Toronto is home to all kinds of musical talent. Whether it’s individual musicians, or orchestras, the city is bursting with bright talent. We’re also home to the Royal Conservatory of Music, one of the largest and renowned musical education institutes in the world. Not only does the conservatory offer the best in music education, with an excellent curriculum, amazing teachers, and rigorous assessment, but also an incredible program of performances. Here’s what to look forward to before 2016 comes to an end.
November
Image via The Royal Conservatory on Facebook
- November 10th: Generation Next at Koerner Hall – Witness 5 Canadian classical talents who are just about to break through. The program includes pieces by Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rossini, and Chopin.
- November 12th: U of T Presents: U of T Symphony Orchestra at Walter Hall – Enjoy a pre-performance chat with professors and graduate students before the main event – performances of works by Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Debussy, and Ibert.
- November 13th: The Glenn Gould School Fall Opera at Ihnatowycz Hall – Students from the Glenn Gould School’s vocal program will perform their annual autumnal opera, Cendrillon by Pauline Viardot.
- November 23rd: Soundstreams Canada Present: Music of the Rainbow Nation at Koerner Hall – This evening will explore Canadian and South African cultural identity through musical expression. The night will offer dramatic performances, as well as musical performances by The Rainbow Chorus, and the world premier of a choral piece by Canadian composer Gabriel Dharmoo.
- November 25th: Tito Munoz conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, with Charissa Vandikas on Piano – One of the most gifted conductors of his generation, Tito Munoz will lead the orchestra in a program of pieces by John Adams, Ravel, and Brahms.
December
Image via Tanya Antimirova on Twitter
- December 1st: Laila Biali and Pilar at Koerner Hall – Award-winning Canadian pianist and vocalist, Laila Biali offers a unique blend of traditional jazz with contemporary pop. Guests can also look forward to a performance by up and coming Italian jazz and cabaret singer, Pilar.
- December 4th: Stewart Goodyear at Koerner Hall – Considered to be one of the best pianists of his generation, witness the incredible talent of Stewart Goodyear as he performs works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky, as well as the world premiere of a piece he wrote for Canada’s 150th anniversary.
- December 7th: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir: Festival of Carols at Yorkmister Park Baptist Church – A variety of seasonal pieces performed by the amazing choir, as well as a brass orchestra, and internationally acclaimed organist David Briggs.
- December 11th: The King’s Singers @ Christmas at Koerner Hall – Known for their ‘spot-on performances’ and impeccable vocal skills, enjoy the exquisite talent of the King’s Singers as they perform pieces by Tchaikovsky, Lawson, Anderson, Berlin, and Pärt, as well as a selection of seasonal classics.
- December 14th – 17th: Tafelmusik Presents: Handel Messiah at Koerner Hall – This uplifting performance has become a cherished holiday tradition in Toronto. Bask in the incredible power of Handel’s glorious piece of music, complete with Hallelujah chorus!