen, alto saxophone; Bas Apswoude, tenor saxophone; Ties Mellema, baritone saxophone. Trinity-St. Paul's Centre, Chapel-Music Room, 427 Bloor St. W. 416-445-4441. PWYC.

2:00: Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. Stories and Music. A family concert, featuring the tales of Babar the Elephant and more. Melody Thomas, guest narrator. Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte St., Peterborough. 705-749-1146. $30; $10(youth). Also at 3:30pm.

7:00: Toronto Tabla Ensemble. Intimate Concert Series 2015. Mukur De, Odissi dance; Toronto Tabla Ensemble and Youth Ensemble; Ritesh Das, artistic director. York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch Ave. W. 1-888-958-2252. $15.

 Thursday March 26

6:45: Guelph Youth Singers. Boychoir. Fundraising movie night featuring a screening of newly-released film "Boychoir.". The Bookshelf, 41 Quebec St., Guelph. 519-821-8574. $15.

 Friday March 27

7:00: Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute. Razzmatazz. Jazz fundraiser for the LPCI Music Department. The Ken Hazlett Big Band; LPCI and Glenview stage bands; LPCI Aurum Vocal Ensemble; Alex Dean, guest. Lawrence Park CI Auditorium, 125 Chatsworth Drive. . $20; $10(st).

 Saturday March 28

7:00: Guelph Youth Singers. The Beat of our Drum. Youth choral festival hosted by the Guelph Youth Singers. Sarah Quartel, guest clinician; guest youth choirs from Oakville, Mississauga, Toronto, Hamilton, Halton Hills and Cobourg. Clearview Christian Reformed Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Dr.,Oakville. 519-821-8574. $15; $10(child).

8:15: Canadian Orpheus Male Choir. Earth Hour Concert. COMC's first Earth Hour Concert -- singing by candlelight to support awareness of climate change. St. Jude's Anglican Church, 160 William St., Oakville. 905-844-3972. $15. Candelight singing starts at 8:30pm.

 Sunday March 29

3:00: Hart House Chorus. Fauré Requiem. Fauré: Requiem; Tudor anthems. Melanie Conly, soprano; Maciej Bujnowicz, baritone; David Bowser, conductor; Suzanne Yeo, accompaniment; and others. Hart House Great Hall, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-2452. Free.

3:00: Kingston Road United Church. Glorious Brass! Works by Gabrielli, Dowland, Byrd, de Pres and Thomas Tallis. Scott Good, trombone; and others. 975 Kingston Rd. 416-699-6091. $20; $10(st); free(ages 12 and under).

NEW ON OUR WEBSITE

The WholeNote’s Blue Pages directory of concert presenters can be found year-round on our website -- a warm welcome to taiko superstars Nagata Shachu, who join the directory this month.

Music presenters get the chance to introduce their projects to readers in our annual October Blue Pages issue, but the Blue Pages are available year-round, and musicmaking in southern Ontario happens around the clock and throughout the calendar year. Here’s a warm welcome for Nagata Shachu, newcomers this month to The WholeNote’s Blue Pages directory. Check out their profile below. For all our other Blue Pages listings click here.

Nagata Shachu Japanese Taiko and Music Group

Nagata Shachu, based in Toronto, has enthralled audiences with our mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since forming in 1998. We have toured widely throughout Canada, the US and Italy, performing in theatres, concert halls and major music festivals.

While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, our ensemble’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko.

Featuring an arsenal of taiko (including the massive O-daiko drum), bamboo flutes, the three-stringed shamisen and an array of gongs, cymbals, shakers and wood blocks, Nagata Shachu will take you on a musical journey beyond all borders!

Joe Liu or Kiyoshi Nagata
416-651-4227
taiko@nagatashachu.com
nagatashachu.com

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Our next issue of HalfTones, Vol 2 No 8, is out on April 14! The next print issue of The WholeNote, covering April 1 to May 7, will be published on March 31.

Please contact halftones@thewholenote.com with any HalfTones inquiries.

SPECIAL CONTESTS ISSUE

Over $1800 in prizes to be won

Concert-wise, this month is as busy as any, with lots of musical offerings in the city—and The WholeNote has put together a special issue of contests to cure your February blues.

From choral concerts, to a night at the opera, to a special weekend package of tickets to three live shows, take a look at the prizes up for grabs below and see what tickles your fancy. This month’s prizes include:

- “Eclectic Circuit”: A special weekend package, with tickets to Show One’s Vadim Repin Canadian recital debut, The Musicians In Ordinary, and the Vienna Piano Trio: March 6-8

- The COC’s Don Giovanni: February 18

- Arvo Pärt’s Passio with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir: March 10

- The “Publisher’s Party”: Music Toronto’s concert with The Gryphon Trio: February 26

- Ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro: March 4

- Continuum Contemporary Music: 30 MORE!: March 8

- Tanya Tagaq, Radik Tyulyush and more at the Aga Khan Museum: March 6-7

Apply for any that interest you on our website, and you may get the chance to get out and listen to some great live music this month!

Music for (and in spite of) Valentine’s

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and is always a good excuse, whether in pairs or in groups, to explore the myriad special events that the city always has on offer f0r the occasion. Whether you’re hoping for a romantic outing or just on the lookout for some quality music, this Saturday promises a number of opportunities for the Valentine’s Day concertgoer.

Prominently featured in our listings this month are those concerts and events that refuse to shy away from the sometimes-touchy Valentine’s Day theme—and often producing unique programming as a result. The Guelph Symphony Orchestra presents a concert Saturday night that will feature Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet (incidentally, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will also be playing a “Romeo and Juliet”-themed concert, the following weekend on February 21). And on the jazz front, Alleycatz, Chalkers Pub and Palais Royale will all be hosting Valentine’s Day dinners that feature live music by talented local performers. Finally, the Toronto Beaches Children’s Chorus presents “For the Love of Music” on Saturday at 3pm, an all-ages concert featuring soprano Shannon Mercer, tenor Lenard Whiting and pianist Brett Kingsbury.

For those not in the mood, New Music Concerts is presenting an innovative program of works by contemporary Chinese and Canadian composers. Titled “New Works from East and West,” the show will feature pipa virtuoso Weiwei Lan, soprano Stacie Dunlop and violinist Véronique Mathieu. The program is a promising collection of entirely world premieres, an exciting prospect for any new music fan. Also onstage in venues throughout the Danforth this weekend is the Toronto’s eighth Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival. Billed as an “all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event,” the festival will feature over 150 artists across five venues from February 13 to 15. The “weatherproof” aspect is enticing, as is the list of performers. To learn more about the festival, check out winterfolk.com.

SEASON’S GREETINGS

2015/16 season announcements have been cropping up left, right and centre.

Please find below links to news about the year ahead, from the a number of local concert presenters:

The Royal Conservatory:

http://performance.rcmusic.ca/performance-all?season%5b0%5d=5926&mcclnktrk=4

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s:

http://www.tso.ca/en-ca/Media-Room/Media-Releases.aspx?entryID=42430

The Canadian Opera Company:

http://www.coc.ca/PerformancesAndTickets/1516Season.aspx

Opera Atelier:

http://www.operaatelier.com/season/15-16-season/

Tafelmusik:

http://www.tafelmusik.org/concert-calendar/upcoming-season

We will keep you informed, in print and online, as more presenters announce their plans for the coming year!

