Live Listings

NOTE: All times are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

DAILY LISTINGS

Listings are based on information sent to WholeNote in advance by event presenters. Please note that this update includes dated listings for the period Mon Jan 6, 2025, to Mon Jan 13, 2025.

These daily listings include only basic information. For complete and detailed listings or for information on all events, click here to use our JustAsk feature.

The deadline for the next weekly update is Tue Jan 7 at 6pm. Presenters are asked to advise us as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations to John Sharpe at listings@thewholenote.com.

Subscribe to the weekly update at www.thewholenote.com/newsletter.

LIVE OR ONLINE

Jan 06 12:00_noon: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Masterclass: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Jan 07 12:10: Nine Sparrows Arts Foundation. Lunchtime Chamber Music. Vanessa Yu, piano. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. 416-922-1167 or www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free. Donations welcome.

Jan 07 6:00: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Chamber Music Masterclass: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Jan 08 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Instrumental Series: Rising Stars. Artists of The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.

Jan 08 6:00: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Masterclass: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Jan 09 10:00am: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Chamber Music Masterclass: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Jan 09 11:45am: Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty of Music. Student Recital. Wilfrid Laurier University - Maureen Forrester Recital Hall, 75 University Ave., Waterloo. Wilfrid Laurier Faculty of Music. Free.

Jan 09 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Dance Series: the ties that Bind us, the ties that Bond us. Includes a Q&A session with the artist. Nickeshia Gerrick. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.

Jan 09 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Dvořák's New World Symphony. Bacewicz: Concerto for String Orchestra; Mozart: Clarinet Concerto K.622; Dvořák: Symphony No.9 "From the New World". Eric Abramowitz, clarinet; Anja Bihlmaier, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375 or www.tso.ca. From $30. Also Jan 11 (RTH @ 8pm) & Jan 12(George Weston Recital Hall @ 3pm).

Jan 10 12:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Vocal Recital. Susan Gouthro, soprano; Rachel Wood, mezzo. Western University - Music Building - Von Kuster Hall, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events. Free. LIVE & LIVESTREAM.

Jan 10 6:00: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Masterclass: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Jan 10 8:00: Centre in the Square. Blue Rodeo + Elliott Brood. 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-1570 or www.centreinthesquare.com. From $49.50. Also Jan 11.

Jan 10 8:00: Toronto Consort. Incarnation. Carols from the 12th, 15th, and 20th century. Trinity St. Paul's United Church. Jeanne Lamon Hall, 427 Bloor St. W. www.torontoconsort.org. Visit website for ticket information.

Jan 10 8:00: Trinity Bach Project. Bach & Epiphany. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.3 in G BWV 1048; Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4 in G BWV 1049; Bach: Keyboard Concerto No.1 in d BWV 1052; Godwin Friesen: Psalm 19 for Piano Quartet, Mvt 1 "The Skies Proclaim". Valerie Gordon, violin; Alison Melville, recorder; Felix Deák, cello; Christopher Bagan, harpsichord; Godwin Friesen, piano. Little Trinity Anglican Church, 425 King St. E. 306-250-4256. Pay what you choose - $30 / $20 / $10. Also Jan 11(8pm).

Jan 11 12:00_noon: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Maritsa Brookes Concerto Competition. Western University - Music Building - Von Kuster Hall, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events. Free.

Jan 11 3:00: Avenue Road Music & Performance Academy. Piano Recital. Works by Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, Chabrier, Debussy, and others. Ronald Tomarelli, piano. Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy - Gordon Lightfoot Concert Hall, 460 Avenue Rd. Ronald Tomarelli, Piano. $30.

Jan 11 7:00: Toronto Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Songfest. The North Toronto Players, the St. Anne’s Music and Drama Society, COSA (Centre for Operatic Studies and Appreciation), and the G&S Concert Group. St. Andrew's United Church, 117 Bloor St E. $5(non-G&S Society members); Free (G&S Society members). Refreshments included. All are welcome.

Jan 11 7:30: Music at the Toronto Oratory. Complete Organ Works of J. S. Bach, Part VII: Music for Christmastide. Includes Pastorale, Canonic Variations, Prelude and Fugue in d, and Christmas chorale preludes. Aaron James, organ. Holy Family Roman Catholic Church - Oratory, 1372 King St. W. 416-532-2879. Free admission. Donations accepted.

Jan 11 7:30: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Recital: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free. Livestream available.

Jan 11 8:00: Centre in the Square. Blue Rodeo + Elliott Brood. See Jan 10.

Jan 11 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Dvořák's New World Symphony. Bacewicz: Concerto for String Orchestra; Mozart: Clarinet Concerto K.622; Dvořák: Symphony No.9 "From the New World". Eric Abramowitz, clarinet; Anja Bihlmaier, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375 or www.tso.ca. From $30. Also Jan 9(RTH @ 8pm) & Jan 12(George Weston Recital Hall @ 3pm).

Jan 11 8:00: Trinity Bach Project. Bach & Epiphany. See Jan 10.

Jan 12 2:30: Kingston Symphony. Hindemith & Haydn. Works by Respighi, Wagner, Haydn, and Hindemith. Amelia Lyon, flute. Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King St. W., Kingston. 613-546-9729 or www.kingstonsymphony.ca/concerts/hindemith-haydn. From $20.

Jan 12 2:30: VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert. Alceste. Music by Christoph W. Gluck. Sung in French with English Surtitles. Lauren Margison (Alceste); Colin Ainsworth (Admete); Sebastien Belcourt (Hercule); Ryan Hofman (The Infernal God); Austin Larusson (High Priest); Joseph Ernst (Apollo); Opera in Concert Chorus; Robert Cooper, chorus director; Suzy Smith, music director & pianist; Guillermo Silva-Marin, dramatic advisor. Trinity St. Paul's United Church. Jeanne Lamon Hall, 427 Bloor St. W. www.operainconcert.com/tickets or 416-408-0208. From $42.

Jan 12 3:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Dvořák's New World Symphony. Bacewicz: Concerto for String Orchestra; Mozart: Clarinet Concerto K.622; Dvořák: Symphony No.9 "From the New World". Eric Abramowitz, clarinet; Anja Bihlmaier, conductor. Meridian Arts Centre - George Weston Recital Hall, 5040 Yonge St. 416-598-3375 or www.tso.ca. From $30. Also Jan 9(RTH @ 8pm) & Jan 11(RTH @ 8pm).

Jan 12 4:00: Vesnivka Choir. Ukrainian Christmas Concert. A program of traditional and contemporary Ukrainian Christmas music. Vesnivka Choir; Toronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir. Guest artist: Roman Nykorovych, violin. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 3055 Bloor St. W. www.vesnivka.com or Eventbrite or 416-246-9880. $30; Free(child under 16).

Jan 12 4:30: No Strings Theatre. Amahl and the Night Visitors. Music by Gian Carlo Menotti. Zev Stone (Boy); Denise Williams (Mother); Ian Corlett (Kaspar); Geoffrey Sanguine (Melchior); and others. Church of St. Peter and St. Simon-the-Apostle, 525 Bloor St. E. Amahl and the Night Visitors or 416-551-2093. From $5.

Jan 12 7:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society. Gillham & Iinuma Play Brahms. Brahms: Sonatas for Piano and Violin - Sonata in G Op.78; Sonata in A Op.100; Sonata in d Op.108; Scherzo from Sonata in c "FAE". David Gillham, violin; Chiharu Iinuma, piano. www.ticketscene.ca/kwcms. $35; $10(st). CANCELLED.

Jan 12 8:00: Opera Revue. Cabaret to Modern Day. Selections from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Wicked, Hamilton, and works by Sondheim. Danie Friesen, soprano; Renée Salewski, soprano; Gregory Finney, baritone; Alexander Hajek, baritone; Claire Elise Harris, piano. The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard Ave. E. 647-637-7491. From $25.

MUSICALS

Mirvish Productions. Disney's The Lion King. Directed by Julie Taymor. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W. 1.800.461.3333. $59-$259. Runs to Apr 27, 2025. Visit www.mirvish.com for tickets.

ONGOING EVENTS

Encore Symphonic Concert Band. Monthly Concert Band Concert. The first Thursday of every month at 11am. 35-piece concert band performing band concert music, pop tunes, jazz standards (2 singers) and the occasional march. Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills, 2737 Bayview Ave. www.encoreband.ca. $10.

Trinity College, University of Toronto. Evensong. Traditional Anglican choral music. Trinity College Chapel Choir; Thomas Bell, director of music; Peter Bayer, organ scholar. Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. 416-978-2522 or Trinity College. Free. Evensong is sung every Wednesday at 5:15pm in the beautiful Trinity College chapel during term time.

ONLINE EVENTS

Arts@Home. A vibrant hub connecting Torontonians to arts and culture. Designed to strengthen personal and societal resilience through the arts. www.artsathome.ca.

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba and auxiliary percussion. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Recollectiv. For anyone living with cognitive challenges from Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke or PTSD. The group meets weekly to rediscover the joy of making music. Community members and music students are welcome to this fun, rewarding and inter-generational experience. Sessions take place from 2 to 3pm (with sound checks and socializing at 1:30pm). Please contact recollectiv@gmail.com for more information.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

A new community Baroque orchestra is being launched in Toronto! All instruments (particularly violin and oboe) and all levels of playing accommodated. Interested? Please contact me, Jane Ubertino, at lucindabell56@hotmail.com

The Choralairs is a non-audition, adult choir that welcomes new members in September and January.  Rehearsals are on Tuesday 6:45-8-45pm at Edithvale C.C. 131 Finch Ave. W, Toronto. Please contact Elaine at choralairs.delighted.720@silomails.com to RSVP. Check out our new website at  www.Choralairs.com.

Columbus Concert Band. Rehearsals:  Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm at Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Ave., Toronto. Openings for flute, clarinet, tenor sax, and trumpet; however, all who are in search of being a part of a great band are welcome. Our members are warm and welcoming. For more information, contact ccbtoronto@gmail.com or visit our website at www.columbusconcertband.com.

Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Full rehearsals every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. 309 Horner Ave. Open to all who are looking for a great band to join. Text Rob Hunter at 416-878-1730.

Harmony Singers of Etobicoke. The women of The Harmony Singers survived COVID and are regrouping for 2024! If you'd like to sing an exciting repertoire of pop, jazz, folk and light classics, the group will give you a warm welcome! Rehearsals start in January on Wednesday nights from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at Richview United Church in Etobicoke. Contact Conductor Harvey Patterson at: theharmonysingers@ca.com or call 416-239-5821.

New Horizons Band of Toronto. All levels from beginners to advanced for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Weekly classes led by professional music teachers. Loaner instrument provided to each new registrant in the beginners’ program. Visit www.newhorizonsbandtoronto.ca. 

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for drums, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns.  Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 pm. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Quinte Regional Youth Chorus. This is a new group based in Belleville, Ontario, for singers aged 6-16. St. Thomas Anglican Church, Parish Centre, 201 Church St., Belleville. Call 613-962-3636 for information.

Serenata Singers. Are you free Wednesday mornings? Do you love the joy of singing and the camaraderie it brings? Join the Serenata Singers who have sparkled in Toronto’s constellation of choral gems since 1976! Seniors singers, come together with voices united in song. Inspire generations to follow! This 55-voice adult SATB community choir, ranging in age from 55 to 97, will gather again under accomplished choral director Michael Morgan who shares his talents and expertise to perform a “Winter Cabaret” on November 30, 2024, with other performances during the year at seniors’ residences. Our season crescendos with two annually spring concerts on May 8 & 9, 2025. Our spring concerts entitled “Tuned In” will feature favourites from the movies, Broadway, and television. Consider joining this caring, friendly group of retirees at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd, every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Two free trial rehearsals are allowed before deciding to join! Check us out at our website at www.serenatasingers.ca  or call Charlotte at 416-449-4053! Come join us!

String Orchestra TO is a new string orchestra in Toronto for amateur intermediate and advanced string players. No auditions. Our season runs from Sep 11, 2024 to May 28, 2025. Wed rehearsals: 7:15-9:15 pm at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave.. Visit www.sites.google.com/view/stringorchestrato/home or email us at StringOrchestraTO@gmail.com.

Strings Attached Orchestra, North York. All string players (especially viola, cello, bass) are welcome. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. from Sep to Jun. Email us first at info.stringsattached@gmail.com to receive music and other details or visit our website at www.stringsattachedorchestra.com for more information.

VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Openings for experienced tenors and basses.  VOCA is an auditioned ensemble, currently preparing a broad range of selections (including premieres) for our Dec 14 "Season Songs" concert, featuring Michael Occhipinti, guitar and Jamie Drake, percussion.  On May 10, 2025, we'll be performing "Carmina Burana", featuring special guest, Andrew Haji, tenor. Rehearsals are held at Eastminster, 310 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway) on Monday evenings. Contact Jenny Crober at crober.best@gmail.com for more info.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Toronto Summer Music. TSM Academy - Emerging Artists Program. Designed for musicians who are launching their professional careers and provides unique educational opportunities for chamber musicians and singers from 18 to 35 years old. String players and pianists are invited to apply for the Chamber Music Institute Program; vocalists and pianists are invited to apply for the Art of Song Program. Please visit our website for more information on program dates and applications at tosummermusic.com/the-academy/emerging-artist-program/. Applications are open until Jan 23, 2025.

WORKSHOPS

Jan 12 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization (TEMPO). Bridges and Borders: An English Renaissance Dialogue. The workshop will explore how works for 5 and 6-part ensemble by Parsans, Philips, and Johnson navigate both English traditions and broader European influences. Avery MacLean, presenter. Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. www.tempotoronto.netor info@tempotoronto.net. Visit website or email for further information.

NOTE: All times are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

DAILY LISTINGS

Listings are based on information sent to WholeNote in advance by event presenters. Please note that this update includes dated listings for the extended period Mon Dec 23, 2024 to Mon Jan 6, 2025. No further weekly updates will be issued until Jan 6, 2025. Happy holidays to all!

These daily listings include only basic information. For complete and detailed listings or for information on all events, click here to use our JustAsk feature.

The deadline for the next weekly update is Tue Dec 31 at 6pm. Presenters are asked to advise us as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations to John Sharpe at listings@thewholenote.com.

Subscribe to the weekly update at www.thewholenote.com/newsletter.

LIVE OR ONLINE

Dec 23 5:00: The Edison Singers. O Hear the Angel Voices: The Music of Christmas. Knox Presbyterian Church, 51 Church St., Elora. 226-384-9300. $45; $20(ages 13-21); $10(ages 12 & under). Running time: 75 min. (no intermission).

Dec 27 6:00: Aga Khan Museum. Light Up the Dark 2024. 6, 7, and 8pm: TD Pop-Up Performance: Andrew Kay. Aga Khan Museum - Atrium, 77 Wynford Dr. www.agakhanmuseum.org/lutd or 416-646-4677. Free. Also Dec 28 & 29.

