Well, ‘tis the time of year for seasonal concerts of all kinds. Here are a few that I’m involved in, or planning to attend. Maybe I’ll see you at one of them?
Echo Women’s Choir: “Land of the Dreams”
Sunday, December 11, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Holy Trinity Church (West side of Eaton Centre)
http://www.echowomenschoir.ca/
The concert is named after one of two pieces I arranged for them, both written by the wonderful singer-songwriter Laurel James. I’ve heard them rehearse and the evening promises to be warm and enjoyable with repertoire from regions around the world.
Toronto Jewish Folk Choir: “Chanukah Concert Live”
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Barbara Frum Library (20 Covington Road)
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM86508&R=86508
A one-hour concert by the long-standing Toronto Jewish Folk Choir. I’m thrilled to be joining the sopranos for this concert—the group is absolutely wonderful. Plus the concert is free!
University of Toronto Faculty of Music Choirs: “A Seasonal Celebration”
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 @ 7:30 pm.
MacMillan Theatre, 80 Queen’s Park
http://www.music.utoronto.ca/events/calendar/chr1207.htm?ViewMode=View&DateTime=634588830000000000&PageMode=View
If more traditional choral music is your thing, check out this concert from the Faculty of Music at University Toronto, where I’m chipping away at my Ph.D. The concert features a triple bill of the MacMillan Singers (conducted by Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt), the Women’s Chorus (conducted by Ana Alvarez) and the Men’s Chorus (conducted by David Holler). And all three choirs will form a massed choir to perform the Pinkham Christmas Cantata, along with brass from the U of T Wind Ensemble. Yep, there’s gonna be a lotta sound coming off that stage.
Megacity Chorus: “Reflections”
Saturday, December 3, 2011 @ 2pm & 7pm
Lawrence Park Community Church (2180 Bayview Ave)
http://megacitychorus.com/News-EventDetails.php?entry=58
OK, I’ve never seen these guys perform before, but who can resist a concert when their web site calls them “an older, less dysfunctional version of Glee”? Plus I’ve worked with their conductor Dan Rutzen and he’s amazing. So if you’re into 4-part barbershop a capella-style harmonies, check this one out.
There are probably several dozen other performances of choral and vocal concerts happening around the city. If you’d like a more complete listing that’s not at all Deanna-promoting, Wholenote magazine has a pretty comprehensive listing of concerts in the GTA. Happy season to you!