JUST IN: CORRECTED AND NEW LISTINGS

Check out our HalfTones listings for info on corrected and new February concert listings added online since this month’s print issue.

First, an apology: we seem to have omitted Hirut Café and Restaurant’s listings from our February “In the Clubs” section. Here they are:

Hirut Cafe and Restaurant

2050 Danforth Ave. 416-551-7560

Every Sun 3pm Open Mic with Nicola Vaughan: folk/country/jazz/world/R&B PWYC; 8pm Eucalyptus Ethio-jazz/Calypso 7-piece band $10/PWYC. Every Wed 8pm Illios Quartet: Smooth Jazz PWYC. February 3, 17 8pm Finger Style Guitar Association PWYC. February 5 7pm In the Round: Master and Smorgasbord Series: jazz/folk/world $10/PWYC. February 14 Romancing the Tone with Sharon Katz: folk/world $10. February 20 8pm Winter Wonderland w/ Arlene Paculan and Friends: pop/eclectic PWYC. February 21 8pm James Brand with Joanne Shaw: British Folk $15(adv)/$18(door). February 27 9pm Hirut Hoot Cabaret $5.

Other corrected and new listings this month include:

Friday February 13

7:00: Just Aïssi. Black History Month: Gumboots Dance. A program and workshop to learn about the Gumboots dance style from South Africa. Just Aïssi, choreographer and percussionist. North York Central Library Auditorium, 5120 Yonge St. 416-395-5639. Free. Call ahead to register.

Saturday February 14

3:00: Toronto Beaches Children's Chorus. For the Love of Music. All-ages concert to benefit the Toronto Beaches Children's Chorus Bursary Fund. Shannon Mercer, soprano; Lenard Whiting, tenor; Brett Kingsbury, piano. Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd. 416-698-9864. $20; $15(sr/st); $10(12 and under). Special pricing available for TBCC families.

9:00: Music Africa/Gladstone Hotel/Africa New Music. Yinka Farinde (Nigeria). Part of the Black History Month 2015 Concert Series. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. 416-649-5336. Free.

Saturday February 21

9:00: Music Africa/Gladstone Hotel/Africa New Music. Amadou Kienou (Burkina Faso) & Katenen Cheka (Mali). Part of the Black History Month 2015 Concert Series. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. 416-649-5336. Free.

Sunday February 22

6:00: Duo Agilis. Themes and Variations for Flute and Piano. Duo Agilis: Izabella Budai, flute; Peichen Chen, piano. Hart House, East Common Room, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-2452. Free.

Friday February 27

8:00: Stereo Live. Haydn, Beethoven and Canning. Works by Haydn and Beethoven, followed by a set with Broken Social Scene's Brendan Canning and friends. Brendan Canning; Keith Hamm, viola; Edwin Huizinga, violin; Aaron Schwebel, violin; Joseph Johnson, cello. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen St. W. 416-597-0227 x2. $20(adv); $25(door); $50(3-concert series). Doors open at 7pm.

Saturday February 28

8:00: Bell'Arte Singers. Masses: Dvorak Mass in D & Schubert Mass in G. Dvorak: Mass in D; Schubert: Mass in G. St. Simon-the-Apostle Anglican Church, 525 Bloor St. E. bellartesingers.ca. $25; $20(sr/st).

8:00: Fanfarones! Hot Springs Serenade. Double wind quintet music to warm the path to spring. Dvorak: Czech Suite; Bird: Serenade; Scott: Sacred Women. Wilmar Heights Centre, 963 Pharmacy Ave., Scarborough. 416-759-7269. $20; $15(sr/st).

NEW ON OUR WEBSITE

Visit our video page to see our latest Conversation@TheWholeNote, where in light of the Gryphon Trio’s upcoming concert with Music Toronto, publisher David Perlman talks with the ensemble’s pianist Jamie Parker about his life as a performer, professor and a Parker.

Check out the video, and other online interviews, at http://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/our-videos.

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Our next issue of HalfTones, Vol 2 No 7, is out on March 12! The next print issue of The WholeNote, covering March 1 to April 7, will be published on February 27.

Please contact halftones@thewholenote.com with any HalfTones inquiries.

IN THE WORKS: ORCHESTRAS

Happy new year, WholeNote readers! 2015 is upon us, and while most of us are still buying new calendars and proposing (and swiftly discarding) our annual resolutions, this city’s musical life doesn’t falter for a moment. Orchestral groups are especially industrious this month, with a TSO Mozart festival in the works, and musical offerings from Esprit and Tafelmusik, among others.

Tafelmusik

At this time, the people of Tafelmusik are just about halfway through their third Tafelmusik Winter Institute, an intensive period orchestra program for experienced early music performers. This year’s theme is “The String Orchestra in Baroque England,” focusing on suites by Locke and Purcell as well as concerti grossi by Handel, Avison and Geminiani. The program culminates in a pay-what-you-can concert on Saturday, January 10 at 7:30pm, where the week’s baroque string players, harpsichordists and lutenists will convene to showcase their newly-learnt skills. It will be an affordable chance to hear some excellent early music -- all the details at tafelmusik.org/concerts-tickets/free-concerts/free-pay-what-you-can-concerts-events.

Later in the month, Tafelmusik also welcomes guest conductor Kent Nagano, in 4 performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 at Koerner Hall January 22 to 25. The program also features Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, performed with the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir and soloists. The WholeNote has a pair of tickets to this show up for grabs to an interested reader! For a chance to win, check out our contest page here.

Esprit

Esprit Orchestra also promises an interesting show this month, with “the world’s turning” on Thursday, January 29 at Koerner Hall. Click here for a recent conversation with Esprit artistic director and conductor Alex Pauk in which, among other topics, he discusses this upcoming concert -- and check out our contest page here for a chance to win tickets to the January 29 event.

Mozart@259

The Toronto Symphony’s annual Mozart festival starts next week, featuring a number of soloists across three different concert programs. A special ticket sale for this festival has been extended until tomorrow (Friday) at 5pm: save 20% on your ticket price with the promo code MOZARTFEST. Details on the shows and how to buy tickets are available at tso.ca.

MADE TO ORDER!

The December 26 announcement of new recipients of the Order of Canada included more than half a dozen appointments of musical interest to readers of The WholeNote, including two, the Canadian Brass’s Chuck Daellenbach and singer Suzie LeBlanc, who recently chatted with The WholeNote’s editor-in-chief.

For the transcript of the conversation with Chuck Daellenbach click here. http://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/feature-stories/24833-behind-the-scenes-chuck-dallenbach

Click here to listen to the video conversation with Suzie LeBlanc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvTLB3DiYGw

Other December 2014 Order of Canada recipients include: Montreal cellist/pedagogue Denis Brott; Montreal organist John Grew; Quebec Opera’s Gregoire Legendre; indefatigable Toronto organizational mentor and volunteer John Barker Lawson; trumpeter Jens Lindemann; and Montreal conductor, pianist and new music specialist Lorraine Vaillancourt.

Contests

WIN tickets to the Hot Docs Mozart feature this Saturday; tickets to Tafelmusik’s “Beethoven Symphony No. 5” concert with Kent Nagano; tickets to see Esprit Orchestra’s “the world’s turning” featuring two world premieres and Robert Aitken in a soloist role; and a chance to see jazz fusion quartet Yellowjackets at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts! Just take a look below and follow the instructions to enter in the contests of your choice. Feel free to enter all four!