Dec 27 7:00: League of Ukrainian Canadian Women - Toronto Branch. Musical Fridays: New Year Concert. A chamber concert series highlighting the beauty of live classical music. Great Lakes Philharmonic Orchestra; Anton Yeretsky, conductor. Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Rd. www.MusicalFridays09-29-24.eventbrite.ca. $35(online); $40(at door); Free for children under 15. A portion of the proceeds will be donated towards humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Dec 27 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Suzie Vinnick. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com/suzie-vinnick-2. Visit website for ticket pricing and information.

Dec 27 8:00: Old Mill Toronto. Jazz Lounge: Errol Fisher. 21 Old Mill Rd. 416-207-2020 or www.oldmilltoronto.com/event/errol-fisher. $22. Minimum $30 food & beverage spend. Restricted to ages 19+. Dinner at 6pm. Show at 8pm.

Dec 28 6:00: Aga Khan Museum. Light Up the Dark 2024. 6, 7, and 8pm: TD Pop-Up Performance: Lucy Iacono. Aga Khan Museum - Atrium, 77 Wynford Dr. www.agakhanmuseum.org/lutd or 416-646-4677. Free. Also Dec 27 & 29.

Dec 28 7:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Special Event: Into the Woods. Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by James Lapine. Richard Ouzounian, stage director; Paul Sportelli, music director. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $75. Also Dec 29, 30 & 31.

Dec 28 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Don Ross. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com/don-ross. $40.

Dec 28 8:00: Kindred Spirits Orchestra. Salute to 2025! New Year's Gala. A selection of overtures, arias, and duets from works by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, and others. Alexa Frankian, soprano; Geo Chobanov, bass-baritone; Kristian Alexander, conductor. Meridian Arts Centre - George Weston Recital Hall, 5040 Yonge St. 905-604-8339. $48-$78.

Dec 28 8:30: Caliban Arts Theatre. Pre-New Year's Eve Funk, Soul, Nujazz, and Disco Party. Featured DJs: Paul Dela Cruz and Albert Assoon. CONTXT by Trane, 254 Lansdowne Ave. info@calibanartstheatre.com. Email for tickets and info.

Dec 29 3:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Countess Maritza. Music by Imre Kalmán. Artists to be announced. St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E. 416-366-7723 or 1–800-708-6754 or www.tolive.com. From $75. Also Jan 3(8pm), 4(8pm).

Dec 29 6:00: Aga Khan Museum. Light Up the Dark 2024. 6, 7, and 8pm: TD Pop-Up Performance: JER. Aga Khan Museum - Atrium, 77 Wynford Dr. www.agakhanmuseum.org/lutd or 416-646-4677. Free. Also Dec 27 & 29.

Dec 29 7:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Special Event: Into the Woods. See Dec 28. Also Dec 30 & 31.

Dec 29 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Dr. Draw. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com/dt-draw-2. Visit website for ticket pricing and information.

Dec 30 2:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Ballet Jörgen: The Nutcracker - A Canadian Tradition. Bengt Jörgen, choreographer & artistic director. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca. From $69.50. Also Dec 30(7pm), 31(11am & 3pm).

Dec 30 7:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Special Event: Into the Woods. See Dec 28. Also Dec 31.

Dec 31 11:00am: Flato Markham Theatre. Ballet Jörgen: The Nutcracker - A Canadian Tradition. See Dec 30. Also Dec 31(3pm).

Dec 31 7:00: Attila Glatz Concert Productions/Roy Thomson Hall. Bravissimo! - New Year's at the Opera. Arias and duets, including selections from Carmen, Turandot, and The Marriage of Figaro. Eri Nakamura, soprano; Viktoria Vizin, mezzo; Kang Wang, tenor; Mihai Damian, baritone; Canadian Opera Company Orchestra. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. www.roythomsonhall.com or 416-872-4255. From $87.50.

Dec 31 7:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Special Event: Into the Woods - New Year's Eve Celebration. See Dec 28.

Dec 31 9:00: Tranzac Club. New Year's Eve. Joseph Shabason & The Welcome To Hell Tentet; Sandro Perri & Friends; Jane Inc.with Punjabi Ambient Squad (DJs sanjeet, Sarovar & Tender Buttons)+ Burdock Brewery Tap Takeove. 292 Brunswick Ave. www.ticketscene.ca/events/50274. $32/$30(adv).

Dec 31 10:00: Caliban Arts Theatre. New Year's Eve Jazz on Vinyl House Party. With band IN CONTEXT featuring The Garth Bridges Pan-African Jazz Duo. CONTXT by Trane, 254 Lansdowne Ave. info@calibanartstheatre.com. Email for tickets and info. Limited tickets available for hors d'oeuvres and party. New Year's Eve Party tickets only: 10pm onward.

Jan 01 2:30: Attila Glatz Concert Productions/Roy Thomson Hall. Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert 2025. Brigitta Simon, soprano; Eric Fennell, tenor; Europaballett St. Pölten & International Champion Ballroom Dancers; Strauss Symphony of Canada; Michael Zehetner, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. www.roythomsonhall.com or 416-872-4255. From $86.

Jan 01 3:00: Stratford Symphony Orchestra. New Year's Celebration. Program to be announced. William Rowson, conductor. Avondale United Church (Stratford), 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-0990 or www.stratfordsymphony.ca/2025_New_Years_Celebration. $60; $15(st); Free(under 12).

Jan 01 7:30: The Jeffery Concerts. Brett Polegato, Baritone and Robert Kortgaard, Piano. Schumann: Frauenliebe- und Leben; Matthew Ricketts: Songs for a Judith. London Public Library - Wolf Performance Hall, 251 Dundas St., London. www.grandtheatre.com or 519-672-8800. $40; Free(st).

Jan 03 8:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Countess Maritza. See Dec 29. Also Jan 4(8pm).

Jan 04 2:00: Avenue Road Music & Performance Academy. Marbin Matinée Concert Series: Piano Masterworks - An Evolution of Form and Colour. The musical architecture of Baroque and Classical music juxtaposed with the colours painted by Romantic and Modern harmonies in works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Messiaen. Megan Lo, piano. Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy - Gordon Lightfoot Concert Hall, 460 Avenue Rd. Megan Lo. Free admission but donations are encouraged.

Jan 04 8:00: Toronto Operetta Theatre. Countess Maritza. See Dec 29.

Jan 05 3:00: Li Delun Music Foundation. Benestone Construction New Year’s Concert 2025: East Meets West Concert of Favourite Classics. Chopin: Piano Concerto No.1; J. Strauss II: Voices of Spring Waltz; Hu Bijing: Clarinet Concerto “Sound of Pamir”; Tenor solo arias from La traviata and Tosca; Tchaikovsky: Mvmt 4 from Symphony No.4; and Chinese works. Kang Wang, tenor; YaoGuang Zhai, clarinet; Ryan Wang, piano; Toronto Festival Orchestra; Lihua Tan; conductor. Meridian Arts Centre - George Weston Recital Hall, 5040 Yonge St. 365-597-6788 or 416-366-7723. From $48.

Jan 06 12:00_noon: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Masterclass: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Jan 07 6:00: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Chamber Music Masterclass: Julien Beaudiment, Flute. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

MUSICALS

Canadian Stage/Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres. The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical. Written by Matt Murray, directed by Ted Dykstra. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge St. Visit www.canadianstage.com for tickets and information. Runs Dec 6, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 will not be admitted.

Grand Theatre. The Sound of Music. Music & Lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Directed by Rachel Peake. Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St., London. 519-672-8800. $24-$101. Runs Nov 19-Dec 29. Visit www.grandtheatre.com for full performance dates and pricing.

Mirvish Productions. Disney's The Lion King. Directed by Julie Taymor. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W. 1.800.461.3333. $59-$259. Runs Nov 2, 2024 - Apr 27, 2025. Visit www.mirvish.com for tickets.

T.Y.T. Theatre. The Snow Queen Musical. Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. Wychwood Theatre (Toronto), 76 Wychwood Ave. Visit www.tyttheatre.com for complete show times and tickets. $33.49-$42.49. Runs Nov 22, 2024-Jan 5. 2025.

Young People's Theatre. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Book by David Greig. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Recommended for ages 6 and up. www.youngpeoplestheatre.org or 416-862-2222. From $10. Weekends: Dec 21, 27, 28, 29 & 30 at 1pm & 4pm.

ONGOING EVENTS

Encore Symphonic Concert Band. Monthly Concert Band Concert. The first Thursday of every month at 11am. 35-piece concert band performing band concert music, pop tunes, jazz standards (2 singers) and the occasional march. Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills, 2737 Bayview Ave. www.encoreband.ca. $10.

Trinity College, University of Toronto. Evensong. Traditional Anglican choral music. Trinity College Chapel Choir; Thomas Bell, director of music; Peter Bayer, organ scholar. Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. 416-978-2522 or Trinity College. Free. Evensong is sung every Wednesday at 5:15pm in the beautiful Trinity College chapel during term time.

ONLINE EVENTS

Arts@Home. A vibrant hub connecting Torontonians to arts and culture. Designed to strengthen personal and societal resilience through the arts. www.artsathome.ca.

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba and auxiliary percussion. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Recollectiv. For anyone living with cognitive challenges from Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke or PTSD. The group meets weekly to rediscover the joy of making music. Community members and music students are welcome to this fun, rewarding and inter-generational experience. Sessions take place from 2 to 3pm (with sound checks and socializing at 1:30pm). Please contact recollectiv@gmail.com for more information.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

A new community Baroque orchestra is being launched in Toronto! All instruments (particularly violin and oboe) and all levels of playing accommodated. Interested? Please contact me, Jane Ubertino, at lucindabell56@hotmail.com

The Choralairs is a non-audition, adult choir that welcomes new members in September and January.  Rehearsals are on Tuesday 6:45-8-45pm at Edithvale C.C. 131 Finch Ave. W, Toronto. Please contact Elaine at choralairs.delighted.720@silomails.com to RSVP. Check out our new website at  www.Choralairs.com.

Columbus Concert Band. Rehearsals:  Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm at Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Ave., Toronto. Openings for flute, clarinet, tenor sax, and trumpet; however, all who are in search of being a part of a great band are welcome. Our members are warm and welcoming. For more information, contact ccbtoronto@gmail.com or visit our website at www.columbusconcertband.com.

Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Full rehearsals every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. 309 Horner Ave. Open to all who are looking for a great band to join. Text Rob Hunter at 416-878-1730.

Harmony Singers of Etobicoke. The women of The Harmony Singers survived COVID and are regrouping for 2024! If you'd like to sing an exciting repertoire of pop, jazz, folk and light classics, the group will give you a warm welcome! Rehearsals start in January on Wednesday nights from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at Richview United Church in Etobicoke. Contact Conductor Harvey Patterson at: theharmonysingers@ca.com or call 416-239-5821.

New Horizons Band of Toronto. All levels from beginners to advanced for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Weekly classes led by professional music teachers. Loaner instrument provided to each new registrant in the beginners’ program. Visit www.newhorizonsbandtoronto.ca. 

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for drums, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns.  Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 pm. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Quinte Regional Youth Chorus. This is a new group based in Belleville, Ontario, for singers aged 6-16. St. Thomas Anglican Church, Parish Centre, 201 Church St., Belleville. Call 613-962-3636 for information.

Serenata Singers. Are you free Wednesday mornings? Do you love the joy of singing and the camaraderie it brings? Join the Serenata Singers who have sparkled in Toronto’s constellation of choral gems since 1976! Seniors singers, come together with voices united in song. Inspire generations to follow! This 55-voice adult SATB community choir, ranging in age from 55 to 97, will gather again under accomplished choral director Michael Morgan who shares his talents and expertise to perform a “Winter Cabaret” on November 30, 2024, with other performances during the year at seniors’ residences. Our season crescendos with two annually spring concerts on May 8 & 9, 2025. Our spring concerts entitled “Tuned In” will feature favourites from the movies, Broadway, and television. Consider joining this caring, friendly group of retirees at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd, every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Two free trial rehearsals are allowed before deciding to join! Check us out at our website at www.serenatasingers.ca  or call Charlotte at 416-449-4053! Come join us!

String Orchestra TO is a new string orchestra in Toronto for amateur intermediate and advanced string players. No auditions. Our season runs from Sep 11, 2024 to May 28, 2025. Wed rehearsals: 7:15-9:15 pm at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave.. Visit www.sites.google.com/view/stringorchestrato/home or email us at StringOrchestraTO@gmail.com.

Strings Attached Orchestra, North York. All string players (especially viola, cello, bass) are welcome. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. from Sep to Jun. Email us first at info.stringsattached@gmail.com to receive music and other details or visit our website at www.stringsattachedorchestra.com for more information.

VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Openings for experienced tenors and basses.  VOCA is an auditioned ensemble, currently preparing a broad range of selections (including premieres) for our Dec 14 "Season Songs" concert, featuring Michael Occhipinti, guitar and Jamie Drake, percussion.  On May 10, 2025, we'll be performing "Carmina Burana", featuring special guest, Andrew Haji, tenor. Rehearsals are held at Eastminster, 310 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway) on Monday evenings. Contact Jenny Crober at crober.best@gmail.com for more info.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Toronto Summer Music. TSM Academy - Emerging Artists Program. Designed for musicians who are launching their professional careers and provides unique educational opportunities for chamber musicians and singers from 18 to 35 years old. String players and pianists are invited to apply for the Chamber Music Institute Program; vocalists and pianists are invited to apply for the Art of Song Program. Please visit our website for more information on program dates and applications at tosummermusic.com/the-academy/emerging-artist-program/. Applications are open from Dec 5, 2024, until Jan 23, 2025.

NOTE: All times are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

DAILY LISTINGS

Listings are based on information sent to WholeNote in advance by event presenters. Please note that this update includes dated listings for the period Mon Dec 16 to Mon Dec 23, 2024.

These daily listings include only basic information. For complete and detailed listings or for information on all events, click here to use our JustAsk feature.

The deadline for the next weekly update is Tue Dec 17 at 6pm. Presenters are asked to advise us as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations to John Sharpe at listings@thewholenote.com.

Subscribe to the weekly update at www.thewholenote.com/newsletter.

LIVE OR ONLINE

Dec 16 7:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society. Complete Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle, Part 2. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos.5, 9, 27, and 32. Heather Taves, piano. Keffer Memorial Chapel, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave. W., Waterloo. www.k-wcms.com/concerts. $40; $10(st). Complete Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle (all 8 concerts): $150.

