NEW ON OUR WEBSITE
Our two latest “Conversations <at> The WholeNote” are now up on our website! Hear soprano Suzie LeBlanc’s premise for her latest CD, La Veillée de Noël, and Esprit Orchestra’s music director Alex Pauk on concert curating, new music, and what’s coming up on the next concert, “Revealed Time” on November 23.
Prizes! Prizes!
WIN tickets to opening night of Tafelmusik’s “Messiah”; special “family pack” tickets to Ross Petty Productions’ “Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical” at the Elgin Theatre; tickets to the upcoming International Divas concert; and entry into the Bach Consort’s Christmas Oratorio performance, featuring renowned soloists alongside members of the TSO and COC! Just click the links below and follow the instructions to enter in the contests of your choice. Feel free to enter all four!
“Cinderella” at the Elgin Theatre
Bach Consort’s “Christmas Oratorio”
Cinderella, Now In Theatres
Here’s to family-friendly musicmaking -- Ross Petty Productions’ comedic take on the Cinderella story is onstage at the Elgin Theatre this month.
In a fresh take on a classic tale, “Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical” is Ross Petty’s theatrical offering this holiday season. Running from November 21 to January 4 at the Elgin Theatre, this production provides a child-friendly departure from your typical holiday musicmaking. Featured in the title role is none other than Danielle Wade, best known as the winner of the CBC-TV series “Over the Rainbow.” Ross Petty himself plays the role of Cinderella’s evil stepmother.
The WholeNote has special “family packs” of four tickets -- each pack a $235 value -- available for interested readers! Just visit our Prizes Section and follow a few simple instructions for a chance to win.
This show promises a fair dose of humour, song and dance this season -- for more information, visit http://rosspetty.com/current-show/the-show.
Handel’s Messiah: A Survival Guide
The weather has dropped to below zero, holiday decorations have made their way into retail outlets, and for concertgoers -- Messiah season is upon us. Standard musical fare during the holiday season, the sheer size and scope of Messiah performances every year can be at times inspiring for this city’s musical life -- and at other times, simply daunting. With performances of Handel’s famous oratorio seeming to start earlier and earlier each year, a “who’s-who” of Messiah musicians in our December issue alone doesn’t seem to cut it. Here’s the lowdown on what’s in store this year, Messiah-wise, as well as a guide on how to navigate local offerings to find the performances that bring you the most musical cheer.
Annual Favourites: Toronto can count on several excellent performances of Handel this season from the usual suspects, who do Messiah concerts every year, and do them well. Chief among these is Tafelmusik -- their run is December 17 to 20 at Koerner Hall, featuring their choir and period-instrument orchestra, with soloists Lydia Teuscher (soprano), James Laing (countertenor), Colin Balzer (tenor) and Brett Polegato (baritone). This show is sold out from year to year, and is an audience favourite in the city. The Tafelmusik run also includes its popular sing-along show, hosted on Dec 21 at Massey Hall by none other than “Herr Handel” himself.
The WholeNote has tickets to opening night of Tafelmusik’s Koerner Hall performance up for grabs -- just check out our Prizes Section to see how to win. For details on Tafelmusik, visit their website, tafelmusik.org.
Other performances from major concert presenters in the city include the Elmer Iseler Singers’ “Handel: Messiah” on December 5, with guests Virginia Hatfield (soprano), Marion Newman (mezzo-soprano), David Pomeroy (tenor), Giles Tomkins (bass) and the Amadeus Choir; and the TSO’s “Messiah,” December 16 to 21, featuring Jane Archibald (soprano), Allyson McHardy (mezzo-soprano), Lawrence Wiliford (tenor) and Philippe Sly (bass-baritone) with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
For the Out-Of-Towners: Chorus Niagara performs two Messiah concerts this season on December 6 and 7, in Grimsby and St. Catharines respectively. Featuring soloists Jennifer Krabbe (soprano), Lyndsay Promane (mezzo), Charles Sy (tenor) and Tristan Jones (bass), as well as the Talisker Players on period instruments, these concerts are certain not to disappoint if you’re in the area.
