It is a checklist of live shows we’re attending, wishing we may attend, or enthusiastic about attending between December 16 and 23, 2024. For extra of what’s occurring round Toronto, go to our calendar right here.
Orpheus Choir of Toronto: A Ceremony of Carols
Tuesday, December 17, 7:30 p.m.
Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave., $25+
Written within the brutality of warfare in 1942 on a 5-weeks ship voyage from New York again to England, Britten is poignant in his contemplation on the dire want for the arrival of saviour in treacherous occasions. As an alternative of cheerful jollity, the cycle has many darkish moments, specializing in the rebirth post-death, post-winter, and wrestle between good and evil — particularly in ‘This Little Babe’: ‘…With tears he fights and wins the sector, His bare breast stands for a defend; His battering shot are babish cries, His arrows seems to be of weeping eyes, His martial ensigns Chilly and Want, And feeble Flesh his warrior’s steed.’ As we get able to have fun the top of 2024, sadly, some issues haven’t modified because the WW2 — wars raging, the poor struggling, tears flowing. Come and hearken to this superb austere setting of the babe saviour, from a darker, humanistic perspective, with excellent artistry of Orpheus Choir of Toronto with sparse accompaniment of the harp. Reena Esmail’s Winter Breviary and extra Christmas and Chanukah tunes full the night. Information right here.
Toronto Symphony and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir: Messiah
Tuesday, December 17, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, December 18, 8 p.m.; Friday, December 20, 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 21, 8 p.m.; Sunday, December 22, 3 p.m.
Roy Thomson Corridor, $64+
Should you wished your seasonal Messiah with an enormous choir (125+ for these runs), ringing by the constructing, that is the one to return to. Masking the favorite numbers from all three books, immerse your self into the evening of nice storytelling. Soloists Sherezade Panthaki, Nicholas Burns, James Ley, and Enrico Lagasca, can be well-supported by this excellent massive choral group, and the TSO. Jean-Sébastien Vallée conducts. With 5 performances, absolutely, you may make it to 1! Information right here.
Voices Chamber Choir: Joyeux Noël
Wednesday, December 18, 8 p.m.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, 151 Glenlake Ave., $20+, Free for kids beneath age 12
Voices Chamber Choir beneath course of Ron Chung has been busy presenting high-calibre performances in Toronto since 1996, and for his or her twenty eighth Christmas live performance, Voices are presenting the most effective French baroque Christmas works: Messe de minuit pour Noël. It could appear weird initially that Charpentier, one of many best of the French Baroque composers, is so not often heard in Toronto — however contemplating the musical finesse and sensitivity required, it’s no marvel that many shrink back from performing it. So right here’s your likelihood to expertise the excessive French Baroque glory, with all its golden curly edges. Information right here.
Array Music: Playscape Emporium: Of Dances and Desires
Thursday, December 19, 7:30 p.m.
Array House,155 Walnut Ave, $20, Pay-what-you-can accessible
In case you are uninterested in the seasonal bangers, right here’s one thing fairly totally different. Duo Cichorium (Jasmine Tsui and Louis Pino), curators at Array Music (2024-2027), are in control of six live shows: Cichorium’s Playscape Emporium, and for this version, they’re bringing all of the bells and whistles, as Angela Blumberg Dance Firm, teething — a six-member improvisation ensemble — and visible artist JEIA be a part of them on this night of potentialities. If up to date music makes you’re feeling a bit uneasy, this IS the live performance you must come to! There is no such thing as a obligation to endure, however in case you merely select to not attempt new music out, you simply might be lacking out on the brand new favorite factor. It’s essential to keep in mind that easiest issues, like boiled peas, require repeated publicity for a toddler to make their thoughts up — consultants say, on common, 7 tries. We are sometimes fairly open, even excited to check out a brand new trend model, a drink, or a snack. Bear in mind getting that radical haircut? A brand new lipstick? Why ought to we cease experimenting and exploring in relation to the humanities? No reply is required. Do come out and see what is going on, in our personal time, in our personal metropolis, from these inventive minds. Information right here.
Choir! Choir! Choir!: Un-Silent Evening
Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m., and eight p.m.
Massey Corridor, $57.30
This superb group, led by Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (aka Dabu), have been operating C!C!C! since 2011, and their occasions are so fun- and it’s open to you! Sure, you! Do come and take that invitation to take part — let your guard down, and sing alongside. Mixing singing, arts, comedy, and neighborhood spirit, their reveals often promote out- no marvel, as true inclusivity and openness is kind of uncommon on this, ahem, severe (classical) musical world. Come out, and really feel that freedom of singing, with your mates, and soon-to-be-friends, on this time of reflection and sharing. Information right here.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Sing-Alongside Messiah
Sunday, December 22, 2 p.m.
Massey Corridor, $59.70
Should you didn’t get your tickets for Tafel’s Messiah at Koerner Corridor (Friday, Dec 20; Saturday, Dec 21), it’s in all probability too late — it’s formally offered out. You can dangle your hope on the final minute rush tickets (as there’s all the time a number of who can not make it to the occasion final minute) — both apply to be placed on the ready checklist, or name the field workplace at 4:30 p.m. to see if there’s something accessible on the day of the efficiency, or hurry up and get a seat for the Messiah sing-along! The excellent soloists from Friday and Saturday will be a part of you, sure, you, as all of us sing our hearts out on these favorite tunes. Mr. Handel, in spectacular, hand-made costume, will lead you thru this dramatic tackle nativity story and salvation. Get your tickets now although, it’s promoting tremendous quick. Information right here.
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Cecilia tumbled into ‘severe’ music examine when she determined to keep away from attending medical faculty. Presently working within the area of classical music, recording, and Korean-English interpretation, she tends to get her nostril soiled in many alternative issues within the metropolis. Cecilia holds a DMA in Piano Efficiency from the College of Nebraska-Lincoln.
