Want to listen to some holiday music in Toronto?
There’s lots to choose from and what we’ve compiled below are mostly community-based concerts either organized at the grass roots level or involving our local musicians. And we’ll add to it, as they come in ...
EAST END
TORONTO BEACH CHORALE
WHEN: Saturday, November 26, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Road (near Victoria Park).
WHAT: Toronto Beach Chorale presents ‘Sounds of Yule’. Featuring music from the hit movie “Home Alone”; the lyrical ‘The World at The Manger - A Christmas Cantata’ by Malcolm Williamson, with soprano and bass soloists; and a suite of timeless and charming carols by John Rutter.
TICKETS/INFO: Tickets, $20 adults, $10 under 18 years old. Concert tickets are available online from TicketScene (recommended) or at the door (first come, first served). Visit http://torontobeachchorale.com/
EAST YORK CHOIR
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: at Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. (west of Chester subway).
WHAT: the East York Choir, celebrating its 25th anniversary, presents Winter Solstice, featuring a wide array of music from many different eras and traditions – from ancient carols to a variety of selections by contemporary composers and legendary Canadian songwriters.
TICKETS/INFO: Tickets, $20 adults, $15 senior, $10 students. Concert tickets are available online (recommended), by phone (647-260-0740). Visit http://www.eastyorkchoir.ca/
TORONTO CHORAL SOCIETY/SPO
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: at Birchmount Park Collegiate, 3663 Danforth Avenue.
WHAT: The Toronto Choral Society, usually based out of Eastminster United Church on the Danforth at 310 Danforth Ave., heads a little east to join up with the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra for ‘A Cowboy Christmas’.
TICKETS/INFO: Tickets for this concert can be purchased online, in advance from choir members for $20 or at the door on the evening of the concert for $25. Visit http://www.torontochoralsociety.org
TORONTO CHORAL SOCIETY
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: at Eastminster United Church.
WHAT: the Toronto Choral Society presents ‘An Eastern European Christmas’.
TICKETS/INFO: tickets for this concert can be purchased online, in advance from choir members for $20 or at the door on the evening of the concert for $25. Visit http://www.torontochoralsociety.org
EAST YORK CONCERT BAND
The East York Concert Band has three upcoming performances:
* Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. at Brigadier O.M. Martin Legion Hall, Branch 345, 81 Peard Rd. (Scarborough): the band’s ‘Christmas Festival’;
* Thursday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m., at Scarborough General Hospital: the annual Christmas Carol Sing-a-long;
* and Monday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at QSSIS Banquet Halls, 3474 Kingston Road (northwest corner at Markham Road): annual holiday concert, featuring a holiday sing-a-long along with a lively mix of seasonal favourites. Tickets: $12.50 (children 12 and under free).
Visit http://www.eastyorkconcertband.ca/
SCARBOROUGH
VPA MUSIC STUDENTS
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26.
WHERE: at the University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail (AC223-Academic Resource Centre).
WHAT: fill your ears with music as the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Music Students end their semester with a free public concerts
* the Concert Choir and the Strings Ensemble, 2 to 4 p.m.;
* and the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Community & Alumni Band 7 to 9 p.m.
INFO: visit http://www.aeplive.ca/
BEL CANTO SINGERS
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: at St. Dunstan of Canterbury Church, 56 Lawson Road, Scarborough.
WHAT: Bel Canto Singers presents its Christmas concert, The Very Best Time of Year.
TICKETS/INFO: for tickets or more info visit http://belcantosingers.ca/
SPO/TORONTO CHORAL SOCIETY
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: at Birchmount Park Collegiate, 3663 Danforth Avenue.
WHAT: The Toronto Choral Society, usually based out of Eastminster United Church on the Danforth at 310 Danforth Ave., heads a little east to join up with the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra for ‘A Cowboy Christmas’.
TICKETS/INFO: Tickets for this concert can be purchased online, in advance from choir members for $20 or at the door on the evening of the concert for $25. Visit http://www.torontochoralsociety.org
ETOBICOKE
CANTORES CELESTES WOMEN’S CHOIR
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: at Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd.
WHAT: Cantores Celestes Women’s Choir presents A Hands Across the Border Christmas featuring Sir Christemas by Derek Holman; and carols and lullabies of the South West by Conrad Susa. A $1,000 donation will be made to the Assaulted Women’s Helpline.