The Guelph Chamber Choir also offers a performance using period instruments, with guests Musica Viva Orchestra, on December 20 at Guelph’s River Run Centre.
For a concert that presents Handel alongside other festive offerings, the Huronia Symphony Orchestra’s December 21 concert in Barrie features the Overture to Messiah, as well as works such as Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and a carol sing-along.
Variations: On November 28 to 29 at the Fleck Dance Theatre, Ballet Creole presents “Soulful Messiah,” a performance of tap, African-Caribbean, ballet, jazz and modern dance to the soundtrack of Quincy Jones’ rendition of the Messiah.
Also on the 29th, the Tallis Choir pairs Handel with Purcell, performing Purcell’s “Behold I Bring You Good Tidings, Te Deum and Jubilate” and Handel’s “Anthem for the Foundling Hospital” (which includes the Hallelujah Chorus) with the Talisker Players, at St. Patrick’s Church.
For something family-friendly, the Pax Christi Chorale presents a “Children’s Messiah” on December 13 at 4pm, a more casual performance that is free for children and PWYC for adults.
Finally, look out on December 20 for the Aradia Ensemble at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, where they will present their annual “Dublin Messiah” concert -- its title an homage to the Dublin concert hall where Handel’s work was first performed.
For details on all of the Messiah concerts listed above, as well as many others happening across the province in the coming weeks, take a look at this newsletter’s special Messiah listings section here, where you’re sure to find a performance that seems right for you.
JUST IN: NEW LISTINGS
ADONIS PUENTES’ ALBUM LAUNCH AT HUGH’S ROOM NOVEMBER 18
The fraternal twin brother of Alex Cuba, Cuban singer-songwriter Adonis Puentes has earned a Grammy nomination as the singer for band Mongorama and a JUNO nod for his solo album Sabor a Café. Puentes’ latest album, titled Veinte Anos, is a duo project with Cuban tres player Pancho Amat. A tribute to trova singer Maria Teresa Vera, Veinte Anos has already received a nomination for a Cubadisco Award.
Puentes launches Veinte Anos at Hugh’s Room, on November 18 at 8:30pm. Tickets are $25(adv)/$27.50(door). For a taste of the new album, click here to see one of Puentes’ latest videos. For more information on the concert, check out our listings below.
Other new or corrected (*) listings this month follow. For a complete list of Messiah listings, click here.
Tuesday November 18
8:30: Hugh's Room. Veinte Años: Homenaje a María Teresa Vera. Album Release. Adonis Puentes, sonero; Pancho Amat, tres player. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $25(adv)/$27.50(door).
Thursday November 20
2:00: Orchardviewers. Toronto Classical Pianist Ricker Choi. In Concert. Toronto Public Library, Northern District, 40 Orchard View Blvd. 416-393-7610. Free. Room 224.
Friday November 21
9:00: Hart House. Fernanda Cunha. Contemporary and traditional Brazilian compositions performed by singer Fernanda Cunha. Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle. n/a. Free.
Saturday November 22
7:30: Silverthorn Symphonic Winds. Autumn Rhapsody. Wind ensemble repertoire celebrating the many colours of fall. Alfred Reed: Alleluia! Laudamus Te; Howard Cable: Scottish Rhapsody; Jay Chattaway: Mazama; and others. Yorkminster Citadel, 1 Lord Seaton Rd., North York. $20; $15(sr/st).
Saturday November 29
3:00: Oakville Chamber Orchestra. Extraordinary Talent. Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen; Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major, mvt. 1; Ravel: Tzigane; Handel: et the Bright Seraphim from Samson; Gounod: Je Veux Vivre from Romeo and Juliet; and others. Arielle Silverberg, violin; Chelsie Vaillaincourt, flute; Jasmine Lin, violin; Leslie Bickle, soprano; Geoff Tiller, trumpet; and others. Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville. 905-483-6787 (OPUS). Free; donations accepted on behalf of ArtHouse.