Dec 16 7:00: Peterborough Singers. Handel's Messiah. Midori Marsh, soprano; Jennifer Enns Modolo, mezzo; Colin Ainsworth, tenor; Jonathan Liebich, bass; Ian Sadler, organ; Paul Otway, trumpet. Emmanuel United Church, 534 George St. N., Peterborough. 705-745-1820 or www.peterboroughsingers.com/concerts/handels-messiah. $40; $10(st).

Dec 16 7:30: The Edison Singers. O Hear the Angel Voices: The Music of Christmas. St. Mark's Anglican Church, 41 Byron St., Niagara-on-the-Lake. 226-384-9300. $45; $20(ages 13-21); $10(ages 12 & under). Running time: 75 min. (no intermission).

Dec 16 8:00: Massey Hall. Clario - Charm Tour. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $87. Also Dec 17 & 18.

Dec 16 8:00: Uxbridge Messiah Singers. Handel's Messiah. Leslie Higgins, soprano; Ellita Gagner, alto; Benjamin Done, tenor; Adam Kuiack, bass; Jonathan Liebich, bass; 80-person choir and professional orchestra; Thomas Baker, conductor. Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St., Uxbridge. www.starticketing.com or 1-866-808-2006. Call or visit website for ticket pricing and information. Also Dec 17.

Dec 17 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Jazz Series: Holiday Celebrations. Steven Taetz, singer/songwriter/bandleader. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.

Dec 17 5:00: Elora Singers. Festival of Carols. An Elora Christmas-tide tradition! A candle-lit concert that will fill you with joy and wonder, and lift your spirit with timeless treasures and heartwarming stories. St. John's Anglican Church, 36 Henderson St., Elora. 519-846-0331 or www.elorasingers.ca. $55, $20 (student), $10 (12 & under). Also Dec 17(8pm), 18(5pm & 8pm).

Dec 17 7:00: Brampton On Stage. The Nutcracker by Ballet Jörgen. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker. Brampton Children’s Chorus; St. Roch Chamber Choir; St. Roch Alumni Choir; Samuel Tak-Ho Tam, conductor. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From $20.

Dec 17 7:30: Orpheus Choir of Toronto. A Ceremony of Carols. Britten: A Ceremony of Carols; Reena Esmail: Winter Breviary; and favourite Christmas and Chanukah music. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. 416-420-9660 or www.orpheuschoirtoronto.com or tickets@orpheuschoirtoronto.com. $50; $40(sr 60+); $25(st/arts workers).

Dec 17 8:00: Elora Singers. Festival of Carols. See Dec 17(5pm). Also Dec 18(5pm & 8pm).

Dec 17 8:00: Massey Hall. Clario - Charm Tour. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $87. Also Dec 16 & 18.

Dec 17 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Messiah. Handel: Messiah. Sherezade Panthaki, soprano; Nicholas Burns, countertenor; Josh Lovell, tenor; Enrico Lagasca, bass-baritone; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Jean-Sébastien Vallée, conductor & TMC Artistic Director. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375 or www.tso.ca. From $30. Also Dec 18(8pm), 20(8pm), 21(8pm), 22(3pm).

Dec 17 8:00: Uxbridge Messiah Singers. Handel's Messiah. See Dec 16.

Dec 18 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Instrumental Series: Golden Violin Award Winner 2023/24. David Montreuil, viola; Wei-Tang Huang, piano. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.

Dec 18 12:15: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Kitchener). Noon Hour Series: Douglas Haas Legacy Concerts. Christmas Music. Fiddlesticks - Cambridge Girls' Choir; Jessica Strub, director. 54 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-4430 or www.standrewskw.com. Free. Lunch available for $10 at 11:30am or bring your own.

Dec 18 5:00: Elora Singers. Festival of Carols. See Dec 17. Also Dec 18(8pm).

Dec 18 7:00: Hugh's Room Live. Broadsway. Diane Leah, Heather Bambrick, and Julie Michels. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com Visit website for information.

Dec 18 8:00: Elora Singers. Festival of Carols. See Dec 17.

Dec 18 8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca. From $15. Limited availability.

Dec 18 8:00: Massey Hall. Clario - Charm Tour. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $87. Also Dec 16 & 17.

Dec 18 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Messiah. See Dec 17. Also Dec 20(8pm), 21(8pm), 22(3pm).

Dec 18 8:00: Voices Chamber Choir. Joyeux Noël. Charpentier: Messe de minuit pour Noël, and other seasonal favorites. Conrad Gold, accompanist; Ron Cheung, conductor. St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, 151 Glenlake Ave. 416-519-0528. $25; $20(sr/st); Free(under 12).

Dec 18 8:00: Voices Chamber Choir. Joyeux Noël. Join the choir for our 28th annual Christmas concert featuring Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Messe de minuit pour Noël and other seasonal favourites. Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 151 Glenlake Ave. www.voiceschoir.com. $20-$25.

Dec 19 7:30: Array Music. Playscape Emporium: Of Dances and Dreams. Curated and performed by Duo Cichorium. Features a distinct artistic medium, blending music, dance, theatre, visual art, poetry, puppetry, and video games. Featuring Angela Blumberg Dance (ABD), Teething, and Adrian Berry. Array Space, 155 Walnut Ave. 416-894-6344 or Playscape Emporium. $20 or PWYC (live); $10 or PWYC(livestream).

Dec 19 7:30: Centre in the Square. Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas Party Tour. 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-1570. From $39.50. www.centreinthesquare.com.

Dec 19 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Boreal and Betty & The Bobs. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com/boreal-and-betty-and-the-bobs. Visit website for pricing.

Dec 19 8:00: Labyrinth Ontario. Makam Night. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. info@labyrinthontario.com. Pay What You Can.

Dec 19 8:00: Old Mill Toronto. Jazz Lounge: A Jewish Boy's Christmas - Sam Broverman. 21 Old Mill Rd. 416-207-2020 or www.oldmilltoronto.com/event/a-jewish-christmas. $20. Minimum $30 food & beverage spend. Restricted to ages 19+. Dinner at 6pm. Show at 8pm.

Dec 20 7:00: Burlington Performing Arts Centre. A Very Charlie Brown Concert featuring Enchorus Children's Choir. Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Main Theatre, 440 Locust St., Burlington. 905-681-6000. From $34.50.

Dec 20 7:00: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present this charming hour-long pageant. 19 Trinity Sq. www.thechristmasstory.ca or 416-598-4521. Suggestion donations: $25(adult); $10(child). Also Dec 21(4:30pm), 22(4:30pm).

Dec 20 7:00: Jazz at Durbar. The Matt Pines Trio. Durbar Indian Restaurant, 2469 Bloor St. W. 416-762-4441. No cover. Reserve a table for dinner or come by for a drink at the bar.

Dec 20 7:30: Cuckoo's Nest Folk Club. Pub Caroling. With Steve Holowitz & Paul Grambo. Chaucer's Pub, 122 Carling St., London. 519-319-5847 or folk@iandavies.com. Suggested donation: $10.

Dec 20 7:30: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. A Holiday Celebration. St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 54 Benton St., Kitchener. www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-holiday-celebration-tickets-1061775050759. From $25. Also Dec 21.

Dec 20 7:30: Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. Handel Messiah. Myriam Leblanc, soprano; Krisztina Szabó, mezzo; Jacob Perry, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass-baritone. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.tafelmusik.org. $35-$140. Also Dec. 21.

Dec 20 8:00: Batuki Music Society. Okavango African Orchestra Concert in Toronto. Redwood Theatre, The, 1300 Gerrard Ave. E. www.Okavango20Dec24.eventbrite.ca. $25(door); $20(adv).

Dec 20 8:00: Exultate Chamber Singers. Holiday Cheer! An evening of holiday favourites including the world premiere of a new work by Canadian composer Brianna Levesque. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. 416-971-9229 or www.exultate.net/performances. Pay What You Wish: $5, $20, $40(suggested).

Dec 20 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Holiday Blues. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com. Visit website for information.

Dec 20 8:00: Old Mill Toronto. A Very Bettys Christmas. The Bettys: Lisette St. Louis, Patty Pedersen, and Kalya Ramu. 21 Old Mill Rd. 416-207-2020 or www.oldmilltoronto.com/event/a-very-bettys-christmas. $20.

Dec 20 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Messiah. See Dec 17. Also Dec 21(8pm), 22(3pm).

Dec 21 2:00: Knox Presbyterian Church/Toronto Beach Chorale. Messiah for the City. Toronto Beach Chorale; Mississauga Chamber Singers; St. Anne's Anglican Church Choir; Soloists; Musicians from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra;. Knox Presbyterian Church, 630 Spadina Ave. Tickets are distributed by United Way and its partner agencies to Torontonians who wouldn’t normally have access.

Dec 21 2:00: Massey Hall. CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Un-Silent Night: An Epic Holiday Sing-Along. 178 Victoria St. www.masseyhall.mhrth.com/tickets/ccc-unsilent-night. $57.30. Also 8pm.

Dec 21 4:00: The Edison Singers. O Hear the Angel Voices: The Music of Christmas. St. Andrew's United Church, 95 Darling St., Brantford. 226-384-9300. $45; $20(ages 13-21); $10(ages 12 & under). Running time: 75 min. (no intermission).

Dec 21 4:30: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. See Dec 20. Also Dec 22(7pm).

Dec 21 5:00: Tranzac Club. JS Presents! Ep. 55: Erik Schramek x Jessica Stuart. One set of original songs per artist, including a mandatory "world premiere," and the stories behind them all. Jessica Stuart, guitar & vocals; Erik Schramek, guitar & vocals. 292 Brunswick Ave. 416-923-8137. PWYC, suggested $10.

Dec 21 7:00: Brampton On Stage. A Next Generation Leahy Christmas. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From $20.

Dec 21 7:30: Caliban Arts Theatre. Sylvester Goshay's Organ Quartet. Sylvester Goshay, drums; Steve Cole, guitar; Chris Brown, organ; Samatha Clayton, vocals. CONTXT by Trane, 254 Lansdowne Ave. info@calibanartstheatre.com. Email for tickets and info.

Dec 21 7:30: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. A Holiday Celebration. See Dec 20.

Dec 21 7:30: Milton Philharmonic Orchestra. Winterlude XI. Tchaikovsky: Excerpts from The Nutcracker Suite; Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves; Anderson: Sleigh Ride; Christmas Sing-Along and other holiday favourites. FirstOntario Arts Centre, 1010 Main St., Milton. 905-875-5399. $30; $25(sr); $15(st/child - ages 1-17).

Dec 21 7:30: Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. Handel Messiah. See Dec 20.

Dec 21 8:00: Burlington Performing Arts Centre. A Whitehorse Winter Classic. Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Main Theatre, 440 Locust St., Burlington. 905-681-6000. From $54.50.

Dec 21 8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. The Jersey Nights Before Christmas Show. Four superb vocalists, a live band, the legendary music of Frankie Valli and the four seasons, nostalgic hits by artists of the magic area, and a special presentation of Christmas classics. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca. From $69.50.

Dec 21 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Christmas Caravan: Global Grooves & Holiday Cheer with Sultans of String. Special guests: Ken Whiteley, Rebecca Campbell, Kristine St-Pierre, Aviva Chernick, Saskia Tomkins, Amanda Martinez, and others. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com. Visit website for information.

Dec 21 8:00: Massey Hall. CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Un-Silent Night: An Epic Holiday Sing-Along. 178 Victoria St. www.masseyhall.mhrth.com/tickets/ccc-unsilent-night. $57.30. Also 2pm.

Dec 21 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Messiah. See Dec 17. Also Dec 22(3pm).

Dec 22 2:00: Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble. Jazz at the Legion. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 82, 35 Front St. N., Port Credit. friends@mbbje.com or 905-270-4757. PWYC.

Dec 22 2:00: Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. Sing-Along Messiah. Myriam Leblanc, soprano; Krisztina Szabó, mezzo; Jacob Perry, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass-baritone. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St. 416-872-4255 or www.tafelmusik.org. $59.70.

Dec 22 3:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Messiah. See Dec 17.

Dec 22 4:30: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. See Dec 20.

Dec 22 4:30: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Nine Lessons and Carols. Yorkminster Park Choir; Sharon L. Beckstead, organ; William Maddox, conductor;. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. www.yorkminsterpark.com Free.

Dec 22 7:00: Burlington Performing Arts Centre. A Family Christmas with Pavlo & John McDermott. O Holy Night, Christmas in the Trenches, The Huron Carol. Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Main Theatre, 440 Locust St., Burlington. 905-681-6000. From $64.50.

Dec 23 5:00: The Edison Singers. O Hear the Angel Voices: The Music of Christmas. Knox Presbyterian Church, 51 Church St., Elora. 226-384-9300. $45; $20(ages 13-21); $10(ages 12 & under). Running time: 75 min. (no intermission). 

MUSICALS

Canadian Stage/Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres. The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical. Written by Matt Murray, directed by Ted Dykstra. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge St. Visit www.canadianstage.com for tickets and information. Runs Dec 6, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 will not be admitted.

Grand Theatre. The Sound of Music. Music & Lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Directed by Rachel Peake. Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St., London. 519-672-8800. $24-$101. Runs Nov 19-Dec 29. Visit www.grandtheatre.com for full performance dates and pricing.

Mirvish Productions. Disney's The Lion King. Directed by Julie Taymor. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W. 1.800.461.3333. $59-$259. Runs Nov 2, 2024 - Apr 27, 2025. Visit www.mirvish.com for tickets.

Shaw Festival. A Christmas Carol. Directed by Ryan G. Hinds, Original music by Paul Sportelli. Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen St, Niagara on the Lake. 905-468-2172 or www.shawfest.com. $28.25-$111.87. Prices vary by date. Runs to Dec 22.

Shaw Festival. My Fair Lady. Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Festival Theatre, 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake. www.shawfest.com/playbill/my-fair-lady. To Dec 21.

T.Y.T. Theatre. The Snow Queen Musical. Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. Wychwood Theatre (Toronto), 76 Wychwood Ave. Visit www.tyttheatre.com for complete show times and tickets. $33.49-$42.49. Runs Nov 22, 2024-Jan 5. 2025.

Young People's Theatre. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Book by David Greig. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Recommended for ages 6 and up. www.youngpeoplestheatre.org or 416-862-2222. From $10. Weekdays: Dec 17, 18 & 19 at 10:15am & 1pm. Weekends: Dec 22 at 11am & 2pm; Dec 21, 27, 28, 29 & 30 at 1pm & 4pm.

ONGOING EVENTS

Encore Symphonic Concert Band. Monthly Concert Band Concert. The first Thursday of every month at 11am. 35-piece concert band performing band concert music, pop tunes, jazz standards (2 singers) and the occasional march. Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills, 2737 Bayview Ave. www.encoreband.ca. $10.