Hot Docs “Searching for Mozart”: Saturday, January 10

WIN a pair of tickets to the first screening in Bloor Hot Docs Cinema’s brand-new series, Composers on Screen: “In Search of Mozart” at 1pm on January 10.

This series, brand-new at the Bloor Cinema and co-presented with The Royal Conservatory, takes a new look at celebrated composers. Phil Grabsky’s “In Search of Mozart”, this Saturday at 1pm, showcases more than 80 of Mozart’s compositions, performed by some of the world’s leading ensembles and musicians--and features a 25,000-mile journey along every route that Mozart travelled.

Want free tickets to the show? We have a small number of tickets available -- just email editorial@thewholenote.com with the subject line HOT DOCS to confirm your availability for your chance to win! Tickets are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. May the speediest emailer win!

(For those who can’t make it on Saturday, the next film, “In Search of Chopin,” will be shown on Sunday, March 1. Details about the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema can be found at bloorcinema.com.)

For our other contests, please click the links below:

Tafelmusik “Beethoven Symphony No. 5” with Kent Nagano: Thursday, January 22

Esprit “the world’s turning”: Thursday, January 29

Yellowjackets at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts: Thursday, January 29

JUST IN: CORRECTED AND NEW LISTINGS

With Dec/Jan being a combined issue of the print magazine, listings information continues to stream in in early January. Jazz aficionados should click here for a complete update to the club listings. http://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/listings/intheclubsjazz

And speaking of clubs, reviewer Ken Waxman zeroed in on an upcoming show by Ken Aldcroft’s latest group on January 16:

THREADS (Quintet)
10/09/11
Trio Records TRP-019

By Ken Waxman

Every since he arrived in Toronto from his native Vancouver in 2001, guitarist Ken Aldcroft has been a constant presence on this city’s improvised music scene. Whether helping to organize concerts, teaching, playing solo gigs or as part of ensembles of varied sizes, he’s constantly exceeding expectations of what jazz involves. Also exceeding expectations is the first CD by his newest ensemble, which presents this music in concert at Jazz at Oscar’s this month.

Having recorded six CDs with his regular Convergence combo, Aldcroft changes gears on 10/09/11 by supplanting its free-bop orientation for one that offers more space and an almost unmetered beat. Besides Aldcroft, the only Convergence holdover is alto saxophonist Karen Ng, with the band filled out by drummer Germaine Liu plus the characteristic grooves of Josh Cole’s electric bass and Jonathan Adjemian’s analog synthesizer. With each of Aldcroft’s three originals entitled Threads plus a numeral and the disc recorded in 2013, it’s likely the CD title refers to a time of inspiration and composition.

Essentially each of the longish tunes, clocking in at between 18 and almost 25 minutes, showcases varied facets of the quintet. With percussion pulses that slide from parade band whacks to (Canadian) Indian-like rattling and back again, Threads III is the gentlest of the three, with slowly evaporating sax slurs matched with echoing guitar timbres. Threads I has more energy. Here Aldcroft’s crescendo of arpeggiated string licks faces tough, angled reed bites and buzzing synth interjections. Underneath, Adjemian’s staccato blurts plus Liu’s bass drum pops replicate an Upper Canadian version of a Second Line rhythm. Lengthiest of all, the introductory Threads II defines the quintet’s distinct parameters. Harmonized bass and guitar strums steady the beat, leaving enough openings for Ng’s blazing staccato cries, Liu’s irregular thumps and ruffs plus synthesizer fills that at points resemble Morse code, at others what an electric piano would sound like with a cold. Aldcroft’s twangs plus Ng’s volatile tone nudge the narrative towards a satisfying climax.

A notable achievement from an ensemble that offers sonic maturity, even as it’s in the process of being created.

Concert note: The THREADS (Quintet) is in concert at Jazz at Oscar’s, Hart House University of Toronto January 16.

CORRECTIONS

*Saturday, January 31

3:00: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Community Concert. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Elora Festival Singers; Noel Edison, conductor. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. 416-598-0422 x223. Free.

New listings in January include the following:

Tuesday January 13

1:30: Oakville Opera Guild. Tea with Opera: Don Giovanni. Guest: Howard Dyck, choral conductor. Oakville Central Library Auditiorium, 120 Navy St., Oakville. 905-827-5678. $10 minimum donation. Proceeds towards scholarship awarded annually to a young Canadian singer studying at the U of T Opera Division.

Friday January 16

8:00: The Jeffery Concerts. Latin Journey. Songs and melodies of Spain and Latin America. Works by Rodrigo, Granados, de Falla, Villa-Lobos, and others (all arr. David Jacques). Marie-Josee Lord, soprano; David Jacques, guitar; Ian Simpson, double bass. Wolf Performance Hall, 251 Dundas St., London. 519-672-8800. $35; $30(sr); $15(st).

Sunday January 18

2:00: Canzona Chamber Players. In Concert. Brahms Quintet Op. 34. Vadim Serebryany, piano; Csaba Koczó & Sonia Shklarov, violins; Yunior Lopez, viola; Peter Cosbey, cello. St. Andrew by-the-Lake Church, Cibola Avenue, Toronto Island. 416-822-0613. $20. Also 7:30pm, Music Gallery.

Monday January 19

7:30: Canzona Chamber Players. In Concert. Brahms Quintet Op. 34. Vadim Serebryany, piano; Csaba Koczó & Sonia Shklarov, violins; Yunior Lopez, viola; Peter Cosbey, cello. Music Gallery, 197 John St. 416-822-0613. $20. Also 2pm, St. Andrew by-the-Lake Church.

Saturday January 24

7:30: Pocket Concerts. Pocket Concerts: Family Edition. Mozart Flute Quartet in D Major; and others. Les Allt, flute; Cordelia Paw, violin; Rory McLeod, viola; Rachel Desoer, cello. 647-896-8295. $40; $25(age 35 and under); $12(age 18 and under). Please phone 647-896-8295 if you have questions about accessibility.

Sunday January 25

2:00: Richard Valdez. Concert Valdez - Benefit WarAmps. Benefit concert in aid of the WarAmps Child Amputees. Broadway classics and popular songs. Richard Valdez, tenor. North York Central Library Auditorium, 5120 Yonge St. 416-395-5535. Freewill donation.

2:00: Trio Bravo. Concert 2. Brahms; Piazolla, Selleck; Fauré. Trio Bravo: Terry Storr, clarinet; Baird Knechtel, viola; John Selleck, piano; Guest: John Trembath, cello. All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church, 2850 Bloor St. W. 416-242-2131. $20; $15(sr/st).

Tuesday January 27

12:30: McMaster School of the Arts. David Gerry & Michael Schutz. David Gerry, flute; Michael Schutz, percussion. Convocation Hall (UH213), McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton. 905-525-9140 x24246. Free.

7:00: North York Central Library. Canadian Opera Company Talk: Die Walküre. An examination of Wagner's opera Die Walküre, with special attention given to the winter 2015 revival of Atom Egoyan's COC production. Guest: Wayne Gooding, editor of Opera Canada magazine. North York Central Library Auditorium, 5120 Yonge St. 416-395-5639. Free. Please call to register in advance.