Sunday November 30
CANCELLED: 8:00: Community Baroque Orchestra of Toronto. In Concert. Works by Telemann, Philidor and Marais. Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St. 416-929-0125. By donation.
MESSIAH LISTINGS
Sunday November 23
2:30: Georgetown Bach Chorale. Handel’s Messiah. Presented on historic instruments. St. James' Anglican Church, 6029 Old Church Rd., Caledon East. 905-584-9635. $35; $10(st). Also Nov 29 (eve, Knox Presbyterian, Georgetown), 30 (mat, St. John's United, Georgetown).
Friday November 28
8:00: Ballet Creole. Soulful Messiah. A dance production choreographed to Quincy Jones' R&B rendition of Handel's Messiah. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. $20-$45. Also Nov 29 (mat and eve).
Saturday November 29
2:00: Ballet Creole. Soulful Messiah. A dance production choreographed to Quincy Jones' R&B rendition of Handel's Messiah. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. $20-$45. Also Nov 28(eve) and Nov 29(eve).
7:30: Georgetown Bach Chorale. Handel’s Messiah. Presented on historic instruments. Knox Presbyterian Church (Georgetown), 116 Main St. South,Georgetown. 905-877-2848. $35; $10(st). Also Nov 15 (eve, Lakeshore United, Goderich), 23 (mat, St. James Anglican, Caledon East), 30 (mat, St. John's United, Georgetown).
7:30: Tallis Choir. Purcell's Messiah. Purcell: Behold I Bring You Good Tidings; Te Deum and Jubilate; Handel: Anthem for the Foundling Hospital(including Hallelujah Chorus). Guest: The Talisker Players; Peter Mahon, conductor. St. Patrick’s Church, 141 McCaul St. 416-286-9798. $30; $25(sr); $10(st with ID).
8:00: Ballet Creole. Soulful Messiah. A dance production choreographed to Quincy Jones' R&B rendition of Handel's Messiah. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. $20-$45. Also Nov 28(eve) and Nov 29(mat).
Sunday November 30
2:30: Georgetown Bach Chorale. Handel’s Messiah. Presented on historic instruments. St. John's United Church (Georgetown), 11 Guelph St., Georgetown, On. 905-877-2531. $35; $10(st). Also Nov 15 (eve, Lakeshore United, Goderich), 23 (mat, St. James Anglican, Caledon East), 29 (eve, Knox Presbyterian Church, Georgetown).
3:00: Guelph Chamber Choir. Carols For Christmas: Carols and Seasonal Readings for Christmas and Winter. Benjamin Britten: Ceremony of Carols; Harold Darke: In the Bleak Midwinter; Fode Fjellheim: Northern Lights; Handel: Hallelujah Chorus; and traditional carols for choir and audience sing-along. Gerald Neufeld, conductor; Alison MacNeill, piano; "Winter’s Eve Trio" (Sharlene Wallace, harp; Joe Macerollo, accordion; George Koller, bass. St. George's Anglican Church, 99 Woolwich St., Guelph. 519-763-3000. $25; $10(st); $5(with eyeGO).
Friday December 5
8:00: Elmer Isler Singers. Handel: Messiah. Guests: Virginia Hatfield, soprano; Marion Newman, mezzo; David Pomeroy, tenor; Giles Tomkins, bass; Amadeus Choir; Lydia Adams, conductor. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. 416-217-0537. $55; $50(sr); $20(st).
Saturday December 6
2:00: Musikay. How to Handle Messiah. A workshop/sing-along on Handel's Messiah, led by Musikay's Maestro Potvin. Grace Lutheran Church, 304 Spruce St., Oakville. 905-825-9740. $30 general admission.