Trinity College, University of Toronto. Evensong. Traditional Anglican choral music. Trinity College Chapel Choir; Thomas Bell, director of music; Peter Bayer, organ scholar. Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. 416-978-2522 or Trinity College. Free. Evensong is sung every Wednesday at 5:15pm in the beautiful Trinity College chapel during term time.

ONLINE EVENTS

Arts@Home. A vibrant hub connecting Torontonians to arts and culture. Designed to strengthen personal and societal resilience through the arts. www.artsathome.ca.

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba and auxiliary percussion. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Recollectiv. For anyone living with cognitive challenges from Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke or PTSD. The group meets weekly to rediscover the joy of making music. Community members and music students are welcome to this fun, rewarding and inter-generational experience. Sessions take place from 2 to 3pm (with sound checks and socializing at 1:30pm). No summer sessions after Jun 22. Weekly sessions resume on Sep 7. Please contact recollectiv@gmail.com for more information.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

A new community Baroque orchestra is being launched in Toronto! All instruments (particularly violin and oboe) and all levels of playing accommodated. Interested? Please contact me, Jane Ubertino, at lucindabell56@hotmail.com

The Choralairs is a non-audition, adult choir that welcomes new members in September and January.  Rehearsals are on Tuesday 6:45-8-45pm at Edithvale C.C. 131 Finch Ave. W, Toronto. Please contact Elaine at choralairs.delighted.720@silomails.com to RSVP. Check out our new website at  www.Choralairs.com.

Columbus Concert Band. Rehearsals:  Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm at Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Ave., Toronto. Openings for flute, clarinet, tenor sax, and trumpet; however, all who are in search of being a part of a great band are welcome. Our members are warm and welcoming. For more information, contact ccbtoronto@gmail.com or visit our website at www.columbusconcertband.com.

Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Full rehearsals every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. 309 Horner Ave. Open to all who are looking for a great band to join. Text Rob Hunter at 416-878-1730.

Harmony Singers of Etobicoke. The women of The Harmony Singers survived COVID and are regrouping for 2024! If you'd like to sing an exciting repertoire of pop, jazz, folk and light classics, the group will give you a warm welcome! Rehearsals start in January on Wednesday nights from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at Richview United Church in Etobicoke. Contact Conductor Harvey Patterson at: theharmonysingers@ca.com or call 416-239-5821.

New Horizons Band of Toronto. All levels from beginners to advanced for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Weekly classes led by professional music teachers. Loaner instrument provided to each new registrant in the beginners’ program. Visit www.newhorizonsbandtoronto.ca. 

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for drums, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns.  Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 pm. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Quinte Regional Youth Chorus. This is a new group based in Belleville, Ontario, for singers aged 6-16. St. Thomas Anglican Church, Parish Centre, 201 Church St., Belleville. Call 613-962-3636 for information.

Serenata Singers. Are you free Wednesday mornings? Do you love the joy of singing and the camaraderie it brings? Join the Serenata Singers who have sparkled in Toronto’s constellation of choral gems since 1976! Seniors singers, come together with voices united in song. Inspire generations to follow! This 55-voice adult SATB community choir, ranging in age from 55 to 97, will gather again under accomplished choral director Michael Morgan who shares his talents and expertise to perform a “Winter Cabaret” on November 30, 2024, with other performances during the year at seniors’ residences. Our season crescendos with two annually spring concerts on May 8 & 9, 2025. Our spring concerts entitled “Tuned In” will feature favourites from the movies, Broadway, and television. Consider joining this caring, friendly group of retirees at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd, every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Two free trial rehearsals are allowed before deciding to join! Check us out at our website at www.serenatasingers.ca  or call Charlotte at 416-449-4053! Come join us!

String Orchestra TO is a new string orchestra in Toronto for amateur intermediate and advanced string players. No auditions. Our season runs from Sep 11, 2024 to May 28, 2025. Wed rehearsals: 7:15-9:15 pm at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave.. Visit www.sites.google.com/view/stringorchestrato/home or email us at StringOrchestraTO@gmail.com.

Strings Attached Orchestra, North York. All string players (especially viola, cello, bass) are welcome. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. from Sep to Jun. Email us first at info.stringsattached@gmail.com to receive music and other details or visit our website at www.stringsattachedorchestra.com for more information.

Toronto Shape Note Singers. Sacred Harp Singing. Shape note selections from the Sacred Harp tunebook.Singing is participatory, not a performance. No experience necessary. All are welcome and there are books to borrow. Monthly on the third Wednesday from Feb 21 to Dec 8, 2024. Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave. 647-838-8764. Pay what you can. Dec 18.

VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Openings for experienced tenors and basses.  VOCA is an auditioned ensemble, currently preparing a broad range of selections (including premieres) for our Dec 14 "Season Songs" concert, featuring Michael Occhipinti, guitar and Jamie Drake, percussion.  On May 10, 2025, we'll be performing "Carmina Burana", featuring special guest, Andrew Haji, tenor. Rehearsals are held at Eastminster, 310 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway) on Monday evenings. Contact Jenny Crober at crober.best@gmail.com for more info.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Toronto Summer Music. TSM Academy - Emerging Artists Program. Designed for musicians who are launching their professional careers and provides unique educational opportunities for chamber musicians and singers from 18 to 35 years old. String players and pianists are invited to apply for the Chamber Music Institute Program; vocalists and pianists are invited to apply for the Art of Song Program. Please visit our website for more information on program dates and applications at tosummermusic.com/the-academy/emerging-artist-program/. Applications are open from Dec 5, 2024, until Jan 23, 2025.

NOTE: All times are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

DAILY LISTINGS

Listings are based on information sent to WholeNote in advance by event presenters. Please note that this update includes dated listings for the period Mon Dec 9 to Mon Dec 16, 2024.

These daily listings include only basic information. For complete and detailed listings or for information on all events, click here to use our JustAsk feature.

The deadline for the next weekly update is Tue Dec 10 at 6pm. Presenters are asked to advise us as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations to John Sharpe at listings@thewholenote.com.

Subscribe to the weekly update at www.thewholenote.com/newsletter.

LIVE OR ONLINE

Dec 09 7:00: Stratford Symphony Youth Orchestra. Winter Recital. Includes Holiday Sing-Along. Special Guests: Stratford Concert Choir; Éric Charbonneau, principal conductor. Avondale United Church (Stratford), 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. www.stratfordsymphony.ca. Visit website for information.

Dec 09 7:30: Avenue Road Music & Performance Academy. Marbin Monday Series: Works for Piano Trio - Kayaleh, Dolin, Porter. Guy Fouquet: Suite for Violin & Cello Op.6; Dvořák: "Dumky" Trio; Arensky: Trio in d Op.32. Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy - Gordon Lightfoot Concert Hall, 460 Avenue Rd. Visit Works for Piano Trio. Free admission but donations are encouraged.

Dec 10 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Instrumental Series: The Apogee of Romanticism. Lawrence Kayaleh, violin; Elizabeth Dolin, cello; Mathieu Gaudet, piano. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.

Dec 10 12:00_noon: Corporation of the City of St. Catharines. 34th Annual Civic Carol Concert. Area school choirs, brass ensemble and organ; Ross Stretton, conductor. St. Thomas's Anglican Church, 99 Ontario St., St. Catharines. 416-700-8072. All cash and food donations will be given to Christmas Community Care.

Dec 10 7:30: Confluence Concerts. Young Associate Concert: Letters to the Author. Curated by Aidan McConnell, our 2024-25 Young Artistic Associate. Pre-concert chat at 6:45pm. Aidan sees all of his musical endeavors from the perspective of a facilitator. To support the unification of others’ artistic voices is one of his greatest joy. Featuring music by Joni Mitchell, Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, Cecile Mclorin Salvant, Burt Bacharach, Benjamin Britten, John Coltrane, and others, with arrangements that bring out the conversation between the original creator and interpreter. Akim, shakuhachi & voice; Larry Beckwith, viola; Andrew Chung, violin; Andrew Downing, bass; Aidan McConnell, drums; and others. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. 647-678-4923 or www.confluenceconcerts.ca. $30. Pre-concert chat at 7:45pm.

Dec 10 7:30: Toronto Community Orchestra. 2024 - The Year of.. Beethoven: Symphony No.9 (Mvts 1 & 2); Mancini: A Tribute to Henry Mancini; Copland: Down a Country Lane; Handel: Overture from Messiah; John Williams: : Raiders March; Herbert: March of the Toys. Nicolo Arrigo, artistic director & conductor. East End/Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. 416-358-0783 or www.torontocommunityorchestra.org. Admission by donation.

Dec 10 8:00: Brampton On Stage. A Big Band Christmas Featuring the B-Jazzed Orchestra. Curated by Carmen Spada. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From $18.

Dec 10 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. TSO Holiday Pops. Denzal Sinclaire, vocalist; Etobicoke School of the Arts Holiday Chorus; Jeff Tyzik, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375 or www.tso.ca. From $41. Also Dec 11(2pm & 8pm) & 12(8pm).

Dec 10 8:30: Jazz Bistro. A Jewish Boy's Christmas - Sam Broverman. 251 Victoria St. Call 416-363-5299 for reservations. $20 cover charge.

Dec 11 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Vocal Series: Music from Latin America. Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.

Dec 11 12:00_noon: Princess Margaret Hospital. A Jewish Boy's Christmas - Sam Broverman. Princess Margaret Hospital - 2nd Floor, 610 University Avenue. No reservation needed. Free.

Dec 11 12:15: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Kitchener). Noon Hour Series: Douglas Haas Legacy Concerts. Renaissance School of the Arts Flute Choir; Wendy Wagler, director. 54 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-4430 or www.standrewskw.com. Free. Lunch available for $10 at 11:30am or bring your own.

Dec 11 2:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. TSO Holiday Pops. See Dec 10. Also Dec 11(8pm) & 12(8pm).

Dec 11 6:00: The Painted Lady. Heidi Savoie. 218 Ossington Ave. www.thepaintedlady.ca or info@thepaintedlady.ca. Visit website or email for information.

Dec 11 7:00: Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. Annual Christmas Concert. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. 416-489-9094 or www.welshchoir.ca. $45; Free(under age 12).

Dec 11 8:00: Brampton On Stage. The Celtic Tenors: A Celtic Christmas. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From $20.

Dec 11 8:00: Massey Hall. Good Lovelies Christmas Concert. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $35.

Dec 11 8:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Cello, With Isata Kanneh-Mason, Piano. Works by Mendelssohn, Poulenc, Fauré, and others. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $50.

Dec 11 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. TSO Holiday Pops. See Dec 10. Also Dec 12(8pm).

Dec 12 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Vocal and Dance Series: ALIVE. Aqua's Red Rhythm & Blues. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca Free.

Dec 12 2:00: Burlington Symphony Orchestra. Christmas Is for Kids. A variety of kid-friendly music. A one-hour shortened version of "A Christmas Spectacular". Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St., Burlington. 905-681-6000. From $10.

Dec 12 5:30: Canadian Opera Company. Opera Express. COC Teaching Artists Karine White, Annemarie Cabri, Isabella Fassler, and COC Chorus Member Ross Mortimer team up with Timothy Cheung on piano. Union Station - West Wing, 65 Front St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.

Dec 12 8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. The Tallis Scholars. Solo monody (14th century): In dulci jubilo v.1; Obrecht: Salve regina; Plainchant by Hildegard: O virtus sapientiae; Victoria: Magnificat; Pearsall: In dulci jubilo. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or visit Tallis Scholars. $88; $98(Prime).

Dec 12 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. TSO Holiday Pops. See Dec 10.

Dec 13 12:00_noon: Music at First-St. Andrew's United Church. Friday Noon Advent Recital. Laudamus Bells (Richard Frank, director). First St. Andrew's United Church, 350 Queens Ave., London. www.fsaunited.com/music-concerts. Visit website for ticket pricing and information.

Dec 13 12:10: Nine Sparrows Arts Foundation. Lunchtime Chamber Music. Satchi Kanashiro, piano. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. 416-922-1167 or www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free. Donations welcome.

Dec 13 5:00: TD Music Hall. Toronto Drum & Bass Awards Show. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. $25.

Dec 13 7:30: Bach Elgar Choir/Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Handel's Messiah. Sydney Baedke, soprano; Hillary Tufford, mezzo; Bud Roach, tenor; Alex Dobson, bass; Bach Elgar Choir; Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra; James Kahaner, conductor. St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 620 Rymal Rd. E., Hamilton. Visit Handel's Messiah. $45; $40(sr 60+); $25(25 & under). Also Dec 15(3pm).

Dec 13 7:30: Elmer Iseler Singers. December Splendour - "Handel's Messiah". Guests: Leslie Fagan, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Colin Ainsworth, tenor; Peter McGillivray, baritone; VIVA Chamber Singers (Carol Woodward Ratzlaff, director) and Amadeus Choir (Kathleen Allan, artistic director); Elmer Iseler Singers (Lydia Adams, conductor). Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. Visit www.bit.ly/decembersplendour. $55; $50(sr); $35(under 30).

Dec 13 7:30: Melos Choir & Period Instruments. Light in the Dark II: From Europe to Persia - 6th-19th Centuries. Works by Gibbons, Bach, and Arakelian, and fresh, cross-cultural interpretations of ancient music. Guests: Sadaf Amini, Iranian santur; Vagho Adamyan, duduk; Members of Navaa Ensemble; David Roth, baritone. St. George's Cathedral, 270 King St. E., Kingston. www.melos-earlymusic.org or meloskingston@gmail.com or 613-542-6571. $30.

Dec 13 7:30: Upper Canada Choristers/Cantemos. A Holiday Travelogue Christmas Concert. Until 9pm without intermission. Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Christmas Carols; Laurie Evan Fraser: Winter Fanfare; Matthew Secaur: A Dream of Summer (premiere); and Christmas carols from Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Provence, and Venezuela. Guest artist: Bradley Christensen, baritone. Upper Canada Choristers; Cantemos; Hye Won (Cecilia) Lee, piano; Laurie Evan Fraser, conductor; Nora Dunn, host. Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. www.uppercanadachoristers.org or info@uppercanadachoristers.org or www.bit.ly/AHolidayTravelogue. $30 via Eventbrite or at the door; Free(children under 16 with an adult). Free streaming at www.uppercanadachoristers.org. Donations are welcome. LIVE & STREAMED.

Dec 13 8:00: Brampton On Stage. The Strumbellas. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From $20.

Dec 13 8:00: Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra. Winter Celebrations. A fun festive concert with seasonal favourites and special treats including the Rietz Clarinet Concerto, Christmas Singalong, and other music. Gavin Warren, clarinet; York University Gospel Choir (Corey Butler, director); Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra; Matthew Jones, music director. Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke. 416-239-5665 or www.eporchestra.ca. $30; $25(sr); $15(st); Free(under 12).