TICKETS/INFO: tickets and more info at http://www.cantorescelestes.com/
HARMONY SINGERS
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 3 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: at Martingrove United Church, 75 Pergola Road (Martingrove and Rexdale).
WHAT: the Etobicoke-based Harmony Singers present their Christmas Concert. This traditional holiday season concert has been charming audiences for the past 46 years. Proceeds from the concert contribute to the annual scholarship given to The Etobicoke School of the Arts.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.harmonysingers.ca/
ETOBICOKE COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 16, 8 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: at 86 Montgomery Road (Bloor and Islington).
WHAT: The Etobicoke Community Concert Band, with the Toronto Police Services Men’s Chorus, presents ‘You Better Watch Out’ Favourite Christmas and Holiday tunes.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.eccb.ca/
NORTH YORK
NEWTONBROOK UNITED
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:15 p.m.).
WHERE: at Newtonbrook United Church, 53 Cummer Avenue (Cummer and Yonge).
WHAT: In the Christmas Spirit: An Evening of Seasonal Stories and Songs, presented by Newtonbrook United Church, Twelfth annual concert.
TICKETS/INFO: Visit http://www.newtonbrookunitedchurch.ca/
CITY CENTRE/DOWNTOWN
SALVATION ARMY
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m.
WHERE: at Yonge-Dundas Square.
WHAT: Christmas in the Square with the Salvation Army, A Christmas concert and community carol sing-along, featuring the Salvation Army’s divisional youth band and chorus.
SANTA IN THE JUNCTION
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
WHERE: in the Junction.
WHAT: Santa in the Junction, presented by the Junction BIA. Fourteen Live Performance Windows featuring 100 young dancers from the Creative Children’s Dance Centre; Wendall Ferguson’s Country Guitar Carolls; Visits with Santa; Hot Roasted Chestnuts; Strolling Carollers; The Junction Children’s Choir; The Acts of Sweetness Cookie Truck; A 30’x80’ ball hockey rink; Santa’s Workshop; Mrs Santa’s Story Time; and a whole lot more. SEE VIDEO at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvZ9200U6Rs&feature=youtu.be
SCHEDULE:
* Ball Hockey Rink - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Santa Visits - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* Mrs Santa Stories - 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m.
* Creative Children’s Dancers, seven locations 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* Santa’s Workshop noon to 3 p.m.
* Wendell Ferguson’s Guitar Christmas 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
* Junction Children’s Choir 2:15 p.m.
* Strolling Carollers noon to - 3 p.m.
* Garry & Renees’s Jazzed up Christmas noon to to 3 p.m.
* Roasted chestnuts 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
INFO: visit http://www.thejunctionbia.com/Home.aspx
A GLORIOUS ENGLISH CHRISTMAS
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26, 7 p.m.
WHERE: at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street (Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue).
WHAT: A Glorious English Christmas. Oakham House Choir of Ryerson University and Toronto Sinfonietta present: Rutter’s Gloria; Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols; and Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.torontosinfonietta.com and http://www.oakhamchoir.ca/
MUSIC FOR LIFE (Sold Out)
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.
WHAT: Music For Life 2011, presented by Dixon Hall Music School, is sold out. Featuring Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy, this one night helps to raise money for the entire year of scholarships to send children to private and group music lessons starting at only $3 per lesson. Instrument rentals are also available starting at $3 per month.
The music school has been offering subsidized music lessons to children from Regent Park, Moss Park and the St. Lawrence neighbourhood since 1978. Since opening its doors, over 4500 children have benefitted from lessons at the Music School, many who wouldn’t otherwise have had the opportunity to learn music.
INFO: visit http://www.dixonhall.org/2011/10/10/music-for-life/
PAX CHRISTI CHORALE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd.
WHAT: Pax Christi Chorale and Youth Choir present Britten - Saint Nicolas Traditional carols and motets and the world premiere of a new composition by Stephanie Martin.
Also with:
* James McLean, tenor;
* Bruce Ubukata & Stephen Ralls, duo pianists of The Aldeburgh Connection;
* Havergal College Girls’ Choir;
* and Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus boy soloists with orchestra.
TICKETS/INFO: tickets and more info at http://www.paxchristichorale.org/category/concerts/
TORONTO CHAMBER CHOIR
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street (at Heath, north of St. Clair).