7:30: Chorus Niagara. Messiah: A Niagara Holiday Tradition for 50 years. Handel's Messiah performed on period instruments. Jennifer Krabbe, soprano; Lyndsay Promane, mezzo; Charles Sy, tenor; Tristan Jones, bass; Talisker Players. Mountainview Christian Reformed Church, 290 Main St. E., Grimsby. 1-866-617-3257 or 905-688-5550 x3257. $35; $33(sr); $25(under 30); $15 (st); $5(eyeGO). Also Dec 7(mat, St. Catharines). Donations welcome of non-perishable food items in support of Grimsby Benevolent Fund.
7:30: Etobicoke Centennial Choir. Sacred Traditions. Handel: Messiah(part 1); seasonal carols and songs. Carl Steinhauser, piano; Henry Renglich, conductor. Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke. 416-769-9271. $25.
7:30: Grand Philharmonic Choir. Messiah. Handel. Jennifer Taverner, soprano; Kimberly Barber, mezzo; Cory Knight, tenor; Daniel Lichti, bass-baritone; Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony; Mark Vuorinen, conductor. Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-6885. $25–$75.
7:30: Orchestra Kingston. Messiah Sing-Along. Guest soloists; audience participation. Salvation Army Citadel, 816 Centennial Dr., Kingston. 613-634-9312. $15-$20. Rehearsals Nov 25 & Dec 2 at 5:30, Salvation Army Citadel.
Sunday December 7
2:30: Chorus Niagara. Messiah: A Niagara Holiday Tradition for 50 years. Handel's Messiah performed on period instruments. Jennifer Krabbe, soprano; Lyndsay Promane, mezzo; Charles Sy, tenor; Tristan Jones, bass; Talisker Players. Calvary Church, 89 Scott St., St. Catharines. 1-866-617-3257 or 905-688-5550 x3257. $35; $33(sr); $25(under 30); $15 (st); $5(eyeGO). Also Dec 6(eve, Grimsby). Donations welcome of non-perishable food items in support of Community Care.
3:00: Elora Festival and Singers. A Village Messiah. Handel. Elora Festival Singers; Noel Edison, conductor. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 760 St. David N.,Fergus. 519-846-0332. $40.
3:00: St. Anne's Anglican Church. Cantate: A Neighbourhood Christmas Concert. Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Christmas Carols; Handel: Messiah (excerpts); carol-sing. Choir of St. Anne's; Junction Trio & Friends; Matthew Otto, conductor. 270 Gladstone Ave. 416-536-3160. $15; free(child). In support of Youth Scholarship Program, Div. 14, Community Police Liaison Committee.
Friday December 12
7:30: Cellar Singers. Messiah. Handel. Jennifer Taverner, Jennifer Enns Modolo, Joseph Levesque and Benjamin Covey, vocals; Mitchell Pady, artistic director; Blair Bailey, organ. St. Joseph's Church (Bracebridge), 118 McMurray St.,Bracebridge. 705-817-7664. $30; $15(gen/st). Also Dec 14(mat).
Saturday December 13
4:00: Pax Christi Chorale. Children’s Messiah. Handel: favourite choruses and arias. Church of St. Mary Magdalene, 477 Manning Ave. 416-531-7955. PWYC; free(child).
7:30: Arcady. Messiah. Handel. Ronald Beckett, conductor. Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, 70 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster. 877-700-3130. $25.
8:00: Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. Hallelujah! Messiah and Friends. Handel: Messiah(highlights); Bach: Christmas Oratorio Part 1. Guest chorus and solo vocals. Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga. 905-306-6000. $48–$62.
Sunday December 14
3:00: Cellar Singers. Messiah. Handel. Jennifer Taverner, Jennifer Enns Modolo, Joseph Levesque and Benjamin Covey, vocals; Mitchell Pady, artistic director; Blair Bailey, organ. St. Paul's United Church (Orillia), 62 Peter St. N., Orillia. 705-817-7664. $30; $15(gen/st). Also Dec 12(eve).