Dec 13 8:00: Old Mill Toronto. Jazz Lounge: Carlos Morgan R&B Jazz Songbook. 21 Old Mill Rd. 416-207-2020 or www.oldmilltoronto.com/event/carlos-morgan. $20. Minimum $30 food & beverage spend. Restricted to ages 19+. Dinner at 6pm. Show at 8pm.

Dec 13 8:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. VOCES8. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $50.

Dec 14 2:00: Avenue Road Music & Performance Academy. Marbin Matinée Series: Gemini Duets - Sam Dickinson, Guitar. Solo explorations blending jazz guitar, free improvisation, effects/loops, and more. Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy - Gordon Lightfoot Concert Hall, 460 Avenue Rd. Visit Gemini Duets. Free admission but donations are encouraged.

Dec 14 3:00: Singing Out. Holiday Road Trip. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St. W. Visit Holiday Road Trip. Free. Also 7:30pm.

Dec 14 3:00: That Arts Group. That Choir Carols. A magical evening of contemporary a cappella choral music as we celebrate the holidays and the winter solstice. Church of St. Mary Magdalene, 477 Manning Ave. www.thatartsgroup.com/thatchoir. From $10. Also Dec 15(8pm).

Dec 14 4:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Pavlo & John McDermott: A Family Christmas. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca. From $15. Also 8pm.

Dec 14 4:00: Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. A Merry Little Christmas. A concert for young families. Holiday favourites and sing-alongs. Includes Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra. Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 905-306-6000. Tickets start at $25. Visit www.livingartscentre.ca for tickets. Also at 7:30pm.

Dec 14 4:30: Beach United Church. Holiday Jazz & Reflection Concert. Joe Sealy, Paul Novotny, and Heather Bambrick. Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. 416-691-8082. Pay-what-you-can.

Dec 14 4:30: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present this charming hour-long pageant. 19 Trinity Sq. www.thechristmasstory.ca or 416-598-4521. Suggestion donations: $25(adult); $10(child). Also Dec 15(4:30pm); 20(7pm), 21(4:30pm), 22(4:30pm). American Sign Language interpretation on Dec 14.

Dec 14 5:00: Kirtan Culture Initiative. An Evening of Musical Mantras. Music Therapy Centre, 1175 Bloor St. W. 416-616-5136 or www.kirtanculture.com. $17.

Dec 14 7:00: Brampton On Stage. Crate Clash. Curated by Joseph Khargie. Brandan Duke, MC; Judges: Incredible DJ Shy and DJ Steph Honey. Plus Crate Clashers DJ Kegz, DJ Beatz, DJ Tripzzxs, Selecta Steez, DJ Lay, and LK The DJ. The Rose Theatre - Rose Studio, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. $10. Standing room only.

Dec 14 7:00: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Home for the Holidays. Holiday favourites and sing-along fun. Hamilton Children's Choir; Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra; Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra; Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor. FirstOntario Concert Hall - Boris Brott Great Hall, 1 Summers Ln., Hamilton. www.hpo.org/home-for-the-holidays. From $20. 6:30pm: Pre-concert talk.

Dec 14 7:00: The Choirs of St. Isaac Jogues Parish. Advent Carol Service. Featuring biblical readings, hymns and chants to help contemplate and prepare hearts for the mystery of Christ’s incarnation as well as familiar carols and ancient chants by Archer, Archer, Vaughan Williams, and Wilson. St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 1148 Finch Ave., Pickering. www.stisaacjogues.ca. Visit website for information.

Dec 14 7:00: Univox Choir. Silent Nights, Bright Tomorrows. Morten Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna; Sarah Quartel: Snow Angel; Sherryl Sewepagaham: Kahkiyah Oskâyak (All The Young People). Univox Choir; Kevin Stolz, piano; Emma Schmiedecke, cello; Eternal Light Orchestra; Malcolm Cody MacFarlane, artistic director. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. Visit www.universe.com/SilentNightsBrightTomorrows. $25, $30 with a $5 donation to the choir; $35 with a $10 donation to the choir; Free(ages 12 and under). Cash and cards accepted.

Dec 14 7:30: Brampton On Stage. The Rose Orchestra: Yule Sing. John Williams: Home Alone Suite and other holiday favourites. Brampton Children’s Chorus; St. Roch Chamber Choir; St. Roch Alumni Choir; Samuel Tak-Ho Tam, conductor. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From $15.

Dec 14 7:30: Chorus York. Vivaldi's Gloria & Seasonal Favourites. Grace Quinsey, soprano; Alexandra Beley, mezzo; Dr. John Holland, artistic director. Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge St., Richmond Hill. www.chorusyork.ca/concerts or 905-884-7922. $25; Free(12 yr & under with ID).

Dec 14 7:30: Hugh's Room Live. Angela Hewitt. Works by Mozart, Bach, and Handel. Rosedale United Church, 159 Roxborough Dr. www.showpass.com/angela-hewitt-at-rosedale-centre. $85. Also Dec 15(Hugh's Room Live).

Dec 14 7:30: Massey Hall. Gloria! Vivaldi: Gloria; Carol of the Bells; The Star Carol. St. Michael's Choir School. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $48.

Dec 14 7:30: Niagara Symphony Orchestra. Home for the Holidays. Jennifer Rider-Shaw, soprano; Robert Markus, tenor; Laura Secord Secondary School Choir. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre - Partridge Hall, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 905-688-0722 or boxoffice@firstontariopac.ca. From $39; $52(arts workers); $46(under 35); $29(st); $24(18 and under). Also Dec 15(2:30pm).

Dec 14 7:30: Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society. Christmas with Clara. Clara Schumann: Piano Concerto in a, Op.7; Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite; Ave Maria; Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring; O Holy Night; and other works. OCMS Choir and Symphony Orchestra; Jackie Leung, piano; Joanne Ng, conductor. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. 647-848-3396 or www.ocms-ca.com $35; $25(sr/st).

Dec 14 7:30: Royal Conservatory of Music. Taylor Academy Concerts: Academy Chamber Orchestra. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Mazzoleni Concert Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. Free.

Dec 14 7:30: Singing Out. Holiday Road Trip. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St. W. Visit Holiday Road Trip. Free. Also 3pm.

Dec 14 7:30: St. James Cathedral. Messiah. Music by G. F. Handel. Thomas Bell, conductor; Jane Fingler, soprano; Marjorie Maltais, mezzo; Jacob Abrahamse, tenor; Dion Mazerolle, baritone; Choirs of St. James Cathedral and Trinity College U of T; Orchestra of St. James. Cathedral Church of St. James, 106 King St. E. 416-364-7865 or www.stjamescathedral.ca/messiahconcert2024.

Dec 14 7:30: The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda. Christmas with The Salvation Army. Jordan Smith, guest vocalist. Canadian Staff Band; Canadian Staff Songsters; NEON;  Festival Chorus; Ian Sadler, organ. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. www.tickets.mhrth.com From $29.

Dec 14 7:30: Toronto Metropolitan University Concert Choir. Inaugural Concert. Baruch Cohon: Hanukkah Songs; Magnificats by Durante, Brewer, and Randall Thompson; a selection of Solstice, Hanukkah, and Christmas songs and Hanukkah songs; works by Becky Reardon, Kim Baryluk, Errollyn Wallen, Corlynn Hanney, and Eleanor Daly; and a sing-along to end the evening. St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 611 St. Clair Ave. W. programsfor50plus@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5103 or Toronto Metropolitan University Concert Choir. From $20; Free(under 10).

Dec 14 7:30: Upper Canada Brass. December Delights. Dedicated to supporting Ukraine and performing concerts to raise funds for children affected by the war. Donations to Dmytro's project can be made through our charity buckets at the concert. Dmytro Garbovskyi, baritone. St. Mary's Anglican Church), 10030 Yonge St., Richmond Hill. www.uppercanadabrass.ca or December Delights. Visit websites for ticket information.

Dec 14 7:30: VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Season Songs. The first of two concerts celebrating Jenny Crober’s 20th anniversary as Artistic Director. Works by Joni Mitchell, Sarah Quartel and Ola Gjeilo, and premieres by Nicholas Ryan Kelly and Matthew Emery. Michael Occhipinti, guitar; Jamie Drake, percussion; Jenny Crober, conductor; Dakota Scott-Digout, collaborative pianist. East End/Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. 416-947-8487 or visit www.vocachorus.ca. $30; $15(st).

Dec 14 8:00: Burlington Performing Arts Centre. CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Un-Silent Night: An Epic Holiday Sing-Along. Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Main Theatre, 440 Locust St., Burlington. 905-681-6000. $49.50($44.50 member) - $69.50($64.50 member).

Dec 14 8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Pavlo & John McDermott: A Family Christmas. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca. From $15. Also 4pm.

Dec 14 8:00: Nathaniel Dett Chorale. An Indigo Christmas: The Work of Christmas. Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. www.nathanieldettchorale.org. $45; $39(sr 65+); $15(st); Free(children under 12).

Dec 14 8:00: North York Concert Orchestra. A Thousand And One Nights. Wagner: Prelude to Tristan & Isolde; Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite; Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade. Rafael Luz, conductor. Toronto Public Library - Fairview Branch - Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr. www.nyco.ca or 1-888-687-6926. $30; $25(sr); $15(under 30); $10(under 12).

Dec 14 8:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Emilie-Claire Barlow: Winter Wonderland. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $50.

Dec 15 1:00: Caliban Arts Theatre. Bobby Hutcherson Concert Tribute. The Mark Hundevad Quartet: Mark Hundevad, leader & vibes; Shawn Nykwist, saxophones; James Thompson, bass; Mario Allende, drums. CONTXT by Trane, 254 Lansdowne Ave. info@calibanartstheatre.com. Email for tickets and info.

Dec 15 2:00: Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra. Winter Celebrations. A festive matinee performance of seasonal favourites. Gavin Warren, clarinet; Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra; Matthew Jones, music director. Humber College - Lakeshore Campus - A Building - Recital Hall Room A109, 3199 Lakeshore Blvd. 416-239-5665 or www.eporchestra.ca Visit website or call for ticket information.

Dec 15 2:00: Toronto Children's Chorus. Songs of the Season. Toronto Children's Chorus; Owen Phillipson, bass-baritone; Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra; Zimfira Poloz, artistic director. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. www.torontochildrenschorus.com. $25. Carols in the lobby at 1:15pm performed by the TCC Alumni Choir, Dr. Darryl Edwards, conductor.

Dec 15 2:30: Niagara Symphony Orchestra. Home for the Holidays. See Dec 14.

Dec 15 3:00: Bach Elgar Choir/Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Handel's Messiah. See Dec 13.

Dec 15 3:00: Barrie Concert Association. Indigo. Schulhoff: Five Pieces for String Quartet; Jurecka: String Quartet; Sjölin: Polska from Dorotea; Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C Op.59 No.3. Venuti Quartet: Rebekah Wolkstein, violin; Drew Jurecka, violin; Shannon Knights, viola, Amahl Arulanandam, cello. Bethel Community Church, 128 St. Vincent Street, Barrie. www.barrieconcerts.org or 705-436-1232. $45; $10(st); $25(Livestream). Livestream available for up to 30 days after the concert.

Dec 15 3:00: Collingwood Music Festival. Gino Quilico: Legendary Baritone Songs of the Season Concert. Gino Quilico, baritone; Viera Zmiyiwsky, mezzo; Christopher Burton, piano. First Presbyterian Church, 200 Maple St., Collingwood. 705-416-1317 or Gino Quilico Songs of the Season. $45(online); $55(at door).

Dec 15 3:00: Gentle Freak. Meeting in the 9th House or Emily/Christina/Sagittarius. Honouring the fiery spirit of Sagittarius through the beauty of poetry and music. Poetry of Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti, with special astrological narration by Hype Witch. Improvisatory music-making combines with exquisite melodies by Aaron Copland, Jake Heggie, Lee Hoiby, Lori Laitman, Libby Larsen, Danika Lorèn, and André Previn to creating an exciting and timeless soundscape. Reilly Nelson, David Eliakis, and Danika Lorèn. Array Space, 155 Walnut Ave.

Dec 15 3:00: Healey Willan Singers. Christmas Lullabies. Music for upper voices. Works by John Tavener, John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, Franz Biebl, and others. Conrad Gold, accompanist; Ron Cheung, conductor. St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, 151 Glenlake Ave. 416-519-0528. $25; $20(sr/st); Free(under 12).

Dec 15 3:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society. Complete Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle, Part 1. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas No.17 "Tempest"; No.15 "Pastorale"; No.23 "Appassionata". Heather Taves, piano. Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St., Kitchener. www.ticketscene.ca/kwcms. $40; $10(st). Complete Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle (8 concerts): $150.

Dec 15 3:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Kevin Chen, Piano. Works by Chopin, Liszt, and Schubert. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $30.

Dec 15 4:00: Flute Street. It's Christmas on Flute Street. Corelli: Concerto Grosso in g Op.6 No.8 "Christmas Concerto"; Respighi: "The Adoration of the Magi" from Botticelli Triptych; Kelly Via: French Nativity Suite: Tchaikovsky: "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker Suite; and other works. Nancy Nourse, artistic director; Isaac Page, conductor. Church of St. Peter and St. Simon-the-Apostle, 525 Bloor St. E. 416-462-9498 or www.flutestreet.ca. $25; $20(sr/arts workers); $15(full-time st).

Dec 15 4:30: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. See Dec 14. Also Dec 20(7pm), 21(4:30pm), 22(4:30pm). American Sign Language interpretation on Dec 14.

Dec 15 4:30: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Carols by Candlelight. A traditional candlelight choral presentation. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free.

Dec 15 5:00: Coro San Marco. Gloria - Hallelujah: Festival Christmas Concert. Coro San Marco and Soloists. Columbus Centre - Joseph D. Carrier Gallery, 901 Lawrence Ave. W. www.corosanmarco.comor 416-789-7011 X248. $15. NOTE: Date change from Dec 16 at 7:30pm to Dec 15 at 5pm.

Dec 15 7:00: Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Natalie MacMaster & Donell Leahy. Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Main Theatre, 440 Locust St., Burlington. 905-681-6000. $69.50($64.50 member) - $89.50($84.50 member).

Dec 15 7:30: Cuckoo's Nest Folk Club. Boreal: Songs for the Snowy Season. Chaucer's Pub, 122 Carling St., London. 519-319-5847 or folk@iandavies.com. $30/$25(adv).

Dec 15 7:30: Hugh's Room Live. Angela Hewitt. Works by Mozart, Bach, and Handel. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com/angela-hewitt-at-hughs-room. $85. Also Dec 14(Rosedale Centre).

Dec 15 7:30: Metropolitan United Church. Candlelight Carol Service. A traditional lessons and carols. The Met Choir, Choristers, Handbells, and youth ensemble Great Heart; Jonathan Oldengarm, director. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. 416-363-0331 x226. Freewill donation.

