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Volume 25 Issue 2 - October 2019

  • Text
  • Performing
  • Orchestra
  • Symphony
  • Musical
  • Concerts
  • Arts
  • Jazz
  • Choir
  • October
  • Toronto
Long promised, Vivian Fellegi takes a look at Relaxed Performance practice and how it is bringing concert-going barriers down across the spectrum; Andrew Timar looks at curatorial changes afoot at the Music Gallery; David Jaeger investigates the trumpets of October; the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution (and the 20th Anniversary of our October Blue Pages Presenter profiles) in our Editor's Opener; the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir at 125; Tapestry at 40 and Against the Grain at 10; ringing in the changing season across our features and columns; all this and more, now available in Flip Through format here, and on the stands commencing this coming Friday September 27, 2019. Enjoy.

co-directors, U of T

co-directors, U of T Opera. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. 416-363- 8231. Free. Oct 8, 12pm. ●●Canadian Opera Company. Rusalka. Music by Antonín Dvořák, libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. 416-363-8231. -25. Opens Oct 12, 7:30pm. Runs to Oct 26. Days and times vary; visit coc.ca for details. ●●Crow’s Theatre/Eclipse Theatre Company. Ghost Quartet. Music, lyrics and book by Dave Malloy. Streetcar Crowsnest Scotiabank Studio, 245 Carlaw Ave. 647-341-7390. -. Opens Oct 5, 8pm. Runs to Nov 3. Days and times vary; visit crowstheatre.com for details. ●●Danie Friesen. Opera Revue. Danie Friesen, soprano; Claire Harris, piano; and others. The Emmett Ray, 924 College St. 647-637-7491. PWYC. Oct 2, 9:30pm. Also Nov 6, Dec 4. ●●Drayton Entertainment. Good Ol’ Country Gospel. Conceived by David Rogers. St. Jacob’s Schoolhouse Theatre, 11 Albert St. W., St. Jacob’s. 1-855-372-9866. -. Opens Sep 11, 2pm. Runs to Dec 22. Days and times vary; visit draytonentertainment.com for details. ●●Drayton Entertainment. Annie. Music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, book by Thomas Meehan, based on the comic. Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge. 46 Grand Ave. S., Cambridge. 1-855-372- 9866. -. Opens Oct 2, 7:30pm. Runs to Oct 27. Days and times vary; please visit draytonentertainment.com for details. ●●Etobicoke Musical Productions. La Cage aux Folles. Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the play. Meadowvale Theatre, 6315 Montevideo Rd., Mississauga. 416-248-0410. ; (sr); (st). Opens Oct 18, 8pm. Runs to Oct 27. Thurs-Sat(8pm), Sun(2pm). Also Oct 26(2pm). ●●Factory Theatre/Nightswimming. Broken Tailbone. Written and performed by Carmen Aguirre, featuring DJ Don Pedro. Factory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst St. 416-504-9971. -. Opens Oct 2, 8pm. Runs to Oct 13. Tues-Sat(8pm), Sun(2pm). ●●Fall For Dance North. Program 1. Toronto Dance Theatre (G.H 5.0 by Hanna Kiel, music by Greg Harrison); The New Zealand Dance Company (Sigan by Kim Jae Duk); Skånes Dansteater (Dare to Wreck by Madeleine Månsson and Peder Nilsson); Grupo Corpo (Dança Sinfônica by Rodrigo Pederneiras). Meridian Hall (formerly the Sony Centre), 1 Front St. E. 1-855-872-7669. . Oct 2, 7:30pm. Also Oct 3. ●●Fall For Dance North. Program 2. Shantala Shivalingappa (Shiva Tarangam); Caroline ‘Lady C’ Fraser (Conversation, music by re.verse); National Ballet of Canada (The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude by William Forsythe); Ryerson School of Performance (Fiddle Embrace by Anne Plamondon). Meridian Hall (formerly the Sony Centre), 1 Front St. E. 1-855-872-7669. . Oct 4, 7:30pm. Also Oct 5(2pm). ●●Fall for Dance North. Program 3. The New Zealand Dance Company (In Transit by Louise Potiki Bryant); Bulareyaung Dance Company (LUNA by Bulareyaung Pagarlava); Northfoot Movement (Mani.deux by Cody Berry); Jasmin Sheppard (Choice Cut). Ryerson Theatre, C. Music Theatre 43 Gerrard St. E. 1-855-872-7669. . Oct 4, 7:30pm. Also Oct 5, 6(2pm). ●●Grand Philharmonic Choir. Candide. Music by Leonard Bernstein, book by Hugh Wheeler. Elora Singers; Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony; Grand Philharmonic Choir; Mark Vuorinen, conductor. Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-5660 x5290. - ; (st/under 30); (child/HS student). Oct 26, 7:30pm. ●●Hart House Theatre. The Rocky Horror Show. Music, lyrics and book by Richard O’Brien. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-2452. ; (sr); (st). Opens Sep 27, 8pm. Runs to Oct 12. Wed- Sat(8pm). Also Oct 12(2pm). ●●Lower Ossington Theatre. Anne of Green Gables. Music by Norman Campbell, lyrics by Don Harron, Norman Campbell, Elaine Campbell, and Mavor Moore, book by Don Harron, based on the novel. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington Ave. 1-888-324-6282. .99. Opens Aug 16, 7:30pm. Runs to Oct 6. Fri/ Sat(7:30pm), Sat/Sun(3:30pm). ●●Lower Ossington Theatre. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott, based on the film. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St. 1-888-324-6282. .99-.99. Opens Oct 4, 7:30pm. Runs to Nov 3. Thurs-Sun(7:30pm), Sat/Sun(3:30pm). ●●Mirvish. Come From Away. Music, lyrics and book by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St. 416-872-1212. and up. Ongoing. Tues-Sat(8pm), Wed(1:30pm), Sat/Sun(2pm). ●●Mirvish. The Band’s Visit. Music and lyrics by David Yazbek, book by Itamar Moses, based on the film. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St. 416-872-1212. and up. Opens Sep 17, 8pm. Runs to Oct 20. Tues- Sat(8pm), Wed(1:30pm), Sat/Sun(2pm). ●●Mirvish. Piaf/Dietrich: A Legendary Affair. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St. 416-872-1212. and up. Opens Sep 17, 8pm. Runs to Dec 8. Tues-Sat(8pm), Wed(1:30pm), Sat/Sun(2pm). ●●Mirvish. Girl from the North Country. Music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, book by Conor McPherson. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. W. 416-872-1212. and up. Opens Sep 28, 2pm. Runs to Nov 24. Tues- Sat(8pm), Wed(1:30pm), Sat/Sun(2pm). ●●Musical Stage Company. Uncovered: Stevie Wonder & Prince. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St.W. 416-927-7880. and up. Opens Nov 4, 8pm. Also Nov 5-7. ●●Musical Stage Company. Uncovered: Stevie Wonder & Prince. George Weston Recital Hall, 5040 Yonge St. 416-927-7880. and up. Opens Nov 8, 8pm. Also Nov 9. ●●National Ballet of Canada. Giselle. Music by Adolphe Adam. Sir Peter Wright, choreographer. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. 416-345- 9595. and up. Opens Nov 6, 7:30pm. Runs to Nov 10. Wed-Sat(7:30pm), Thurs/Sat/ Sun(2pm). ●●Nightingale Music Festival. Serenade de la France: Concert & Art/Fashion Show. Bizet: Arias and Dances from Carmen; Les Misérables (selections); Notre Dame de Paris (selections); works by Debussy and Saint- Saëns; and songs from Edith Piaf’s repertoire. Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. W. tiny. cc/serenadeFrance. -. Oct 27, 6pm. ●●Opera Atelier. Don Giovanni. Music by W. A. Mozart, libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St. 416- 872-1212. -4. Opens Oct 31, 7:30pm. Runs to Nov 9. Days and times vary; visit operaatelier.com for details. ●●Opera by Request. OperOttawa: Bizet’s Pearl Fishers. Music by Georges Bizet, libretto by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré. College St. United Church, 452 College St. 416-455- 2365. . Oct 4, 7:30pm. Also Oct 5(8pm, Oakville), 20(2:30pm, Belleville). ●●Opera by Request. OperOttawa: Bizet’s Pearl Fishers. Music by Georges Bizet, libretto by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré. St. Jude’s Anglican Church, 160 William St., Oakville. 613-806-0512. $25. Oct 5, 8pm. Also Oct 4(7:30pm, Toronto), 20(2:30pm, Belleville). ●●Opera by Request. OperOttawa: Bizet’s Pearl Fishers. Music by Georges Bizet, libretto by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré. St. Matthew’s United Church, 25 Holloway St., Belleville. 613-806-0512. $25. Oct 20, 2:30pm. Also Oct 4(7:30pm, Toronto), 5(8pm, Oakville). ●●Opera York. La Traviata. Music by Giuseppe Verdi, libretto by Francesco Maria Piave. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St., Richmond Hill. 905-787- 8811. and up; $25(st). Nov 1, 7:30pm. Also Nov 3(mat). ●●Rose Orchestra. For the Love of Musicals. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. 905- 874-2800. -. Oct 26, 7:30pm. ●●Royal Conservatory of Music. The Glenn Gould School Fall Opera: Siren Song. Music by Jonathan Dove, libretto by Nick Dear. Mazzoleni Concert Hall, Telus Centre, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. . Nov 1, 7:30pm. Also Nov 2. ●●Sapling Productions/Bygone Theatre. Something for the Buoys. Music, lyrics and book by Eli Pasic. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire Pl. bygonetheatre.com. - . Opens Oct 9, 7:30pm. Runs to Oct 20. Wed-Sat(7:30pm), Sun(2:30pm). ●●Scarborough Music Theatre. Into the Woods. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine. Scarborough Village Community Centre, 3600 Kingston Rd. 416-267-9292. ; (sr/st). Opens Oct 31, 8pm. Runs to Nov 16. Thurs-Sat(8pm), Sun(2pm). Note: Nov 16 show at 2pm. ●●Shaw Festival. Brigadoon. Music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics and book by Alan Jay Lerner. Festival Theatre, 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-lake. 1-800-511-7429. and up. Previews begin May 5, 1pm. Runs to October 13. Days and times vary. Visit shawfest.com for details. ●●Show One Productions. Classical Stars at Koerner: Soprano Hibla Gerzmava. Arias from Anna Bolena, Norma, La forza del destino, and works by Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Rachmaninoff. Ekaterina Ganelina, piano. Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208. -0. Nov 3, 7pm. ●●Soulpepper Concert Series. Riverboat Coffee House: The Yorkville Scene. Created by Frank Cox-O’Connell and Mike Ross. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666. and up. Opens Nov 7, 7:30pm. Runs to Nov 17. Tues- Sat(7:30pm), Wed/Sat/Sun(1:30pm). Note: no show Nov 10. ●●Stratford Festival. Billy Elliot the Musical. Music by Elton John, lyrics and book by Lee Hall. Festival Theatre, 55 Queen St, Stratford. 1-800-567-1600. and up. Previews begin Apr 16, 2pm. Runs to Nov 3. Days and times vary. Visit stratfordfestival.ca for details. ●●Stratford Festival. Little Shop of Horrors. Music by Alan Menken, lyrics and book by Howard Ashman. Avon Theatre, 99 Downie St, Stratford. 1-800-567-1600. and up. Previews begin Apr 29, 2pm. Runs to Nov 2. Days and times vary. Visit stratfordfestival.ca for details. ●●Stratford Symphony Orchestra. Once Upon a Time. Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel; Offenbach: Tales of Hoffman; Ravel: Mother Goose Suite. Katy Clark, Leanne Kaufman, sopranos; Stephen Russell, narrator. Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford. 519-271-0990. ; (st); free(under 12). Oct 5, 7:30pm. ●●St. Jude’s Celebration of the Arts. The Pearl Fishers with OperOttawa. Selections from Bizet: The Pearl Fishers. St. Jude’s Anglican Church, 160 William St., Oakville. 905- 844-3972. ; (st). Oct 5, 8pm. ●●Talk Is Free Theatre. Pal Joey. Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, book by John O’Hara. Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W., Barrie. 705-792-1949. ; (st). Opens Oct 10, 7:30pm. Runs to Oct 19. Wed/ Thurs(7:30pm), Fri/Sat(8pm), Sat(2pm). ●●Theatre Sheridan. Canadian Musical Theatre Project 2019. Mainstage Theatre, 1430 Trafalgar Rd, Oakville. 905-815-4049. $25. Opens Oct 9, 7pm. Also Oct 10. ●●Toronto Musical Concerts. Urinetown, the Musical (in concert). Music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, book by Kotis. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave. 647-298-9338. ; $25(sr/st). Opens Oct 25, 7:30pm. Also Oct 26. ●●Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Opera in Concert: Thaïs. Music by Jules Massenet, libretto by Louis Gallet. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. 416-598-3375. and up. Nov 7, 8pm. Also Nov 9. ●●University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Early Music Concerts: Acis and Galatea. Music by George Frederic Handel, libretto by John Gay. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. 416-408-0208. ; (sr); (st). U of T students admitted free with a valid TCard, space permitting. Oct 19, 2pm. Also Oct 20(eve). ●●University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Thursdays at Noon: Opera Spotlight - The Marriage of Figaro Preview. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building, University of Toronto, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3750. Free. Oct 31, 12:10pm. ●●VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert. L’enfant et les sortilèges & L’heure espagnole. Music by Maurice Ravel. Sung in English. Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St. E. 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708- 6754. -. Oct 20, 2:30pm. ●●Wavestage Theatre. The Secret Garden. Music by Lucy Simon, lyrics and book by Marsha Norman, based on the novel. Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket. wavestagetheatre.com. ; $25(sr/st). Opens Nov 7, 7:30pm. Runs to Nov 10. Thurs- Sat(7:30pm), Sat/Sun(2pm). ●●Westben. Dickens with a Musical Twist! First-Friday Lunchtime Tick Talk. Chris Cameron, musician. Clock Tower Cultural Centre, 36 Front St. S., Campbellford. 705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777. PWYC( minimum suggested). Nov 1, 12pm. 56 | October 2019 thewholenote.com