WHAT: Now in its fifth decade, the Toronto Chamber Choir holds a place of prominence in the early music scene. It presents its Christmas concert, A Boy was Born in Bethlehem, The Christmas concert juxtaposes an array of ancient carols and motets with modern songs and anthems. Such composers as Clemens non papa, Lassus, Praetorius and Guerrero represent Renaissance music, while the contemporary arrangers and composers include Jan Sandström, Benjamin Britten and Canada’s Mark Sirett. Come, listen and also sing along with favourite carols. A reception with delicious Christmas fare follows the concert. Opening Notes at 7 p.m.
TICKETS/INFO: http://www.torontochamberchoir.ca/
NATHANIEL DETT CHORALE
WHEN: Tuesday, December 6, at 8 p.m.
WHERE: at Koerner Hall at the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning.
WHAT: Three disciplines – one extraordinary evening. This holiday season the glorious voices of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale will give a lively and exuberant program of Afro-Latin and Andean rhythms in an extraordinary collaboration with Latin Music Quartet, Maderaz, and COBA a celebrated dance collective dedicated to presenting Afrocentric dance, music and folkloric traditions. An Indigo Christmas… Navidad Nuestra will feature performances with a Spanish twist including two choral gems from Argentinean composer Ariel Ramírez.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://nathanieldettchorale.org/
TUBA FESTIVAL
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec, 7, noon to 1 p.m.
WHERE: at Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West.
WHAT: The 20th Annual Christmas Tuba Festival and Choir Sing-along, presented by The Coalition for Music Education and the GTA Music Educators. All those who can play tuba, from beginners to professional players and teachers, and all those who like singing, are invited to participate.
Since the event is held outdoors, players should bring a cushion to sit on, and a music stand with wind clips. Decorated instruments are a seasonal favourite for the press. Orin Isaacs, music director for Battle of the Blades, will again be master of ceremonies for the event.
INFO: visit http://musicmakesus.ca/
TORONTO WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.
WHERE: at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St.
WHAT: The Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir presents ‘A Welsh Christmas'.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.twmvc.com/#/home/
TORONTO MENDELSSOHN CHOIR
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge Street.
WHAT: The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, one of Canada’s largest choral organizations, presents its popular Festival of Carols. Concert program will include:
* Honneger - Laudate Dominum
* Willcocks - Hark the Herald (audience sing-along)
* Jenkins - In dulci jubilo
* Chilcott - The 12 days of Christmas
* Whitacre - Lux arumque
* Chilcott - Sussex Carol
* Halley - The First Nowell (audience sing-along)
And more...
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.tmchoir.org/
UPPER CANADA CHORISTERS
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.
WHERE: at Grace Church-on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road.
WHAT: Upper Canada Choristers presents ‘Wintertide’, featuring the North American premiere of Karl Jenkin’s Stella Natalis.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://uppercanadachoristers.org/
TORONTO ALL-STAR BIG BAND
WHEN: Saturday, December 10, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: at Jane Mallet Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East (Front Street East and Scott Street).
WHAT: A Christmas Special, presented by The Toronto All-Star Big Band. A classic Christmas show, reminiscent of the Swing Era, fills the house with classic songs for the season. Now a glittering Yuletide tradition, this Big Band Christmas event is in big demand.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.stlc.com/index.php?id=1295
ONTARIO PHILHARMONIC
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m.
WHERE: at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street (St. Clair Avenue and Yonge Street).
WHAT: “Messiah” with Michael Burgess, presented by Ontario Philharmonic. The world tradition of Messiah continues with the Ontario Philharmonic in the beautiful surroundings of Christ Church Deer Park. A great way to get in the spirit of the holiday season as you experience the glorious sounds of this choral marvel. Exceptional artists on stage including a luxury vocal quartet with Les Mis superstar Michael Burgess and the Toronto Chamber Choir all under the baton of Marco Parisotto.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.ontariophil.ca/
GLORIOUS SOUNDS
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge Street.
WHAT: Amadeus Choir, with the Bach Children’s Chorus, presents Glorious Sounds of the Season. Featuring the winning compositions of 25th annual season song-writing competition along with plenty of holiday favourites.
TICKETS/INFO: visit http://www.amadeuschoir.com/