Dec 15 8:00: That Arts Group. That Choir Carols. See Dec 14.

Dec 16 7:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society. Complete Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle, Part 2. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos.5, 9, 27, and 32. Heather Taves, piano. Keffer Memorial Chapel, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave. W., Waterloo. www.k-wcms.com/concerts. $40; $10(st). Complete Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle (all 8 concerts): $150.

Dec 16 7:00: Peterborough Singers. Handel's Messiah. Midori Marsh, soprano; Jennifer Enns Modolo, mezzo; Colin Ainsworth, tenor; Jonathan Liebich, bass; Ian Sadler, organ; Paul Otway, trumpet. Emmanuel United Church, 534 George St. N., Peterborough. 705-745-1820 or Handel's Messiah. $40; $10(st).

Dec 16 7:30: The Edison Singers. O Hear the Angel Voices: The Music of Christmas. St. Mark's Anglican Church, 41 Byron St., Niagara-on-the-Lake. 226-384-9300. $45; $20(ages 13-21); $10(ages 12 & under). Running time: 75 min. (no intermission).

Dec 16 8:00: Massey Hall. Clario - Charm Tour. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $87. Also Dec 17 & 18.

Dec 16 8:00: Uxbridge Messiah Singers. Handel's Messiah. Leslie Higgins, soprano; Ellita Gagner, alto; Benjamin Done, tenor; Adam Kuiack, bass; Jonathan Liebich, bass; 80-person choir and professional orchestra; Thomas Baker, conductor. Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St., Uxbridge. www.starticketing.com or 1-866-808-2006. Call or visit website for ticket pricing and information. Also Dec 17. 

MUSICALS

Canadian Stage/Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres. The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical. Written by Matt Murray, directed by Ted Dykstra. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge St. Visit www.canadianstage.com for tickets and information. Runs Dec 6, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 will not be admitted.

Grand Theatre. The Sound of Music. Music & Lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Directed by Rachel Peake. Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St., London. 519-672-8800. $24-$101. Runs Nov 19-Dec 29. Visit www.grandtheatre.com for full performance dates and pricing.

Mirvish Productions. Disney's The Lion King. Directed by Julie Taymor. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W. 1.800.461.3333. $59-$259. Runs Nov 2, 2024 - Apr 27, 2025. Visit www.mirvish.com for tickets.

Shaw Festival. A Christmas Carol. Directed by Ryan G. Hinds, Original music by Paul Sportelli. Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen St, Niagara on the Lake. 905-468-2172 or www.shawfest.com. $28.25-$111.87. Prices vary by date. Runs to Dec 22.

Shaw Festival. My Fair Lady. Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Festival Theatre, 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake. www.shawfest.com/playbill/my-fair-lady. To Dec 21.

T.Y.T. Theatre. The Snow Queen Musical. Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. Wychwood Theatre (Toronto), 76 Wychwood Ave. Visit www.tyttheatre.com for complete show times and tickets. $33.49-$42.49. Runs Nov 22, 2024-Jan 5. 2025.

Young People's Theatre. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Book by David Greig. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Recommended for ages 6 and up. www.youngpeoplestheatre.org or 416-862-2222. From $10. Weekdays: Dec 10, 12, 17, 18 & 19 at 10:15am & 1pm; Dec 11, 13 at 10:30am. Weekends: Dec 15, 22 at 11am & 2pm; Dec 4, 21, 27, 28, 29 & 30 at 1pm & 4pm.

ONGOING EVENTS

Encore Symphonic Concert Band. Monthly Concert Band Concert. The first Thursday of every month at 11am. 35-piece concert band performing band concert music, pop tunes, jazz standards (2 singers) and the occasional march. Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills, 2737 Bayview Ave. www.encoreband.ca. $10.

Trinity College, University of Toronto. Evensong. Traditional Anglican choral music. Trinity College Chapel Choir; Thomas Bell, director of music; Peter Bayer, organ scholar. Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. 416-978-2522 or Trinity College. Free. Evensong is sung every Wednesday at 5:15pm in the beautiful Trinity College chapel during term time.

ONLINE EVENTS

Arts@Home. A vibrant hub connecting Torontonians to arts and culture. Designed to strengthen personal and societal resilience through the arts. www.artsathome.ca.

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba and auxiliary percussion. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Recollectiv. For anyone living with cognitive challenges from Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke or PTSD. The group meets weekly to rediscover the joy of making music. Community members and music students are welcome to this fun, rewarding and inter-generational experience. Sessions take place from 2 to 3pm (with sound checks and socializing at 1:30pm). No summer sessions after Jun 22. Weekly sessions resume on Sep 7. Please contact recollectiv@gmail.com for more information.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

A new community Baroque orchestra is being launched in Toronto! All instruments (particularly violin and oboe) and all levels of playing accommodated. Interested? Please contact me, Jane Ubertino, at lucindabell56@hotmail.com

The Choralairs is a non-audition, adult choir that welcomes new members in September and January.  Rehearsals are on Tuesday 6:45-8-45pm at Edithvale C.C. 131 Finch Ave. W, Toronto. Please contact Elaine at choralairs.delighted.720@silomails.com to RSVP. Check out our new website at  www.Choralairs.com.

Columbus Concert Band. Rehearsals:  Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm at Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Ave., Toronto. Openings for flute, clarinet, tenor sax, and trumpet; however, all who are in search of being a part of a great band are welcome. Our members are warm and welcoming. For more information, contact ccbtoronto@gmail.com or visit our website at www.columbusconcertband.com.

Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Full rehearsals every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. 309 Horner Ave. Open to all who are looking for a great band to join. Text Rob Hunter at 416-878-1730.

Harmony Singers of Etobicoke. The women of The Harmony Singers survived COVID and are regrouping for 2024! If you'd like to sing an exciting repertoire of pop, jazz, folk and light classics, the group will give you a warm welcome! Rehearsals start in January on Wednesday nights from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at Richview United Church in Etobicoke. Contact Conductor Harvey Patterson at: theharmonysingers@ca.com or call 416-239-5821.

New Horizons Band of Toronto. All levels from beginners to advanced for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Weekly classes led by professional music teachers. Loaner instrument provided to each new registrant in the beginners’ program. Visit www.newhorizonsbandtoronto.ca. 

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for drums, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns.  Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 pm. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Quinte Regional Youth Chorus. This is a new group based in Belleville, Ontario, for singers aged 6-16. St. Thomas Anglican Church, Parish Centre, 201 Church St., Belleville. Call 613-962-3636 for information.

Serenata Singers. Are you free Wednesday mornings? Do you love the joy of singing and the camaraderie it brings? Join the Serenata Singers who have sparkled in Toronto’s constellation of choral gems since 1976! Seniors singers, come together with voices united in song. Inspire generations to follow! This 55-voice adult SATB community choir, ranging in age from 55 to 97, will gather again under accomplished choral director Michael Morgan who shares his talents and expertise to perform a “Winter Cabaret” on November 30, 2024, with other performances during the year at seniors’ residences. Our season crescendos with two annually spring concerts on May 8 & 9, 2025. Our spring concerts entitled “Tuned In” will feature favourites from the movies, Broadway, and television. Consider joining this caring, friendly group of retirees at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd, every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Two free trial rehearsals are allowed before deciding to join! Check us out at our website at www.serenatasingers.ca  or call Charlotte at 416-449-4053! Come join us!

String Orchestra TO is a new string orchestra in Toronto for amateur intermediate and advanced string players. No auditions. Our season runs from Sep 11, 2024 to May 28, 2025. Wed rehearsals: 7:15-9:15 pm at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave.. Visit www.sites.google.com/view/stringorchestrato/home or email us at StringOrchestraTO@gmail.com.

Strings Attached Orchestra, North York. All string players (especially viola, cello, bass) are welcome. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. from Sep to Jun. Email us first at info.stringsattached@gmail.com to receive music and other details or visit our website at www.stringsattachedorchestra.com for more information.

Toronto Shape Note Singers. Sacred Harp Singing. Shape note selections from the Sacred Harp tunebook.Singing is participatory, not a performance. No experience necessary. All are welcome and there are books to borrow. Monthly on the third Wednesday from Feb 21 to Dec 8, 2024. Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave. 647-838-8764. Pay what you can. Dec 18.

VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Openings for experienced tenors and basses.  VOCA is an auditioned ensemble, currently preparing a broad range of selections (including premieres) for our Dec 14 "Season Songs" concert, featuring Michael Occhipinti, guitar and Jamie Drake, percussion.  On May 10, 2025, we'll be performing "Carmina Burana", featuring special guest, Andrew Haji, tenor. Rehearsals are held at Eastminster, 310 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway) on Monday evenings. Contact Jenny Crober at crober.best@gmail.com for more info.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Toronto Summer Music. TSM Academy - Emerging Artists Program. Designed for musicians who are launching their professional careers and provides unique educational opportunities for chamber musicians and singers from 18 to 35 years old. String players and pianists are invited to apply for the Chamber Music Institute Program; vocalists and pianists are invited to apply for the Art of Song Program. Please visit our website for more information on program dates and applications at tosummermusic.com/the-academy/emerging-artist-program/. Applications are open from Dec 5, 2024, until Jan 23, 2025.

NOTE: All times are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

DAILY LISTINGS

Listings are based on information sent to WholeNote in advance by event presenters. Please note that this update includes dated listings for the period Mon Dec 2 to Mon Dec 9, 2024.

These daily listings include only basic information. For complete and detailed listings or for information on all events, click here to use our JustAsk feature.

The deadline for the next weekly update is Tue Dec 3 at 6pm. Presenters are asked to advise us as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations to John Sharpe at listings@thewholenote.com.

Subscribe to the weekly update at www.thewholenote.com/newsletter.

LIVE OR ONLINE

Dec 02 12:00_noon: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Lobby Concert: Japanese Taiko Drumming Ensemble. Edward Johnson Building, University of Toronto, 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Dec 02 6:00: Jean Darlene Piano Room. Judith Lander Sings with Jeff MacLeod. Songs by Kurt Weill, Jacques Brel, and others. 1203 Dundas St. W. 416-509-3137. From $30.

Dec 02 7:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Contemporary Music Studio Concert. Western University - Music Building - Von Kuster Hall, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events. Free.

Dec 02 7:30: Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Brock University. Department of Music: Hugh and Marie Logan Jazz Series - Latin Extravaganza. Works by Bach, Mozart, Grieg, Puccini, and Anderson. Emilio Geremia, piano; Brock Big Band; Zoltan Kalman, conductor. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre - Cairns Recital Hall, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. Tickets: 905-688-0722 or 1-855-515-0722 or www.firstontariopac.ca. Free.

Dec 02 7:30: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Brass Chamber Music. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Dec 03 12:00_noon: Canadian Opera Company. Vocal Series: Classical Feuds. Explore classical music's most infamous composer rivalries. Artists of the COC Ensemble. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca Free.

Dec 03 12:00_noon: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Lobby Concert: Brazilian Music Ensemble. Edward Johnson Building, University of Toronto, 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.ca. Free.

Dec 03 12:10: Nine Sparrows Arts Foundation. Lunchtime Chamber Music. Bryn Blackwood, piano. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. 416-922-1167 or www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free. Donations welcome.

Dec 03 7:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Electroacoustic Composers Concert. Western University - Music Building - Studio 242, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events. Free.

Dec 03 7:30: Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Brock University. Department of Music: Wind Ensemble - Movie Night. Zoltan Kalman, conductor. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre - Partridge Hall, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. Tickets: 905-688-0722 or 1-855-515-0722 or www.firstontariopac.ca Free.

Dec 03 7:30: Thirteen Strings. The Joy of Christmas and the Holiday Season. Danse Cadence: Pierre Chartrand, gigue; Alexis Chartrand, fiddle; Anne-Marie Gardette, baroque dance; Bronwyn Thies-Thompson, soprano; Chamber Choir (Ottawa Children’s Choir); Robert Filion, conductor. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St., Ottawa. The Joy of Christmas. $10-$45.

Dec 03 7:30: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Festival of Carols. Aaron Manswell: New Work; and other holiday classics. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Jonathan Oldengarm, organ; Jean-Sébastien Vallée, conductor. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. www.tmchoir.org/event/festival-of-carols-2024. From $25. Also Dec 4.

Dec 03 7:30: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Collegium Musicum. Walter Hall (University of Toronto), 80 Queen's Park. www.music.utoronto.caFree.

Dec 04 12:15: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Kitchener). Noon Hour Series: Douglas Haas Legacy Concerts. Christmas. Ann-Marie MacDairmid, organ. 54 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-4430 or www.standrewskw.com. Free. Lunch available for $10 at 11:30am or bring your own.

Dec 04 6:00: The Painted Lady, The. Heidi Savoie. 218 Ossington Ave. www.thepaintedlady.ca or info@thepaintedlady.ca. Visit website or email for information. Also Dec 11.

Dec 04 7:00: Roy Thomson Hall. Christmas with The Clemons. 60 Simcoe St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $34.

Dec 04 7:00: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Festival of Carols. See Dec 3.

Dec 04 7:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Choral Concert: Chorale and Western University Singers. Western University - Talbot College - Paul Davenport Theatre, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events Free.

Dec 04 7:30: Music at the Toronto Oratory. Complete Organ Works of J. S. Bach, Part VI: Music for Advent. Includes Schubler Chorales, Fugue on the Magnificat, Fugue in c, and other chorale preludes. Aaron James, organ. Holy Family Roman Catholic Church - Oratory, 1372 King St. W. 416-532-2879. Free admission. Donations accepted.

Dec 04 7:30: Pax Christi Chorale. Christmas Through the Ages. Eglinton St. George's United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd. Visit www.paxchristichorale.org. $45; $40(sr); $20(ages 19-35); $10(st 18 and under). Also Dec 7(4pm).

Dec 04 7:30: University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Wind Symphony: Big City Lights. Brian Balmages: Midnight on Main Street; William Bolcom: Concerto Grosso for Sax Quartet; Marie A. Douglas: Big City Lights; Kelijah Dunton: City Knights; Adam Gorb: Adrenaline City; and other works. U of T Wind Symphony featuring The Nameless Quartet (Kannan Bloor, Min Gu Kang, Blake Smith, Yunfei Xie, saxophone; Pratik Gandhi, director. York University - Accolade East Building - Tribute Communities Recital Hall, 4700 Keele St. www.rcmusic.com/tickets/seats/353401. $30; $20(sr); $10(st). U of T students with a valid T-Card are admitted free at the door (space permitting, some exceptions apply). No ticket reservation necessary.

Dec 04 8:00: Centre in the Square. Donovan Woods – The Living Well Tour. 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-1570. From $34.50. www.centreinthesquare.com.

Dec 04 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. The Irish Descendants. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com. Visit website for ticket pricing and info.