Thursday January 29

8:00: Oakville Infiniti World Artists series. An evening with the Yellowjackets. Russell Ferrante, keys; Bob Mintzer, sax; William Kennedy, drums; Felix Pastorius, bass. Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy St., Oakville. 905-815-2021. $60; $53(Big Ticket Member); $49(Big Ticket Plus).

Friday January 30

8:00: McMaster School of the Arts. Andreas Klein. Andreas Klein, piano. Convocation Hall (UH213), McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton. 905-525-9140 x24246. $20; $5(st); $15(sr).

8:00: Oakville Opera Guild. Tea with Opera: Die Walküre. Guest: Iain Scott, opera educator. Location TBA, , Oakville. 905-827-5678. $10 minimum donation. Proceeds towards scholarship awarded annually to a young Canadian singer studying at the U of T Opera Division.

Saturday January 31

12:00 noon: Flautas del Fuego. Danzas del Fuego. W. F. Bach: Sonata in F Major for Two Flutes; Villa-Lobos: "Aria" from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 6; Piazzolla: "Tango Etudes" Nos. 4, 5, and 6 (arr. Exequiel Mantega); Caravassilis "Danzas del Fuego" for two flutes and percussion (World Premiere). Flautas del Fuego: Alhelí Pimienta and Izabella Budai, flutes; David Burns, percussion. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. 416-922-1167. Free.

8:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society. Duo Concertante. Complete music for violin/piano by Schubert; second of two concerts. Schubert: Sonatina in D, Rondo, Fantasy in C; Chan Ka Nin: Incantation. Nancy Dahn, violin; Timothy Steeves, piano. KWCMS Music Room, 57 Young St. W., Waterloo. 519-886-1673. $30; $25(sr); $20(st).

Sunday February 1

4:00: Georgetown Bach Chorale. Pas de deux. Violin and piano concert. Brahms: Sonata No. 1 in G Major; Prokofiev: Sonata No. 1 in F Minor. Edwin Huizinga, violin; Ronald Greidanus, piano. House Concert (Georgetown), 157 Main St., Georgetown. $45 advance only; no tickets available at the door.

REMEMBERING JIM GALLOWAY

Jim Galloway was The WholeNote's longest standing columnist, tenacious to the last. We greet the news of his passing, on December 30 2014, with sadness. We have lost a blithe spirit, a true champion of live music. On our homepage is the last column he wrote for us, just four weeks ago, followed by links, in reverse order, to his other columns. 

-David Perlman, publisher

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Our next issue of HalfTones, Vol 2 No 6, is out on February 11! The next print issue of The WholeNote, covering Feb 1 to March 7, will be published on January 29.

Please contact halftones@thewholenote.com with any HalfTones inquiries.

Music for the New Year

Welcome Vol 2, No 4 of HalfTones -- our update on extra December musical news, and the last issue before we hit 2015! While for some concert presenters, the onset of the New Year is a welcome break and mid-way point in their busy 2014/15 seasons, there are some brave performers who are taking up the challenge of bringing the city some New Year’s musical cheer.

As usual, Attila Glatz Concert Productions is the big New Year’s presenter this year, with concerts at Roy Thomson Hall both on New Year’s Eve and January 1. They’ve been at this since 1995, and this year’s shows represent their 20th round of New Year’s celebrations. Their big production, beginning at 2:30pm on January 1, is a “Salute to Vienna” gala concert that includes everything from operetta excerpts to Strauss waltzes to polkas. Billed as “North America’s Finest New Year’s Concert,” this show promises a New Year’s Day to remember. The day before this New Year’s Day extravaganza, Attila Glatz also presents “Bravissimo! Opera’s Greatest Hits” on December 31, featuring a star-studded cast and excerpts from works by Puccini, Verdi Rossini, Offenbach and others; all this, and out by 10pm so as to still be able to party the New Year in! For details on both concerts, visit glatzconcerts.com.

The Musicians in Ordinary are also working hard over New Year’s, ringing in 2015 in true Baroque style. Their New Year’s Day matinée concert features works by Scarlatti, Corelli, Vivaldi, Pez and others at Heliconian Hall, and promises to be a beautiful show. And if trekking through town on the first day of the new year doesn’t appeal to you, the group reprises their concert on January 2 at 8pm. All the details are in our listings and at musiciansinordinary.ca.

Finally, if you’re on the hunt for a New Year’s party of a jazzier nature, there are a number of upcoming shows that will be of interest. The Home Smith Bar, Palais Royale and the Toronto Don Valley Hotel are all host this year to shows featuring some excellent musicians (and great food). The Home Smith Bar’s New Year’s Eve Jazz Party features Alex Pangman and her Alleycats; the Toronto All-Star Big Band hosts the gala evening at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel; and Palais Royale presents Aura Rully, world-renowned jazz vocalist and Duke Ellington’s own protégée. A ticket to any of these shows includes dinner and dessert, as well as, of course, some champagne to ring in what we hope will be an excellent year ahead.

Vocal Smorgasbord

Shout-outs to some of Southern Ontario’s innovative choral and vocal programming in the coming days.

There are a number of vocal and choral shows coming this month, in addition to the usual carols and holiday tunes, that look like promising options for December concertgoers. The first couple of shows, two Messiah concerts coming up this weekend, may not seem at first glance like original programming but in fact represent some special variations on a holiday classic. The Cellar Singers perform the Messiah this Friday in Bracebridge and Sunday afternoon in Orillia -- the only performances of the work in Central Ontario with professional orchestra and soloists. They also just might have in their midst a Messiah record-holder in Orillia’s Sue Newman, who between performances, workshops and rehearsals has sung Handel’s classic masterpiece over 450 times. All the info at thecellarsingers.com.

Pax Christi Chorale’s Children’s Messiah also promises something a little different, especially for those who know some younger Handel fans. The show features favourite choruses and arias in a more casual setting that is free for kids and PWYC for adults. The show is 4pm this Saturday December 13 in the beautiful acopustic of Church of St. Mary Magdalene; details at paxchristichorale.org/childrens-messiah/.

For something celebratory but a little less holiday-themed, George Koller’s “International Divas” series presents its final concert in a three-part series on Dec 21 at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. The show features a number of female performers in an entirely acoustic setting. For this “season finale,” Koller presents vocalists Rita Chiarelli, Lara Solnicki, The Ault Sisters, Sharlene Wallace, Maryem Hassan Tollar and Hisaka. Find out more at http://internationaldivas.net/.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL CONTEST:

TICKETS FROM THE TORONTO CONSORT

The Toronto Consort presents “Yuletide Revels from the Renaissance” with their concert, “The Little Barley-Corne,” this weekend! Joining forces with superstar folk-fiddler David Greenberg, this program of holiday festivities features English ballads, French noëls, country dances and more -- celebrating both the holiday season and the re-release of the Consort’s “Little Barley-Corne” CD.

In a special contest with The WholeNote, the Toronto Consort is offering PAIRS OF FREE TICKETS to their December 14 Sunday matinee show (3:30pm) to the first 10 WholeNote readers who respond correctly to their skill-testing question! Just email editorial@thewholenote.com with your full name and answer the following question for your chance to win:

When was the Toronto Consort album The Little Barley-Corne originally released? (hint: check the Toronto Consort website, torontoconsort.org!)