Beat by Beat | Mainly Clubs, Mostly Jazz! Top Talent, Standout Shows COLIN STORY It is October, and summer – which clung on so tenaciously throughout September – is officially over. In many ways, this month is a hopeful one: after a perpetually hot, sticky and undignified period, the prospect of wearing a sweater and coat has become almost thrilling. In other ways, however, this month is frightening: the weather will get ever colder, the evenings ever darker, and, no matter how you’re planning on voting, the federal election will bring a certain amount of anxiety (October 21: don’t forget!). But regardless of the coming changes, rest assured that there are a number of standout shows coming your way, and multiple opportunities to hear excellent musicians in action. Coltrane Tribute at The Rex On October 10, 11 and 12, saxophonists Kirk MacDonald and Pat LaBarbera present their annual John Coltrane Tribute at The Rex, with pianist Brian Dickinson, bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Joe LaBarbera. This yearly run of shows has become an institution unto itself, a tradition that serves to highlight the Toronto jazz scene’s appreciation and respect for Coltrane’s invaluable musical legacy. It is also an opportunity, of course, to delight in the prowess of MacDonald and Pat LaBarbera, both of whom are leading voices on the saxophone, as well as being conscientious stewards of the modern tenor tradition inaugurated by Coltrane. The rhythm section is equally impressive: Dickinson, Swainson and Joe LaBarbera bring their own set of experiences to Coltrane’s music. (Though he and Pat are indeed brothers, Joe LaBarbera is the only non-Torontonian in the group; he is based in California, where is he a faculty member at the California Kirk MacDonald and Pat LaBarbera Institute of the Arts, in Santa Clarita.) In addition to their careers as performers, MacDonald, Pat LaBarbera, Dickinson and Swainson are also faculty members at Humber College, and it is normal to see a large cohort of jazz students from Humber, U of T, and York at any show that they play. The Coltrane shows are happening a bit later in the year than is usual – they typically take place around September 23, on Coltrane’s birthday – but it’s likely that they will still generate a strong back-toschool sensation, an inspiration to budding jazz musicians as well as an opportunity to experience a sense of musical community. Head down to The Rex to hear it all: masterful playing, the music of one of the 20th century’s greatest musical innovators, and sporting-eventstyle cheering when students recognize the changes to Giant Steps being superimposed on a blues. Rexcetera! While the Coltrane Tribute will be a major highlight, The Rex’s October schedule is replete with notable concerts. On October 23 and 24, pianist Florian Hoefner celebrates the release of his new album First Spring. Hoefner is one of Canada’s most interesting young jazz pianists, and his path here has been somewhat unconventional. Originally from Germany, he went to school both in Berlin and in D. In the Clubs (Mostly Jazz) 120 Diner 120 Church St. 416-792-7725 120diner.com (full schedule) Most shows - All shows: PWYC (- suggested) Alleycatz 2409 Yonge St. 416-481-6865 alleycatz.ca All shows: Call for cover charge info. Mon 8:30pm Salsa Night with DJ Romantico with free lessons. Tues 8:30pm Bachata Night with Weekly Guest DJ with free lessons. Wed 7pm