3:00: Peterborough Singers. Handel’s Messiah. Pamela Birrell, soprano; Laura Pudwell, mezzo; Colin Ainsworth, tenor; Michael Adair, bass; Paul Otway, trumpet; and others; Sydney Birrell, conductor. George Street United Church, 534 George St. N., Peterborough. 705-745-1820. $20-$30; $10(st). Also Dec 15(eve).
Monday December 15
7:30: Peterborough Singers. Handel’s Messiah. Pamela Birrell, soprano; Laura Pudwell, mezzo; Colin Ainsworth, tenor; Michael Adair, bass; Paul Otway, trumpet; and others; Sydney Birrell, conductor. George Street United Church, 534 George St. N., Peterborough. 705-745-1820. $20-$30; $10(st). Also Dec 14(mat).
Tuesday December 16
8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 17, 19, 20, 21(mat).
Wednesday December 17
7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 18, 19, 20, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).
8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 16, 19, 20, 21(mat).
Thursday December 18
7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 17, 19, 20, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).
Friday December 19
7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 17, 18, 20, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).
8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 16, 17, 20, 21(mat).
Saturday December 20
7:30: Aradia Ensemble. Dublin Messiah. Handel. Jacqueline Woodley, soprano; Maria Soulis, mezzo; Adam Fisher, tenor; Giles Tomkins, bass; Kevin Mallon, conductor. St. Anne's Anglican Church, 270 Gladstone Ave. 647-960-6650. $35; $20(sr/st).
7:30: Guelph Chamber Choir. Messiah. Handel. Sheila Dietrich, soprano; Daniel Cabena, countertenor; Chris Fischer, tenor; Alexander Dobson, bass; Musica Viva Orchestra on period instruments; Gerald Neufeld, conductor. River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St., Guelph. 519-763-3000. $35/$30(4 or more); $10(st); $5(eyeGO).
7:30: Tafelmusik. Handel: Messiah. Lydia Teuscher, soprano; James Laing, countertenor; Colin Balzer, tenor; Brett Polegato, baritone; Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. $49–$119; $39–$104(sr); $29–$104(35 and under). Also Dec 17, 18, 19, and 21: Sing-Along Messiah, Massey Hall(mat).
8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$105. Also Dec 16, 17, 19, 21(mat).
Sunday December 21
2:00: Tafelmusik. Sing-Along Messiah. Handel. Ivars Taurins, conductor. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-872-4255. $29–$47. Also Dec 17, 18, 19, and 20(Koerner Hall, eve).
3:00: Grand River Chorus. Singalong Messiah. Handel. Grand River Orchestra; Shannon McCracken, soprano; Timothy Wong, countertenor; Shawn Oakes, tenor; Kirk Lackenbauer, baritone. Grace Anglican Church, 15 Albion St.,Brantford. . $25; $15(sr/st).
3:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Special: Messiah. Handel. Jane Archibald, soprano; Allyson McHardy, mezzo; Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Philippe Sly, bass; Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; Grant Llewellyn, conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-593-4828; 416-593-0688(Chinese). $38-$109. Also Dec 16, 17, 19, 20.
3:30: Huronia Symphony Orchestra. The Glory of Christmas. Moll/Balaburski: Sadie’s Door (premiere); Handel: Overture to Messiah; Calvert: ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime; Anderson: Sleigh Ride; traditional Christmas classics; carol sing-along. Oliver Balaburski, conductor. Guests: Barrie Belltones Handbell Choir. Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St., Barrie. 705-721-4752. $25; $10(st); $5(child).
THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING
Our next issue of HalfTones, Vol 2 No 4, is out on December 9! The next print issue of The WholeNote, a double issue for December and January, will be published on December 1.
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