First 10 correct responses receive a pair of tickets for Sunday! On your marks, get set...email!

JUST IN: NEW LISTINGS

New or corrected (*) listings in December and January include the following:

Monday December 29

8:30: Hugh's Room. A Jazzy Holiday Party to benefit St. Francis Table @ Hugh's Room. The Music of Thelonius Monk. The Westend All Star Jazz Musicians: Jane Bunnett; Adrean Farrugia; Sophia Perlman; Daniel Barnes; Larry Cramer; Chris Butcher. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $20(adv); $22.50(door).

Wednesday December 31

7:30: Jazzy Events/Palais Royale. Aura & Friends: A Jazzy 2015 New Year's Eve. Dinner, dance and live entertainment. Aura Rully; and others. Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W. 1-888-222-6608 or 416-606-9402. $175. Doors open at 7pm; event runs until 3am. Black tie welcome/jacket required.

Saturday January 3

12:00 noon: Northumberland Learning Connection. Opera Brown-bag Lunch Talks: Le Nozze di Figaro. Half-hour talk and Metropolitan Opera HD broadcast. Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro. Elizabeth Wilson, speaker. Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope. 905-885-1071. $5. Coffee and tea included.

Friday January 16

8:00: The Jeffery Concerts. Latin Journey. Songs and melodies of Spain and Latin America. Works by Rodrigo, Granados, de Falla, Villa-Lobos, and others (all arr. David Jacques). Marie-Josee Lord, soprano; David Jacques, guitar; Ian Simpson, double bass. Wolf Performance Hall, 251 Dundas St., London. 519-672-8800. $35; $30(sr); $15(st).

Sunday January 18

2:00: Canzona Chamber Players. In Concert. Brahms Quintet Op. 34. Vadim Serebryany, piano; Csaba Koczó & Sonia Shklarov, violins; Yunior Lopez, viola; Peter Cosbey, cello. St. Andrew by-the-Lake Church, Cibola Avenue, Toronto Island. 416-822-0613. $20. Also 7:30pm, Music Gallery.

Monday January 19

7:30: Canzona Chamber Players. In Concert. Brahms Quintet Op. 34. Vadim Serebryany, piano; Csaba Koczó & Sonia Shklarov, violins; Yunior Lopez, viola; Peter Cosbey, cello. Music Gallery, 197 John St. 416-822-0613. $20. Also 2pm, St. Andrew by-the-Lake Church.

Saturday January 24

7:30: Pocket Concerts. Pocket Concerts: Family Edition. Mozart Flute Quartet in D Major; and others. Les Allt, flute; Cordelia Paw, violin; Rory McLeod, viola; Rachel Desoer, cello. , . 647-896-8295. $40; $25(age 35 and under); $12(age 18 and under). Please phone 647-896-8295 if you have questions about accessibility.

NEW ON OUR WEBSITE

For those of you who now finally have the time to do some stress-free internet surfing, our latest “Conversation <at> The WholeNote,” with renowned pianist (and the star of this month’s magazine cover) Angela Hewitt, is up on our website! Check out this and other video interviews with local performers and music professionals on our video page at http://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/our-videos

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Our next issue of HalfTones, Vol 2 No 5, is out on January 8! The next print issue of The WholeNote, covering Feb 1 to March 7, will be published on January 29.

Please contact halftones@thewholenote.com with any HalfTones inquiries.

NEW ON OUR WEBSITE

Our two latest “Conversations <at> The WholeNote” are now up on our website! Hear soprano Suzie LeBlanc’s premise for her latest CD, La Veillée de Noël, and Esprit Orchestra’s music director Alex Pauk on concert curating, new music, and what’s coming up on the next concert, “Revealed Time” on November 23.

Prizes! Prizes!

WIN tickets to opening night of Tafelmusik’s “Messiah”; special “family pack” tickets to Ross Petty Productions’ “Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical” at the Elgin Theatre; tickets to the upcoming International Divas concert; and entry into the Bach Consort’s Christmas Oratorio performance, featuring renowned soloists alongside members of the TSO and COC! Just click the links below and follow the instructions to enter in the contests of your choice. Feel free to enter all four!

Tafelmusik’s “Messiah”

“Cinderella” at the Elgin Theatre

International Divas

Bach Consort’s “Christmas Oratorio” 

Cinderella, Now In Theatres

Here’s to family-friendly musicmaking -- Ross Petty Productions’ comedic take on the Cinderella story is onstage at the Elgin Theatre this month.

In a fresh take on a classic tale, “Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical” is Ross Petty’s theatrical offering this holiday season. Running from November 21 to January 4 at the Elgin Theatre, this production provides a child-friendly departure from your typical holiday musicmaking. Featured in the title role is none other than Danielle Wade, best known as the winner of the CBC-TV series “Over the Rainbow.” Ross Petty himself plays the role of Cinderella’s evil stepmother.

The WholeNote has special “family packs” of four tickets -- each pack a $235 value -- available for interested readers! Just visit our Prizes Section and follow a few simple instructions for a chance to win.

This show promises a fair dose of humour, song and dance this season -- for more information, visit http://rosspetty.com/current-show/the-show. 

Handel’s Messiah: A Survival Guide

The weather has dropped to below zero, holiday decorations have made their way into retail outlets, and for concertgoers -- Messiah season is upon us. Standard musical fare during the holiday season, the sheer size and scope of Messiah performances every year can be at times inspiring for this city’s musical life -- and at other times, simply daunting. With performances of Handel’s famous oratorio seeming to start earlier and earlier each year, a “who’s-who” of Messiah musicians in our December issue alone doesn’t seem to cut it. Here’s the lowdown on what’s in store this year, Messiah-wise, as well as a guide on how to navigate local offerings to find the performances that bring you the most musical cheer.

Annual Favourites: Toronto can count on several excellent performances of Handel this season from the usual suspects, who do Messiah concerts every year, and do them well. Chief among these is Tafelmusik -- their run is December 17 to 20 at Koerner Hall, featuring their choir and period-instrument orchestra, with soloists Lydia Teuscher (soprano), James Laing (countertenor), Colin Balzer (tenor) and Brett Polegato (baritone). This show is sold out from year to year, and is an audience favourite in the city. The Tafelmusik run also includes its popular sing-along show, hosted on Dec 21 at Massey Hall by none other than “Herr Handel” himself.

The WholeNote has tickets to opening night of Tafelmusik’s Koerner Hall performance up for grabs -- just check out our Prizes Section to see how to win. For details on Tafelmusik, visit their website, tafelmusik.org.

Other performances from major concert presenters in the city include the Elmer Iseler Singers’ “Handel: Messiah” on December 5, with guests Virginia Hatfield (soprano), Marion Newman (mezzo-soprano), David Pomeroy (tenor), Giles Tomkins (bass) and the Amadeus Choir; and the TSO’s “Messiah,” December 16 to 21, featuring Jane Archibald (soprano), Allyson McHardy (mezzo-soprano), Lawrence Wiliford (tenor) and Philippe Sly (bass-baritone) with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

For the Out-Of-Towners: Chorus Niagara performs two Messiah concerts this season on December 6 and 7, in Grimsby and St. Catharines respectively. Featuring soloists Jennifer Krabbe (soprano), Lyndsay Promane (mezzo), Charles Sy (tenor) and Tristan Jones (bass), as well as the Talisker Players on period instruments, these concerts are certain not to disappoint if you’re in the area.

