Community Event Listings
Oct. 24 - Soundstreams - Letter to God
Letters to God is a spiritual exploration of the musical threads connecting Canadian and Japanese culture. It features Japan’s legendary Fujii Percussion (mother Mutsuko Fujii, and daughters Haruka and Rika), Soundstreams Choir 21, The Canadian Children’s Opera Company, Gregory Oh (piano), and Ryan Scott (percussion). Akira Miyoshi’s Letters to God brings to life a collection of letters written by children, notable for their refreshing directness, unexpected humour, and startling clarity of thought; R. Murray Schafer’s evocative 17 Haiku is a theatrical composition that sets Japanese poems to music that evokes the singing of birds, crickets, streams, the tolling of a bell, or fireworks at a festival. The program features other evocative works: Seasons by Tōru Takemitsu, river woman by Melody McKiver, and Pulau Dewata by Claude Vivier.
Japan’s ‘First Family’ of percussion. -Daniel Druckman
Oct. 24, 2024, 7:30 PM
Tickets & Info: https://www.rcmusic.com/events-and-performances/soundstreams-presents-letters-to-god
Oct. 26 - Ontario Pops - Hispanic / Latin American Heritage Month Gala Concert
The Ontario Pops Orchestra, under the dynamic baton of Maestro Carlos Bastidas, is thrilled to announce its Hispanic/Latin American Heritage Month Gala Concert. This special concert will feature an exceptional lineup of talent, including:
- Sonia Rodriguez, former principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, whose grace and artistry will captivate the audience.
- Juan Dino, renowned guitarist, bringing the rhythmic and soulful sounds of Latin America to the stage.
- Carlos Olavide & Adriana Moraru, celebrated dancers whose passionate performances promise to enchant and energize.
- Fabian Arciniegas, a distinguished singer known for his powerful and emotive voice.
- Mariachi Fuego, whose lively and authentic mariachi music will infuse the evening with spirited energy.
Join us for an unforgettable night of music and dance as we honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic and Latin American communities.
Tickets are available for $40 and can be purchased online at www.ontariopops.com.
Oct. 27 - Off Centre Music Salon - Ages & Stages
To kick off our season, we are thrilled to celebrate an important “family” reunion: acclaimed LA-based, Canadian pianist Micah Yui joins us at Off Centre for the first time in almost a decade, but her relationship to our family goes all the way back to 1979, when she first began her studies with our very own Inna Perkis and Boris Zarankin. Micah is joined by her 17-year-old daughter, cellist Mira Kardan, a prodigious young talent who has just relocated to Toronto to study at the Glenn Gould School. We’re also reuniting the shy, young Schubert with his idol Beethoven in a program that will feature the “youngster’s” Arpeggione Sonata for cello and piano and the master’s piano Bagatelles, op. 126. And not to worry: the solemnity of these occasions will be accompanied by just the right dose of fun – how does one piano, six hands sound??
Oct. 27, 2024, 3:00 PM
Tickets & Info: 2024-25 Season – Off Centre Music Salon
Nov.7 - Sinfonia Toronto - Chopin & Shostakovich - Slavic Gems
Thrill to an evening of romantic melody and inspiring musical optimism. Maestro Arman and the orchestra open with Vasily Kalinnikov’s Serenade, a delight that’s light on its feet, with a waltz‐like flow, lush harmonies and a theme full of freshness and optimism. Polish soprano Dominika Zamara makes her Canadian début in ten songs by Frédéric Chopin, composed to set evocative poems by famous Polish writers like Adam Mickiewicz, passionate patriots who were his personal friends. The stellar Canadian pianist Anya Alexeyev joins the orchestra for Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor, a beautiful work that became a beacon of cheer during WWII. One of the original players later wrote, “the Quintet overshadowed even the football matches between the main teams. The Quintet was discussed in trams, people tried to sing in the streets the second defiant theme of the finale.” This magnificent work includes a Bach-like opening, a brilliant Scherzo that shows Shostakovich’s ironic humour, a tranquil Intermezzo and the famous finale theme.
Nov.7, 2024 8:00 PM
Tickets & Info: https://www.sinfoniatoronto.com
Nov.10 - Amici Chamber Ensemble - Was Brahms a God?
Delve into the captivating world where tradition meets innovation
Featuring the musical works of Johannes Brahms and Ernő Dohnányi
Experience the dynamic synergy between Johannes Brahms and Ernő Dohnányi, two musical giants whose compositions span the ages with unparalleled depth and innovation. Immerse yourself in the richness of Brahms’ genius. Step into the soulful world of his’ Clarinet Quintet, where every note weaves a tapestry of emotion and elegance. Revered for its lyrical beauty and intricate interplay between clarinet and strings, this masterpiece invites listeners on a journey through heartfelt melodies and poignant harmonies.
This program is centred on Brahms and how he influenced composers such as Dohnányii, who idolized him. When Brahms heard his piano quintet, he thought it extraordinary and took the young Dohnányi under his wing, getting the work and the composer to Vienna and an assured future in the music world. Explore the exquisite melodies, rich harmonies, and profound emotions that define their musical legacy. Amici is pleased to share the stage with TSO concertmaster, violinist Jonathan Crow, and two members of the acclaimed Rolston String Quartet, violinist Luri Lee and violist Hezekiah Leung.
Nov.10, 2024 3:00 PM
Tickets & Info: WAS BRAHMS A GOD | 2024 – Amici Chamber Ensemble