Midtown Blues Jam hosted by Andrew “Voodoo” Walters. Thurs 7pm Spotlight Thursdays. Fri & Sat 9:30pm Funk, Soul, R&B Top 40 cover after 9pm. Sat 3pm-6pm Matinee Jazz. Sun 4pm Blues in The Alley w/ Big Groove. Oct 3 Johnny Cox & Magnetic Line. Oct 4 Von. Oct 5 URequest. Oct 10 Where it Zat. Oct 11 Red Velvet. Oct 12 Lady Kane. Oct 17 Mark Harding. Oct 18 North of 7. Oct 19 Disco Night w/ Escapade. Oct 24 Johnny Cox & Magnetic Line. Oct 25 Gyles. Oct 26 York Jazz Ensemble (matinee), Halloween Party w/ URequest (eve). Oct 31 Halloween Party w/ DJ Marlon. Artword Artbar 15 Colbourne St., Hamilton. 905-543-8512 artword.net (full schedule) The Blue Goose Tavern 1 Blue Goose St. 416-255-2442 thebluegoosetavern.com (full schedule) Bloom 2315 Bloor St. W. 416-767-1315 bloomrestaurant.com (full schedule) All shows 7pm 19+. Call for reservations. Burdock 1184 Bloor St. W. 416-546-4033 burdockto.com Ticket prices vary by show, but typically -; check website for individual show prices. Oct 1 9pm Jom Comyn w/ Sam Tudor. Oct 2 6:30pm Kaili Kinnon, 9:30pm Field Guide & Georgia Harmer. Oct 3 9:30pm David Krystal. Oct 4 6:15pm Fintan, 9:30pm Silver Pools w/ Leucrocuta and Bazarian. Oct 5 6:30pm Matthew Byrne, 9:30pm Burhan Berken. Oct 6 6:30pm Jennis, 9:30pm Louise Landes Levi. Oct 7 9:30pm Burrows and Company w/ Graham Young. Oct 8 9pm Above Ground Pool. Oct 9 9:30pm Field Guide & Dani Nash. Oct 10 8:30pm Café Counterculture. Oct 12 3pm Manus McGuire and Emily Flack, 6:30pm Diar. Oct 12 9:30pm Emma Frank w/ Thom Gill and Ryan Driver. Oct 15 6:30pm Mike Evin. Oct 16 9:30pm Laurent Bourque. Oct 17 9:30pm Li’l Andy. Oct 18 9:30pm Blonde Elvis and Lake Versions. Oct 19 6:30pm Darling Cora w/ La Faute, 9:30pm Rebecca Binnendyk. Oct 21 6:30pm Rob McLaren, 9:30pm Dan Pitt Trio w/ SALT. Oct 22 9:30pm Paris Pick & The Pricks. Oct 23 8:30pm Maintoba Music Showcase. Oct 25 9:30pm Most People w/ Crystal Light Collective. Oct 26 9:30pm Dylan Perkons, Animal Parts, James Irwin. Oct 29 9:30pm Bernice. Oct 30 6:15pm Eybler Quartet. Cameron House 408 Queen St. W. 416-703-0811 thecameron.com Castro’s Lounge 2116 Queen St. E. 416-699-8272 castroslounge.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover/PWYC C’est What 67 Front St. E. (416) 867-9499 cestwhat.com (full schedule) All concerts are PWYC unless otherwise noted. Oct 4 9pm Fraser Melvin Band. Oct 5 3pm The Hot Five Jazzmakers. Oct 6 7pm The ReCaps. Oct 10 9pm VETS Canada. Oct 12 3pm The Boxcar Boys. Oct 13 6pm Too Dumb To Quit! Oct 19 3pm The Hot Five Jazzmakers. Oct 26 3pm Kristin Lindell w/ Jesse Whiteley. Oct 27 5pm Too Dumb To Quit!. Emmet Ray, The 924 College St. 416-792-4497 theemmetray.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover/PWYC Grossman’s Tavern 379 Spadina Ave. 416-977-7000 grossmanstavern.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover (unless otherwise noted). Every Sat 4:30pm The Happy Pals Dixieland Jazz Jam. Every Sun 4:30pm New Orleans Connection All Star Band; 10pm Sunday Jam with Bill Hedefine. Every Wed 10pm Action Sound Band w/ Leo Valvassori. Hirut Cafe and Restaurant 2050 Danforth Ave. 416-551-7560 hirut.ca Every Sunday 3pm Hirut Sundays Open Mic. First and Third Tuesday 8pm Fingerstyle Guitar Association. Oct 5 8:30pm Tanya Wills Quartet. thewholenote.com October 2019 | 57

Volumes 21-25 (2015-2020)

Volumes 16-20 (2010-2015)

Volumes 11-15 (2004-2010)

Volumes 6 - 10 (2000 - 2006)

Volumes 1-5 (1994-2000)