The Guelph Chamber Choir also offers a performance using period instruments, with guests Musica Viva Orchestra, on December 20 at Guelph’s River Run Centre.

For a concert that presents Handel alongside other festive offerings, the Huronia Symphony Orchestra’s December 21 concert in Barrie features the Overture to Messiah, as well as works such as Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and a carol sing-along.

Variations: On November 28 to 29 at the Fleck Dance Theatre, Ballet Creole presents “Soulful Messiah,” a performance of tap, African-Caribbean, ballet, jazz and modern dance to the soundtrack of Quincy Jones’ rendition of the Messiah.

Also on the 29th, the Tallis Choir pairs Handel with Purcell, performing Purcell’s “Behold I Bring You Good Tidings, Te Deum and Jubilate” and Handel’s “Anthem for the Foundling Hospital” (which includes the Hallelujah Chorus) with the Talisker Players, at St. Patrick’s Church.

For something family-friendly, the Pax Christi Chorale presents a “Children’s Messiah” on December 13 at 4pm, a more casual performance that is free for children and PWYC for adults.

Finally, look out on December 20 for the Aradia Ensemble at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, where they will present their annual “Dublin Messiah” concert -- its title an homage to the Dublin concert hall where Handel’s work was first performed.

For details on all of the Messiah concerts listed above, as well as many others happening across the province in the coming weeks, take a look at this newsletter’s special Messiah listings section here, where you’re sure to find a performance that seems right for you.

JUST IN: NEW LISTINGS

ADONIS PUENTES’ ALBUM LAUNCH AT HUGH’S ROOM NOVEMBER 18

The fraternal twin brother of Alex Cuba, Cuban singer-songwriter Adonis Puentes has earned a Grammy nomination as the singer for band Mongorama and a JUNO nod for his solo album Sabor a Café. Puentes’ latest album, titled Veinte Anos, is a duo project with Cuban tres player Pancho Amat. A tribute to trova singer Maria Teresa Vera, Veinte Anos has already received a nomination for a Cubadisco Award.

Puentes launches Veinte Anos at Hugh’s Room, on November 18 at 8:30pm. Tickets are $25(adv)/$27.50(door). For a taste of the new album, click here  to see one of Puentes’ latest videos. For more information on the concert, check out our listings below.

Other new or corrected (*) listings this month follow. For a complete list of Messiah listings, click here.

Tuesday November 18

8:30: Hugh's Room. Veinte Años: Homenaje a María Teresa Vera. Album Release. Adonis Puentes, sonero; Pancho Amat, tres player. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $25(adv)/$27.50(door).

Thursday November 20

2:00: Orchardviewers. Toronto Classical Pianist Ricker Choi. In Concert. Toronto Public Library, Northern District, 40 Orchard View Blvd. 416-393-7610. Free. Room 224.

Friday November 21

9:00: Hart House. Fernanda Cunha. Contemporary and traditional Brazilian compositions performed by singer Fernanda Cunha. Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle. n/a. Free.

Saturday November 22

7:30: Silverthorn Symphonic Winds. Autumn Rhapsody. Wind ensemble repertoire celebrating the many colours of fall. Alfred Reed: Alleluia! Laudamus Te; Howard Cable: Scottish Rhapsody; Jay Chattaway: Mazama; and others. Yorkminster Citadel, 1 Lord Seaton Rd., North York. $20; $15(sr/st).

Saturday November 29

3:00: Oakville Chamber Orchestra. Extraordinary Talent. Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen; Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major, mvt. 1; Ravel: Tzigane; Handel: et the Bright Seraphim from Samson; Gounod: Je Veux Vivre from Romeo and Juliet; and others. Arielle Silverberg, violin; Chelsie Vaillaincourt, flute; Jasmine Lin, violin; Leslie Bickle, soprano; Geoff Tiller, trumpet; and others. Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville. 905-483-6787 (OPUS). Free; donations accepted on behalf of ArtHouse.

Sunday November 30

CANCELLED: 8:00: Community Baroque Orchestra of Toronto. In Concert. Works by Telemann, Philidor and Marais. Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St. 416-929-0125. By donation.

MESSIAH LISTINGS

Sunday November 23

2:30: Georgetown Bach Chorale. Handel’s Messiah. Presented on historic instruments. St. James' Anglican Church, 6029 Old Church Rd., Caledon East. 905-584-9635. $35; $10(st). Also Nov 29 (eve, Knox Presbyterian, Georgetown), 30 (mat, St. John's United, Georgetown).

Friday November 28

8:00: Ballet Creole. Soulful Messiah. A dance production choreographed to Quincy Jones' R&B rendition of Handel's Messiah. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. $20-$45. Also Nov 29 (mat and eve).

Saturday November 29

2:00: Ballet Creole. Soulful Messiah. A dance production choreographed to Quincy Jones' R&B rendition of Handel's Messiah. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. $20-$45. Also Nov 28(eve) and Nov 29(eve).

7:30: Georgetown Bach Chorale. Handel’s Messiah. Presented on historic instruments. Knox Presbyterian Church (Georgetown), 116 Main St. South,Georgetown. 905-877-2848. $35; $10(st). Also Nov 15 (eve, Lakeshore United, Goderich), 23 (mat, St. James Anglican, Caledon East), 30 (mat, St. John's United, Georgetown).

7:30: Tallis Choir. Purcell's Messiah. Purcell: Behold I Bring You Good Tidings; Te Deum and Jubilate; Handel: Anthem for the Foundling Hospital(including Hallelujah Chorus). Guest: The Talisker Players; Peter Mahon, conductor. St. Patrick’s Church, 141 McCaul St. 416-286-9798. $30; $25(sr); $10(st with ID).

8:00: Ballet Creole. Soulful Messiah. A dance production choreographed to Quincy Jones' R&B rendition of Handel's Messiah. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. $20-$45. Also Nov 28(eve) and Nov 29(mat).

Sunday November 30

 2:30: Georgetown Bach Chorale. Handel’s Messiah. Presented on historic instruments. St. John's United Church (Georgetown), 11 Guelph St., Georgetown, On. 905-877-2531. $35; $10(st). Also Nov 15 (eve, Lakeshore United, Goderich), 23 (mat, St. James Anglican, Caledon East), 29 (eve, Knox Presbyterian Church, Georgetown).

3:00: Guelph Chamber Choir. Carols For Christmas: Carols and Seasonal Readings for Christmas and Winter. Benjamin Britten: Ceremony of Carols; Harold Darke: In the Bleak Midwinter; Fode Fjellheim: Northern Lights; Handel: Hallelujah Chorus; and traditional carols for choir and audience sing-along. Gerald Neufeld, conductor; Alison MacNeill, piano; "Winter’s Eve Trio" (Sharlene Wallace, harp; Joe Macerollo, accordion; George Koller, bass. St. George's Anglican Church, 99 Woolwich St., Guelph. 519-763-3000. $25; $10(st); $5(with eyeGO).

Friday December 5

8:00: Elmer Isler Singers. Handel: Messiah. Guests: Virginia Hatfield, soprano; Marion Newman, mezzo; David Pomeroy, tenor; Giles Tomkins, bass; Amadeus Choir; Lydia Adams, conductor. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. 416-217-0537. $55; $50(sr); $20(st).