Dec 04 8:00: Massey Hall. 28th Annual Andy Kim Christmas. Proceeds supporting CAMH’s Gifts of Light. Andy Kim, Barenaked Ladies, Alex Lifeson, Broken Social Scene, Billy Talent, Dan Hill, William Prince, and other artists to be announced. 178 Victoria St. www.ticketmaster.ca From $35.50.

Dec 05 7:30: Dani Presents. An Evening With Kodi Lee Winner of America's Got Talent. Hosted by Mary Berg. Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St., North York. www.danipresents.com. From $101.

Dec 05 7:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Choral Concert: Les Choristes. Western University - Music Building - Von Kuster Hall, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events. Free.

Dec 05 7:30: Royal Conservatory of Music. Joaquin Valdepeñas Conducts. Mozart: Serenade No.10 in B-flat for Winds K.361 “Gran Partita”. Students of the Glenn Gould School; Glenn Einschlag, bassoon. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Mazzoleni Concert Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $20.

Dec 05 7:30: Soundstreams/Music Toronto. Invocations. James Rolfe: Narrow Bridges for Gryphon Trio and Aviva Chernick (world premiere); Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat Op.44; Beach: Invocation; Copland: Vitebsk - Study on a Jewish Theme; Avner Dorman: Nigunim for solo violin and piano quintet; and a work by Vivian Fung. Lara St. John, violin; Aviva Chernick, vocalist; Noah Sarid, violin; Sheila Jaffe, viola; Gryphon Trio: Annalee Patipatanakoon, violin; Roman Borys, cello; Jamie Parker, piano. St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E. 1-800-708-6754 or tickets@music-toronto.com or Invocations. From $55. $20(arts workers).

Dec 05 7:30: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Elf - In Concert. Film screening. Evan Mitchell, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375 or www.tso.ca From $30. Also Dec 6(7:30pm), 7(2pm & 7:30pm) 8(2pm).

Dec 05 8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Classic Albums Live Performs Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.caFrom $15.

Dec 05 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. The Tone Rangers: Album Release. Andrew Collins, mandolin; Chris Quinn, banjo; Adam Shier, guitar; James McEleney, bass. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com. Visit website for ticket pricing and info.

Dec 05 8:00: Living Arts Centre. Glass Tiger - This Island Earth. With special guest MuchMusic VJ, Erica Ehm, for a “one-of-a-kind” retrospective of the music that travelled the globe. 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 905-306-6000. Tickets start at $40+fees. Visit www.ivingartscentre.ca for tickets.

Dec 05 8:00: Massey Hall. Donovan Woods. With special guests Billianne and Charlotte Cornfield. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. From $34.

Dec 05 8:00: TD Music Hall. Luedji Luna - Bom Mesmo É Estar Debaixo D'água Deluxe Tour. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com $30.

Dec 05 8:30: Jazz Bistro. THERMO. Mike Manny, piano; Nathan Hiltz, guitar; Neil Swainson, bass; Morgan Childs, drums. 251 Victoria St. Call 416-363-5299 for reservations or www.thermomusic.com for information. .

Dec 06 12:00_noon: Music at First-St. Andrew's United Church. Friday Noon Advent Recital. Kennedy Kimber-Johnson, organ. First St. Andrew's United Church, 350 Queens Ave., London. www.fsaunited.com/music-concerts. Freewill offering.

Dec 06 7:00: Caliban Arts Theatre/George Elliott Clarke/Redwood Theatre. Jackson Plays Ellington, Monk, and Jackson. D. D. Jackson, piano. Special guest: Yoon Sun Choi, vocalist. Redwood Theatre, The, 1300 Gerrard Ave. E. www.checkout.square.site/buy/OARUEFFOGIQB3Z3TOIH6XVMZ. $45(after Nov 15).

Dec 06 7:00: Canadian Music Centre. Jazz Piano Meets Kurdish Kamanche. Shahriyar Jamshidi: Pāla Bidar and Kurdish epic songs & improvisations. Diane Roblin, piano; Shahriyar Jamshidi, kamanche & vocals. Canadian Music Centre, Chalmers Performance Space, 20 St. Joseph St. 416-880-3580 or www.on.cmccanada.org. $30(at the door); $25(adv).

Dec 06 7:00: Corktown Chamber Orchestra. The Sacred and the Pavane. Honouring The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Special guests: Lynn Janes and Ted Hawkins. Little Trinity Anglican Church (Toronto), 425 King St. E. www.corktownchamberorchestra.ca. Visit website for info.

Dec 06 7:30: Brampton Festival Singers. Hallelujah! - Handel's Messiah. Soloists: Emily Morgan, Shelagh Tyreman, Jeffery Carl, tenor; Robert Hennig, baritone; Adam Faconi, timpani; Great Lakes Philharmonic; Anton Yeretsky, conductor. St. Paul's United Church, 30 Main St. S., Brampton. www.bfschoir.org or Eventbrite. $30 from choir members or at the door (cash only).

Dec 06 7:30: Don Wright Faculty of Music. Western University Symphony Orchestra. Western University - Talbot College - Paul Davenport Theatre, 1151 Richmond St. N., London. 519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events. Free.

Dec 06 7:30: Music at St. Andrew's. Come Home for Christmas. St. Andrew's Gallery Choir: Diane English, Elizabeth Forester, Carrie Wiebe, Keith Klassen, Bradley Christiansen, and Mark Wilson; Dan Bickle, organ; Jordan Klapman, piano; Aidan Mason, guitar. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 73 Simcoe St. 416-593-5600 x220. Pay what you can at the door. Donations welcome. Proceeds for the St. Andrew's Refugee Sponsorship Program.

Dec 06 7:30: North Halton Community Singers. Christmas Concert. Members of the North Halton Community Singers. Holy Cross Catholic Church, 14400 Argyll Rd., Georgetown. 647-203-7795. $25.

Dec 06 7:30: Toronto Consort. Navidad: A Latin Festive Concert. Trinity St. Paul's United Church. Jeanne Lamon Hall, 427 Bloor St. W. www.torontoconsort.org. Visit website for ticket information.

Dec 06 7:30: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Elf - In Concert. See Dec 5. Also Dec 7(2pm & 7:30pm) 8(2pm).

Dec 06 8:00: Centre in the Square. Classic Albums Live performs The Beatles – Abbey Road. 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-1570. From $34.50. www.centreinthesquare.com.

Dec 06 8:00: Flato Markham Theatre. Holly Cole: A Swinging Christmas. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca. From $15.

Dec 06 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Dala. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com Visit website for ticket pricing and info.

Dec 06 8:00: Living Arts Centre. Dreamer: The Supertramp Experience. The world's most authentic tribute to Supertramp. 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 905-306-6000. Tickets start at $44. Visit www.livingartscentre.ca for tickets. Also at 6pm.

Dec 06 8:00: Old Mill Toronto. Jazz Lounge: Melissa Lauren. 21 Old Mill Rd. 416-207-2020 or www.oldmilltoronto.com/event/melissa-lauren. $20. Minimum $30 food & beverage spend. Restricted to ages 19+. Dinner at 6pm. Show at 8pm.

Dec 06 8:00: Sinfonia Toronto. Virtuosity / Keys and Reeds. Mozart: Divertimento in d K.136 "Salzburg Symphony No.1"; Kevin Lau: Prayer in a Green Cathedral Oboe Concerto (Ontario premiere); Bach: Piano Concerto No.5 in f BWV 1056; Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat Op.44 (orchestra version). Marianna Shirinyan, piano; Caitlin Broms-Jacobs, oboe; Sinfonia Toronto; Nurhan Arman, conductor. St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E. 416-499-0403 or www.sinfoniatoronto.com. $52; $40(sr); $20(st).

Dec 07 2:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Elf - In Concert. See Dec 5. Also Dec 7(7:30pm) 8(2pm).

Dec 07 2:00: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church/City TV. City Carol Sing. In support of Churches on-the-Hill Food Bank. Guests: Marek Norman, Barbara Barsky, Heather Bambrick. Devo Brown, host. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. www.yorkminsterpark.com. Free.

Dec 07 3:00: Music at First-St. Andrew's United Church. Sing-Along Messiah. Handel's Messiah. London Pro Musica; First-St. Andrew's Senior Choir, Soloists, First-St. Andrew's Strings, Piano, Trumpet, Timpani; Paul Grambo, conductor. First St. Andrew's United Church, 350 Queens Ave., London. www.fsaunited.com/music-concerts. Freewill offering. Scores available for purchase $15.

Dec 07 3:00: Toronto Northern Lights. Christmas Show 2024. Guests: Trash Panda Brass. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. Toronto Northern Lights. $45(VIP); $35(general admission). Further details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Dec 07 3:45: Peterborough Concert Band. Concert at Peterborough Square. To 4:45pm. Holiday favourites, such as Sleigh Ride, The Bells of Christmas, Dashing Through the Snow, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and others. Saman Shahi, conductor. Peterborough Square, 340 George St. N., Peterborough. www.peterboroughconcertband.ca. Free.

Dec 07 4:00: Pax Christi Chorale. Christmas Through the Ages. See Dec 4.

Dec 07 4:30: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present this charming hour-long pageant. 19 Trinity Sq. www.thechristmasstory.ca or 416-598-4521. Suggestion donations: $25(adult); $10(child). Also Dec 8(4:30pm); 14(4:30pm); 15(4:30pm); 20(7pm), 21(4:30pm), 22(4:30pm). American Sign Language interpretation on Dec 14.

Dec 07 7:00: Caliban Arts Theatre/George Elliott Clarke/Redwood Theatre. Poetry Project with George Elliott Clarke, D. D. Jackson, and Others. Set 1: George Elliott Clarke Hosts 5 Poets Breaking into Song - The 14th Amendment, Set 2: D.D. Jackson’s - Poetry Project. Set 1: Poets: Ayesha Chatterjee, Bruce Meyer, Giovanna Riccio, CP Zemokhol & GED. Set 2: D. D. Jackson, piano/composer/vocals/leader; Mark Hundevad, drums & vibraphone; Roberto Occhipinti, bass; Tom Fleming, guitar; Sammy Jackson, Yoon Sun Choi, and Michael Dunston, vocalists. Redwood Theatre, The, 1300 Gerrard Ave. E. www.checkout.square.site/buy/OARUEFFOGIQB3Z3TOIH6XVMZ. $45(after Nov 15).

Dec 07 7:00: Friends of Music at St. Thomas’s. Christmas with Molly Johnson. Holiday favourites plus jazz artist Molly Johnson's own compositions. Molly Johnson, jazz artist with her trio and members of the Choirs of St. Thomas's Church. St. Thomas's Anglican Church, 383 Huron St. www.stthomas.on.ca or 416-979-2323. $50; $20(st); $75(reserved seating).

Dec 07 7:30: Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto/Hannaford Street Silver Band. Holiday Serenade. Seasonal music including music by Howard Cable, John Rutter, Stuart Calvert, and Sir David Willcocks. Sing along to your favourite songs and carols as the music takes you on a journey to celebrate the magic of the holidays. Amadeus Choir; Hannaford Street Silver Band; Bach Children's Choir; Lydia Adams and Linda Beaupré, conductors. Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St., North York. www.amadeuschoir.com/holiday-serenade From $30.

Dec 07 7:30: Brampton On Stage. Christmas at The Rose. Brampton Concert Band. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From $18.

Dec 07 7:30: Centre in the Square. Swan Lake – P. Tchaikovsky – The State Ballet of Ukraine. 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-1570 or www.centreinthesquare.com. From $35.

Dec 07 7:30: Etobicoke Centennial Choir. Baroque Noël. Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël; Buxtehude: Magnificat; Morten Lauridsen, O Magnum Mysterium; Walford Davies: The Holly and the Ivy. Baroque Orchestra. Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke. 416-779-2258 or www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca. $35; Free(12 and under when accompanied by an adult).

Dec 07 7:30: Mississauga Chamber Singers. Magnificat. John Rutter: Magnificat. Christ First United Church, 151 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga. www.mcsingers.ca. Visit website for info.

Dec 07 7:30: Tallis Choir of Toronto. Hodie Christus Natus Est. Britten: A Ceremony of Carols Op.28; and other seasonal favourites by Whitacre, Biebl, Lauridsen, and others. St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 131 McCaul St. www.tallischoir.com or 416-286-9798. $30; $25(sr - 60+); $10(st - with ID).

Dec 07 7:30: The Annex Singers. Stargazers. Works by Mendelssohn, Poulenc, Dove, Ešenvalds, Balfour, and others. Guest artist: Stephen Boda; Maria Case, artistic director. Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. www.annexsingers.com. From $15. LIVE & STREAMED. Pre-concert talk by astronomer Renée Hložek including guided outdoor stargazing, weather permitting.

Dec 07 7:30: Toronto Chamber Choir. Christmas in the Eternal City. Seasonal music of Rome circa 1600 by Josquin, Obrecht, Arcadelt and others. Toronto Chamber Choir; Lucas Harris, conductor. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. 416-923-9030 or www.torontochamberchoir.ca. Pay what you can: $40, $30, $5.

Dec 07 7:30: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Elf - In Concert. See Dec 5. Also Dec 8(2pm).

Dec 07 8:00: Alliance Française de Toronto. Dans l’univers d’Astor. A musical and narrative show that immerses the audience in the music and inspirations of Astor Piazzolla. Ensemble Mistral: Nadia Monczak, violin; Benjamin Deschamps, saxophone; Hugo Larenas, guitar; Jean Félix Mailloux, double bass. Alliance Français de Toronto - Spadina Theatre, 24 Spadina Rd. www.alliance-francaise.ca $18.

Dec 07 8:00: Hugh's Room Live. Carlos del Junco and The Blues Mongrels. Carlos del Junco, harmonica; Eric St. Laurent, guitar; Henry Heillig, bass; Sean O’Grady, drums. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com. Visit website for ticket pricing and info.

Dec 07 8:00: Kindred Spirits Orchestra. Impressions of the Sea. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite; Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No.5 "The Egyptian"; Debussy: La Mer. Vanessa Yu, piano; Daniel Vnukowski, host; Kristian Alexander, conductor. Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or 905-604-8339. $50-$40 (adult) $40-$30 (senior) $30-$25 (youth). 7:10pm: Prelude (pre-concert recital). 7:20 pm: Pre-concert talk. Intermission discussion and Q&A with Vanessa Yu and Daniel Vnukowski.

Dec 07 8:00: Massey Hall. The Dead South. 178 Victoria St. www.ticketmaster.ca. From $60.

Dec 07 8:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Special Event Concert. Celebrating the 200th birthday of Smetana, the 100th anniversary of the Czech Music Festival, and 40 years since the Philharmonic's last Toronto visit. Dvořák: Piano Concerto; Smetana: Má vlast. Daniil Trifonov, piano; Czech Philharmonic; Semyon Bychkov, conductor. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $100.

