It is a record of live shows we’re attending, wishing we might attend, or excited 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 conflict 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 instances. As a substitute 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 sphere, His bare breast stands for a protect; His battering shot are babish cries, His arrows appears to be like of weeping eyes, His martial ensigns Chilly and Want, And feeble Flesh his warrior’s steed.’ As we get able to rejoice 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. Data 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+
In the event you wished your seasonal Messiah with an enormous choir (125+ for these runs), ringing via 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, shall be well-supported by this excellent giant choral group, and the TSO. Jean-Sébastien Vallée conducts. With 5 performances, absolutely, you may make it to 1! Data 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 underneath age 12
Voices Chamber Choir underneath 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 among the finest French baroque Christmas works: Messe de minuit pour Noël. It might appear weird initially that Charpentier, one of many perfect of the French Baroque composers, is so hardly ever heard in Toronto — however contemplating the musical finesse and sensitivity required, it’s no surprise that many draw back from performing it. So right here’s your likelihood to expertise the excessive French Baroque glory, with all its golden curly edges. Data 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 obtainable
In case you are bored with the seasonal bangers, right here’s one thing fairly completely different. Duo Cichorium (Jasmine Tsui and Louis Pino), curators at Array Music (2024-2027), are answerable for 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 are feeling a bit uneasy, this IS the live performance you must come to! There isn’t a obligation to endure, however in the event you merely select to not strive new music out, you simply might be lacking out on the brand new favorite factor. It’s necessary to do not forget that easiest issues, like boiled peas, require repeated publicity for a toddler to make their thoughts up — specialists say, on common, 7 tries. We are sometimes fairly open, even excited to check out a brand new vogue fashion, a drink, or a snack. Keep in mind getting that radical haircut? A brand new lipstick? Why ought to we cease experimenting and exploring relating to the humanities? No reply is required. Do come out and see what is occurring, in our personal time, in our personal metropolis, from these inventive minds. Data right here.
Choir! Choir! Choir!: Un-Silent Night time
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 working 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 group spirit, their reveals often promote out- no surprise, 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 pals, and soon-to-be-friends, on this time of reflection and sharing. Data right here.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Sing-Alongside Messiah
Sunday, December 22, 2 p.m.
Massey Corridor, $59.70
In the event 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 cling your hope on the final minute rush tickets (as there’s at all times a number of who can’t make it to the occasion final minute) — both apply to be placed on the ready record, or name the field workplace at 4:30 p.m. to see if there’s something obtainable 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. Data right here.
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