Saturday December 6

2:00: Musikay. How to Handle Messiah. A workshop/sing-along on Handel's Messiah, led by Musikay's Maestro Potvin. Grace Lutheran Church, 304 Spruce St., Oakville. 905-825-9740. $30 general admission.

7:30: Chorus Niagara. Messiah: A Niagara Holiday Tradition for 50 years. Handel's Messiah performed on period instruments. Jennifer Krabbe, soprano; Lyndsay Promane, mezzo; Charles Sy, tenor; Tristan Jones, bass; Talisker Players. Mountainview Christian Reformed Church, 290 Main St. E., Grimsby. 1-866-617-3257 or 905-688-5550 x3257. $35; $33(sr); $25(under 30); $15 (st); $5(eyeGO). Also Dec 7(mat, St. Catharines). Donations welcome of non-perishable food items in support of Grimsby Benevolent Fund.

7:30: Etobicoke Centennial Choir. Sacred Traditions. Handel: Messiah(part 1); seasonal carols and songs. Carl Steinhauser, piano; Henry Renglich, conductor. Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke. 416-769-9271. $25.

7:30: Grand Philharmonic Choir. Messiah. Handel. Jennifer Taverner, soprano; Kimberly Barber, mezzo; Cory Knight, tenor; Daniel Lichti, bass-baritone; Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony; Mark Vuorinen, conductor. Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-6885. $25–$75.

7:30: Orchestra Kingston. Messiah Sing-Along. Guest soloists; audience participation. Salvation Army Citadel, 816 Centennial Dr., Kingston. 613-634-9312. $15-$20. Rehearsals Nov 25 & Dec 2 at 5:30, Salvation Army Citadel.

Sunday December 7

2:30: Chorus Niagara. Messiah: A Niagara Holiday Tradition for 50 years. Handel's Messiah performed on period instruments. Jennifer Krabbe, soprano; Lyndsay Promane, mezzo; Charles Sy, tenor; Tristan Jones, bass; Talisker Players. Calvary Church, 89 Scott St., St. Catharines. 1-866-617-3257 or 905-688-5550 x3257. $35; $33(sr); $25(under 30); $15 (st); $5(eyeGO). Also Dec 6(eve, Grimsby). Donations welcome of non-perishable food items in support of Community Care.

3:00: Elora Festival and Singers. A Village Messiah. Handel. Elora Festival Singers; Noel Edison, conductor. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 760 St. David N.,Fergus. 519-846-0332. $40.

3:00: St. Anne's Anglican Church. Cantate: A Neighbourhood Christmas Concert. Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Christmas Carols; Handel: Messiah (excerpts); carol-sing. Choir of St. Anne's; Junction Trio & Friends; Matthew Otto, conductor. 270 Gladstone Ave. 416-536-3160. $15; free(child). In support of Youth Scholarship Program, Div. 14, Community Police Liaison Committee.

Friday December 12

7:30: Cellar Singers. Messiah. Handel. Jennifer Taverner, Jennifer Enns Modolo, Joseph Levesque and Benjamin Covey, vocals; Mitchell Pady, artistic director; Blair Bailey, organ. St. Joseph's Church (Bracebridge), 118 McMurray St.,Bracebridge. 705-817-7664. $30; $15(gen/st). Also Dec 14(mat).

Saturday December 13

4:00: Pax Christi Chorale. Children’s Messiah. Handel: favourite choruses and arias. Church of St. Mary Magdalene, 477 Manning Ave. 416-531-7955. PWYC; free(child).

7:30: Arcady. Messiah. Handel. Ronald Beckett, conductor. Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, 70 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster. 877-700-3130. $25.

8:00: Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. Hallelujah! Messiah and Friends. Handel: Messiah(highlights); Bach: Christmas Oratorio Part 1. Guest chorus and solo vocals. Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 905-306-6000. $48–$62.

Sunday December 14

 3:00: Cellar Singers. Messiah. Handel. Jennifer Taverner, Jennifer Enns Modolo, Joseph Levesque and Benjamin Covey, vocals; Mitchell Pady, artistic director; Blair Bailey, organ. St. Paul's United Church (Orillia), 62 Peter St. N., Orillia. 705-817-7664. $30; $15(gen/st). Also Dec 12(eve).

 3:00: Peterborough Singers. Handel’s Messiah. Pamela Birrell, soprano; Laura Pudwell, mezzo; Colin Ainsworth, tenor; Michael Adair, bass; Paul Otway, trumpet; and others; Sydney Birrell, conductor. George Street United Church, 534 George St. N., Peterborough. 705-745-1820. $20-$30; $10(st). Also Dec 15(eve).

Monday December 15

7:30: Peterborough Singers. Handel’s Messiah. Pamela Birrell, soprano; Laura Pudwell, mezzo; Colin Ainsworth, tenor; Michael Adair, bass; Paul Otway, trumpet; and others; Sydney Birrell, conductor. George Street United Church, 534 George St. N., Peterborough. 705-745-1820. $20-$30; $10(st). Also Dec 14(mat).

Tuesday December 16

8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 17, 19, 20, 21(mat).

Wednesday December 17

7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 18, 19, 20, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).

 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 16, 19, 20, 21(mat).

Thursday December 18

7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 17, 19, 20, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).

Friday December 19

7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 17, 18, 20, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).

8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 16, 17, 20, 21(mat).

Saturday December 20

7:30: Aradia Ensemble. Dublin Messiah. Handel. Jacqueline Woodley, soprano; Maria Soulis, mezzo; Adam Fisher, tenor; Giles Tomkins, bass; Kevin Mallon, conductor. St. Anne's Anglican Church, 270 Gladstone Ave. 647-960-6650. $35; $20(sr/st).

7:30: Guelph Chamber Choir. Messiah. Handel. Sheila Dietrich, soprano; Daniel Cabena, countertenor; Chris Fischer, tenor; Alexander Dobson, bass; Musica Viva Orchestra on period instruments; Gerald Neufeld, conductor. River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St., Guelph. 519-763-3000. $35/$30(4 or more); $10(st); $5(eyeGO).

7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 17, 18, 19, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).

8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 16, 17, 19, 21(mat).

Sunday December 21

 2:00: Tafelmusik. Sing-Along Messiah. Handel. Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-872-4255. $29–$47. Also Dec 17, 18, 19, and 20(Koerner Hall, eve).

3:00: Grand River Chorus. Singalong Messiah. Handel. Grand River Orchestra; Shannon McCracken, soprano; Timothy Wong, countertenor; Shawn Oakes, tenor; Kirk Lackenbauer, baritone. Grace Anglican Church, 15 Albion St.,Brantford. . $25; $15(sr/st).

3:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$109. Also Dec 16, 17, 19, 20.

3:30: Huronia Symphony Orchestra. The Glory of Christmas. Moll/Balaburski: Sadie’s Door (premiere); Handel: Overture to Messiah; Calvert: ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime; Anderson: Sleigh Ride; traditional Christmas classics; carol sing-along. Oliver Balaburski, conductor. Guests: Barrie Belltones Handbell Choir. Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St., Barrie. 705-721-4752. $25; $10(st); $5(child).

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Our next issue of HalfTones, Vol 2 No 4, is out on December 9! The next print issue of The WholeNote, a double issue for December and January, will be published on December 1.