Dec 07 8:00: Small World Music. Honeypaw: Songs Sealed in Wax. Finnish-Baltic folk. Small World Music Centre, Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St. www.smallworldmusic.com/shows/honeypaw $20.

Dec 07 8:00: TD Music Hall. Kylira - A Spectacle of Ghosts. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. $27.

Dec 08 2:00: Metropolitan United Church. Deck the Halls! A fun program of carols to hear and to sing. The Met Silver Band (Fran Harvey, director); Met Choir Vocal Ensemble; Jonathan Oldengarm, organ. Metropolitan United Church (Toronto), 56 Queen St. E. 416-363-0331 x226. Freewill donation.

Dec 08 2:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special Performance: Elf - In Concert. See Dec 5.

Dec 08 3:00: Arts and Letters Club. Emerging Composers Competition Award Winners. Ezra Duo, piano & violin. 14 Elm St. 416-597-0223. $30; Free(Club members).

Dec 08 3:00: Gallery Players of Niagara. Celebrate the Season. Gail Poulsen: A New Work; and other works. Guy Bannerman, narrator; Glissandi. St. Catharines Mennonite United Church (Linwell Church), 335 Linwell Rd., St. Catharines. Call 905-468-1525 or email info@galleryplayers.ca. From $10(Live); $10(Virtual).

Dec 08 3:00: Orchestra Toronto. Timeless Traditions. Richardson-Schulte: Making Light (A Holiday Tale for All Ages); Bizet: Farandole from L'Arlésienne, Suite No.2; J. Strauss Jr.: The Blue Danube; Tchaikovsky: Panorama & Valse from The Sleeping Beauty; Anderson: A Christmas Festival. RH Thomson, actor; Harper Rae Asch, actor. Meridian Arts Centre - George Weston Recital Hall, 5040 Yonge St. 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754 or boxoffice@tolive.com. $55; $39(sr); $25(youth 16-29); $15(child 5-15).

Dec 08 3:00: Royal Conservatory of Music. Special Event Concert. Dvořák: Violin Concert; Mahler: Symphony No.5. Jan Mráček, violin; Czech Philharmonic; Semyon Bychkov, conductor. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From $100. Signature event packages available on Dec 7 at 416-408-2824 x 446. Includes a pre-concert dinner and post-concert dessert reception with the artists.

Dec 08 3:30: The Edison Singers. Handel's Messiah. With choir and orchestra. Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, 28 Norfolk St., Guelph. 226-384-9300 or www.theedisonsingers.com. $50; $25(ages 13-21); $15(ages 12 & under). Running time: 90 min. (no intermission).

Dec 08 4:00: Aurora United Church. Carols by Candlelight: A Very Rutter Christmas! Arrive early for the singing of your favourite Christmas carols. Aurora United Church Chancel Choir; Aurora United Church Handbell Ensembles;  Aldbury Brass Quintet; Wesley Bells, violin. 79 Victoria St., Aurora. 905-727-1935. Freewill offering. Also 7:30pm.

Dec 08 4:00: Elora Singers. Messiah. With Musicians of London Symphonia and soloists drawn from the choir. St. Joseph's Church, 760 St. David St. N, Fergus. 519-846-0331. $55, $20 (student), $10 (12 & under). Visit www.elorasingers.cafor tickets.

Dec 08 4:00: Toronto Classical Singers. Messiah Highlights. Kendra Dyck, soprano, Sandra Boyes, mezzo; Ross Mortimer, tenor; Bruce Kelly, baritone; Toronto Classical Singers & Players; Jurgen Petrenko, conductor. Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. www.torontoclassicalsingers.ca. $40.

Dec 08 4:30: Church of the Holy Trinity. The Christmas Story. See Dec 7. Also Dec 14(4:30pm); 15(4:30pm); 20(7pm), 21(4:30pm), 22(4:30pm). American Sign Language interpretation on Dec 14.

Dec 08 4:30: St. James Anglican Church (Kingston). Advent to Christmas Candlelight Service. Works by Mark Sirett and Steve Anderson plus a selection of seasonal hymns and other music. St. James Anglican Church, 10 Union St. W., Kingston. Visit www.stjameskingston.ca or call 613-548-7254. Free admission. Donations accepted.

Dec 08 7:00: Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society. KWS Musicians Play Quintets. Dvořák: String Quintet Op.77; Schubert: Piano Quintet in A D667 "The Trout". Allene Chomyn, violin; Nora Pellerin, violin; Rebecca Diderrich, viola; Cathy Anderson, cello; Beth Ann de Sousa, piano; Ian Whitman, double bass. Keffer Memorial Chapel, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave. W., Waterloo. www.ticketscene.ca/kwcms. $35; $10(st). Re-scheduled from Sep 22, 2024.

Dec 08 7:00: Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble. Christmas Jazz Vespers. Cooksville United Church, 2500 Mimosa Row, Mississauga. 905-277-2338. Free admission with a food donation.

Dec 08 7:00: OPUS Chamber Music. OPUS V: Change It Up - An Evening of Newfound Creativity & Ecstatic Energy. Parker: Pan Dreams; Prutsman: Four Broadway Showtunes; Borne: Carmen Fantasy; Dee 2020: The Year We Could Not Breathe; Gershwin/Frolov: Porgy & Bess Fantasy. Anthony Trionfo, flute; Luri Lee, violin; Peter Eom, cello; Kevin Ahfat, piano. Citadel+Compagnie, 304 Parliament St. www.opuschambermusic.com/concertsandevents. $35 online at website or at door.

Dec 08 7:00: Vesuvius Ensemble. From Chapel to Manger, with the Toronto Chamber Choir. Music from popular folk tradition and polyphony. Toronto Chamber Choir, Lucas Harrison, conductor. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. www.bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/1027. $40.

Dec 08 7:30: Aurora United Church. Carols by Candlelight: See 4pm.

Dec 08 7:30: Toronto Beach Chorale. Handel's Messiah. Jennifer Krabbe, soprano; Rachel Miller, soprano; Benjamin Done, tenor; Bradley Christensen, bass; Mervin W. Fick, conductor. Kingston Road United Church (Toronto), 975 Kingston Rd. www.torontobeachchorale.com. $35; $25(youth).

Dec 08 8:00: Acoustic Harvest. The Barrel Boys Christmas Show. St. Paul's United Church, 200 McIntosh St., Scarborough. www.ticketscene.ca, www.acousticharvest.ca, acousticharvest@proton.me (for e-transfer). $40(door cash only); $35(advance). Fully accessible venue.

Dec 08 8:00: Living Arts Centre. The Strumbellas. Since releasing their debut album, 2012’s My Father and the Hunter,  the two-time JUNO award-winning alternative group have steadily released follow-ups containing every ounce of stomping, handclapping, alt-country gusto. 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 905-306-6000. Tickets start at $44+fees. Visit www.livingartscentre.ca for tickets. Also at 6pm.

Dec 08 8:00: Opera Revue. Bach-Humbug! A Holiday Opera Show for People Who Hate the Holidays. You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch; 12 Days AFTER Christmas; Surabaya Santa; O Holy Night; Benedictus. Danie Friesen, soprano; Alexander Hajek, baritone; Claire Elise Harris, piano. Redwood Theatre, The, 1300 Gerrard Ave. E. 647-637-7491 or www.operarevue.com/bach-humbug. From $20. Audiences are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Daily Bread Food Bank.

Dec 09 7:00: Stratford Symphony Youth Orchestra. Winter Recital. Includes Holiday Sing-Along. Special Guests: Stratford Concert Choir; Éric Charbonneau, principal conductor. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. www.stratfordsymphony.ca. Visit website for information. 

MUSICALS

Grand Theatre. The Sound of Music. Music & Lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Directed by Rachel Peake. Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St., London. 519-672-8800. $24-$101. Runs Nov 19-Dec 29. Visit www.grandtheatre.com for full performance dates and pricing.

Mirvish Productions. Disney's The Lion King. Directed by Julie Taymor. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W. 1.800.461.3333. $59-$259. Runs Nov 2, 2024 - Apr 27, 2025. Visit www.mirvish.com for tickets.

Shaw Festival. A Christmas Carol. Directed by Ryan G. Hinds, Original music by Paul Sportelli. Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen St, Niagara on the Lake. 905-468-2172 or www.shawfest.com. $28.25-$111.87. Prices vary by date. Runs to Dec 22.

Shaw Festival. My Fair Lady. Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Festival Theatre, 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake. www.shawfest.com/playbill/my-fair-lady. To Dec 21.

T.Y.T. Theatre. The Snow Queen Musical. Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. Wychwood Theatre (Toronto), 76 Wychwood Ave. Visit www.tyttheatre.com for complete show times and tickets. $33.49-$42.49. Runs Nov 22, 2024-Jan 5. 2025.

Young People's Theatre. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Book by David Greig. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Recommended for ages 6 and up. www.youngpeoplestheatre.org or 416-862-2222. From $10. Weekdays: Dec 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 18 & 19 at 10:15am & 1pm; Dec 4, 6, 11, 13 at 10:30am. Weekends: Dec 8, 15, 22 at 11am & 2pm; Dec. 7, 14, 21, 27, 28, 29 & 30 at 1pm & 4pm.

ONGOING EVENTS

Encore Symphonic Concert Band. Monthly Concert Band Concert. The first Thursday of every month at 11am. 35-piece concert band performing band concert music, pop tunes, jazz standards (2 singers) and the occasional march. Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills, 2737 Bayview Ave. www.encoreband.ca. $10.

Trinity College, University of Toronto. Evensong. Traditional Anglican choral music. Trinity College Chapel Choir; Thomas Bell, director of music; Peter Bayer, organ scholar. Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. 416-978-2522 or Trinity College. Free. Evensong is sung every Wednesday at 5:15pm in the beautiful Trinity College chapel during term time.

ONLINE EVENTS

Arts@Home. A vibrant hub connecting Torontonians to arts and culture. Designed to strengthen personal and societal resilience through the arts. www.artsathome.ca.

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba and auxiliary percussion. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Recollectiv. For anyone living with cognitive challenges from Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke or PTSD. The group meets weekly to rediscover the joy of making music. Community members and music students are welcome to this fun, rewarding and inter-generational experience. Sessions take place from 2 to 3pm (with sound checks and socializing at 1:30pm). No summer sessions after Jun 22. Weekly sessions resume on Sep 7. Please contact recollectiv@gmail.com for more information.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

A new community Baroque orchestra is being launched in Toronto! All instruments (particularly violin and oboe) and all levels of playing accommodated. Interested? Please contact me, Jane Ubertino, at lucindabell56@hotmail.com

The Choralairs is a non-audition, adult choir that welcomes new members in September and January.  Rehearsals are on Tuesday 6:45-8-45pm at Edithvale C.C. 131 Finch Ave. W, Toronto. Please contact Elaine at choralairs.delighted.720@silomails.com to RSVP. Check out our new website at  www.Choralairs.com.

Columbus Concert Band. Rehearsals:  Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm at Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Ave., Toronto. Openings for flute, clarinet, tenor sax, and trumpet; however, all who are in search of being a part of a great band are welcome. Our members are warm and welcoming. For more information, contact ccbtoronto@gmail.com or visit our website at www.columbusconcertband.com.

Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Full rehearsals every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. 309 Horner Ave. Open to all who are looking for a great band to join. Text Rob Hunter at 416-878-1730.

Harmony Singers of Etobicoke. The women of The Harmony Singers survived COVID and are regrouping for 2024! If you'd like to sing an exciting repertoire of pop, jazz, folk and light classics, the group will give you a warm welcome! Rehearsals start in January on Wednesday nights from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at Richview United Church in Etobicoke. Contact Conductor Harvey Patterson at: theharmonysingers@ca.com or call 416-239-5821.

New Horizons Band of Toronto. All levels from beginners to advanced for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Weekly classes led by professional music teachers. Loaner instrument provided to each new registrant in the beginners’ program. Visit www.newhorizonsbandtoronto.ca. 

North Toronto Community Band. Openings for drums, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns.  Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 pm. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.

Quinte Regional Youth Chorus. This is a new group based in Belleville, Ontario, for singers aged 6-16. St. Thomas Anglican Church, Parish Centre, 201 Church St., Belleville. Call 613-962-3636 for information.

Serenata Singers. Are you free Wednesday mornings? Do you love the joy of singing and the camaraderie it brings? Join the Serenata Singers who have sparkled in Toronto’s constellation of choral gems since 1976! Seniors singers, come together with voices united in song. Inspire generations to follow! This 55-voice adult SATB community choir, ranging in age from 55 to 97, will gather again under accomplished choral director Michael Morgan who shares his talents and expertise to perform a “Winter Cabaret” on November 30, 2024, with other performances during the year at seniors’ residences. Our season crescendos with two annually spring concerts on May 8 & 9, 2025. Our spring concerts entitled “Tuned In” will feature favourites from the movies, Broadway, and television. Consider joining this caring, friendly group of retirees at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd, every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Two free trial rehearsals are allowed before deciding to join! Check us out at our website at www.serenatasingers.ca  or call Charlotte at 416-449-4053! Come join us!

String Orchestra TO is a new string orchestra in Toronto for amateur intermediate and advanced string players. No auditions. Our season runs from Sep 11, 2024 to May 28, 2025. Wed rehearsals: 7:15-9:15 pm at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave.. Visit www.sites.google.com/view/stringorchestrato/home or email us at StringOrchestraTO@gmail.com.

Strings Attached Orchestra, North York. All string players (especially viola, cello, bass) are welcome. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. from Sep to Jun. Email us first at info.stringsattached@gmail.com to receive music and other details or visit our website at www.stringsattachedorchestra.com for more information.

Toronto Shape Note Singers. Sacred Harp Singing. Shape note selections from the Sacred Harp tunebook.Singing is participatory, not a performance. No experience necessary. All are welcome and there are books to borrow. Monthly on the third Wednesday from Feb 21 to Dec 8, 2024. Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave. 647-838-8764. Pay what you can. Dec 18.

VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Openings for experienced tenors and basses.  VOCA is an auditioned ensemble, currently preparing a broad range of selections (including premieres) for our Dec 14 "Season Songs" concert, featuring Michael Occhipinti, guitar and Jamie Drake, percussion.  On May 10, 2025, we'll be performing "Carmina Burana", featuring special guest, Andrew Haji, tenor. Rehearsals are held at Eastminster, 310 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway) on Monday evenings. Contact Jenny Crober at crober.best@gmail.com for more info.

WORKSHOPS

Dec 08 1:30: Toronto Early Music Players Organization (TEMPO). December Musical Joy Then and Now. Long-time favourites and lesser-known tunes from the Middle Ages to today. Femke Bergsma, presenter. Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. www.tempotoronto.net or info@tempotoronto.net. Visit website or email for further information.