Please contact halftones@thewholenote.com with any HalfTones inquiries.

Early Music, New Spaces

Fall is officially upon us, and a number of music presenters are making the most out of the changing seasons as an opportunity to experiment with new ideas. In the coming weeks, early music groups in particular get the nod for programming much-loved classics with an unusual—or seasonally appropriate—twist.

Tafelmusik’s Tafelscene program, geared at audiences aged 35 and under, gears up for Concert 2 of their popular series Baroque + Beer, at the Tranzac Club. This time around, it’ll be an October 30 “Hallowe’en Madness edition,” which promises attendees “a night of beer, music, and spooky good times in honour of Hallowe’en.” Advance tickets are $20 and include beer samples. For details on this ages 19-35 event and other upcoming Tafelmusik programming for audiences of all ages, check out http://www.tafelmusik.org/concerts-tickets/tafelscene-35-under/baroque-beer-halloween-madness-edition (tafelmusik.org).

In the same vein, Red Bull, of all presenters, brings to Toronto this week an intriguing marriage of Bach and breakdancing. October 16 to 19 at Massey Hall, Red Bull presents Berlin-base dance troupe The Flying Steps, performing with Swedish dancer Anna Holmström to the live accompaniment of excerpts from J.S. Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier. For an idea of how The Flying Steps interprets Bach with breakdance, here’s a clip from one of the group’s earlier performances in their 2014 tour:

If you don’t yet have plans this weekend, this show may just be one to put on your calendar. More info is available at http://www.masseyhall.com/eventdetail/redbullflyingbach, or at http://www.redbull.com/ca/en/music/events/1331678191814/red-bull-flying-bach-canada.

Music That Meets the Eye

On October 19 and 20, Continuum Contemporary Music presents “Souvenir,” an event that features a world premiere nearly 20 years in the making. Six Canadian composers—Linda Bouchard, Alice Ho, Jocelyn Morlock, Michael Oesterle, Randall Smith and Hiroki Tsurumoto—have teamed up with filmmaker Gary Popovich to craft a six-movement, hour-long film shaped by the evolution of our world. The event is billed as a collaborative creation of music and images that “move from our cosmological beginnings through the geological underpinnings of life on earth; major events in human development; and through perpetual cycles of creation and destruction, dizzying heights and meaningless depths.” Souvenir’s soundtrack will be played by performers from the Continuum ensemble, alongside vocalists Shannon Mercer (soprano) and Krisztina Szabo (mezzo-soprano).

“Souvenir” is on at Betty Oliphant Theatre; tickets are $30 with discounts available for seniors, arts workers and students. For a sneak peak, take a look at this video, or visit continuummusic.org.

"One To Watch" is here to watch!  Irmina Trynkos

Music on Film

Finally, Music on Film, the popular series co-hosted by the RCM and Hot Docs, returns October 28 to March 31, showcasing five different music documentaries. Each screening will also feature guest artists in conversation with Mervon Mehta, the Royal Conservatory’s executive director of performing arts.

Fados, the first film of this year’s series, will be at the Bloor Hot Docs cinema on Tuesday, October 28. This Portuguese film, directed by Carlos Saura, examines the musical genre of fado through an exploration of the city of Lisbon. Find out details on this film, and others in the series, at http://bloorcinema.com/templates/content/music_on_film.

PRIZES, PRIZES!

WIN tickets to the TSO’s “Romeo & Juliet” concert featuring violin superstar Nicola Benedetti (along with a collection of Benedetti’s CDs); tickets to the Royal Canadian Military Institute’s 25th annual Massed Military Band Spectacular at Roy Thomson Hall; places in "The WholeNote publisher’s party” at the Ken Page Memorial Trust annual gala and more! Just click the links below and follow the instructions to enter in the contests of your choice. Feel free to enter all three!

TSO with Nicola Benedetti

RCMI Band Spectacular

KPMT annual gala

JUST IN: NEW LISTINGS

ST. STEPHEN-IN-THE-FIELDS’ FUNDRAISING GALA OCTOBER 24

This October 24 at 7pm, the Church of St. Stephen-in-the-Fields presents a gala evening to raise funds for a permanent bronze version of Timothy Schmalz’s sculpture “Whatsoever You Do,” also known as “Panhandler Jesus.” The evening includes two sets of live music as well as food and wine, featuring performances by pianist Richard Herriott, flautist Isabella Budai with pianist Pei Chen, soprano Mikahi Vergara, and folk artists The Band and Dinah Thorpe, to name a few.

Schmalz’s sculpture has a storied past, its original resin cast having been stolen from the church and then promptly returned with an apology note last winter, only to have shattered from the cold one month later. The community is looking forward to welcoming a permanent version of this work, and this gala will provide the means to help cover the final costs of the art piece.

Tickets are available at the door on the 24th for $20, but reservations are requested; for details, visit saintstephens.ca.

Other new or corrected (*) listings this month include:

Thursday October 16

8:00: Mikhail Turetsky. Soprano. Vocal performances in a variety of styles and languages. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes' Blvd. 416-721-4662; 416-226-9151. $55-$95.

Monday October 20

9:30: The Rex Hotel. Mike Herriott and the OTR Band. Tunes by Freddie Hubbard, The Who, Herriott originals, and a special tribute to the late great Kenny Wheeler with a Wheeler arrangement Wheeler of one of Herriott's pieces. Mike Herriott, trumpet; and others. 194 Queen St. W. 647-888-6707.

Friday October 24

6:00: Guelph Youth Singers. GYS Fall Gala: Giving Youth a Voice. Fall fundraising gala with music by GYS Choir III and SATB Choirs. Markus Howard, conductor; Ken Gee, accompanist. Hanlon Convention Centre, 340 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph. 519-821-8574. $100.

7:00: St. Stephen-in-the-Fields. Gala Fundraising Evening. Fundraising gala to cover costs of Timothy Schmalz’s “Panhandler Jesus” sculpture. Richard Herriott, piano; Pei Chen, piano; Isabella Budai, flute; Clement Carelse, organist; Neil Houlton, organist; Mikhai Vergara, soprano; and others. 103 Bellevue Ave. 416-921-6350 or 437-345-5889. $20, reservations required.

Wednesday October 29

8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Mercedes Cheung, violin. Violin recital by 12-year old Mercedes Cheung. Works by Bach, Paganini, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Waxman, Gade, Khachaturian, and others. Mercedes Cheung, violin; Jeanie Chung, piano. 171 Town Centre Blvd.,Markham. 905-305-7469. $20; $5(child/st).

Thursday October 30

7:00: Astana Opera. Voice of Asia. Works by A. Zhubanov, L. Hamidi, E. Rakhmadiev, T. Muhamejanov, Verdi, Tchaikovsky and others. Yerzhan Kulibayev, violin; Astana Opera House Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir; Abzal Mukhitdinov, conductor; and others. Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E. 1-613-695-8055 x221. $25 and up.

NEW ON OUR WEBSITE

Check out David Podgorski’s blog post on the Toronto Early Music Fair, now online at thewholenote.com! Read it here. 

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Our next issue of HalfTones, Vol 2 No 3, is out on November 13! The next print issue of The WholeNote will be published on November 1.

Please contact halftones@thewholenote.com with any HalfTones inquiries.