Volume 30 Issue 3 | December 2024 & January 2025

MILLIE SHALEJudith

MILLIE SHALEJudith Landercontinued from page 21December 2, 6:00pm, consummate cabaret artist Judith Landerwill take the stage, marking a return to the Toronto scene after a 5year absence.Known internationally as a master interpreter of Jacques Brel andKurt Weill, Lander’s storied career has taken her to Carnegie Hall withBrel himself, New York’s Weill revue “Berlin to Broadway” under thetutelage of Lotte Lenya, as well as radio, television and theatre stagesall over Canada.Now in her 70s and still possessing a powerful voice and formidablerange, what is most striking about Lander is the depth of her interpretations.An emotionally daring performer, she chooses songs withhigh stakes and sinks her teeth into the meatiest, juiciest lyrics, alwaysdelivered from an honest place.“I have been away from the stage for a few years, but somethingalways keeps me coming back,” says Lander in her demure way. “I lovesharing this music so much, and these songs never get old for me.”Indeed, what makes her performances so special is the fact that shehas been singing certain songs literally for decades, resulting in wiseinterpretations which have aged like fine wine. Yet she is always in themoment, choosing her engagements carefully, based upon the settingand her musical accompaniment. On December 2 nd she will be joinedby pianist Jeff McLeod:“Jeff is exceptional at playing many styles, be it classical, jazz or pop.All these styles are needed as part of my show and it is rare to finda musician who is so truly versatile. The Jean Darlene is an intimatelistening spot and the perfect place for me to jump back in. What’smy favourite song right now with all the craziness in the world? KurtWeill’s Pirate Jenny, of course.”Nearly 10 years ago, Lander recorded In My Life, an album of songsshe has loved performing all her life, which was reviewed in TheWholeNote. She will be selling and signing CD’s after the performance;tickets will be on Eventbrite, if there are any left by the time youare reading this.Singer-songwriter Ori Dagan has toured across Canadaand internationally, and has been a staple on the Torontoscene for over 20 years. Locally, he also works as a curator,producer, host and artistic director of JazzInToronto.Motel Bar1235 Queen Street W. 416-399-4108@motelparkdaleCasual spot for drinks, laid back atmosphereand up-close live musicMy House in the Junction2882 Dundas Street W. 416-604-4555myhouseinthejunction.com @myhouseinthejunctionUnique bar, lounge, restaurant, event spaceand live music venue, including jazz everyFriday.Noonan’s Pub141 Danforth Ave. 416-778-1804noonanspub.ca @noonansirishpubTraditional Irish pub with casual atmosphereand live music including swing, blues, rockand country.Old Mill, The21 Old Mill Rd. 416-236-2641oldmilltoronto.com @oldmilltorontoJazz Lounge:An updated space in the Old Mill’s main diningroom, the Jazz Lounge features an updatedsound system, a new shareable menu, and listenablestraight ahead jazz.Only Cafe, The962 Danforth Ave. 416-463-3249theonlycafe.com @theonlycafeA casual backroom of a friendly bar with awide variety of music programmed includingweekly jam sessions and young artistshowcases..Painted Lady, The218 Ossington Avenuethepaintedlady.ca @paintedladyossingtonCheeky saloon serving burlesque, live music,craft beer & clever nibblesPamenar307 Augusta Ave.cafepamenar.com @pamenar_kmOne of the city’s best third-wave coffee shopsby day and bar by night, Pamenar hosts livemusic, DJs, comedy, and more.Pilot Tavern, The22 Cumberland Ave. 416-923-5716thepilot.ca @thepilot_toWith over 75 years around Yonge and Bloor,the Pilot is a multi-level bar that hosts live jazzon Saturday afternoons.Poetry Jazz Café1078 Queen St W. 416-599-5299poetryjazzcafe.com @poetryjazzcafeA sexy, clubby space, Poetry hosts live jazz,hip-hop, and DJs nightly on Queen St. West.Redwood Theatre, The1300 Gerrard Street East. 647-547-4410theredwoodtheatre.com @theredwoodtheatreA multi-disciplinary space for music, dance,circus, comedy, theatre and more.MAINLY CLUBSReposado Bar & Lounge136 Ossington Ave. 416-532-6474reposadobar.com @reposadobarA chic, low-light bar with top-shelf tequila,Mexican tapas, and live music.Reservoir Lounge, The52 Wellington St. E. 416-955-0887reservoirlounge.com @reservoirloungeToronto’s self-professed original swingjazzbar and restaurant, located in a historicspeakeasy near St. Lawrence Market, withlive music four nights a week.Rev, La2848 Dundas St. W. 416-766-0746larev.ca @la.rev.torontoLa Rev offers their guests and authentic tasteof comida casera (Mexican homestyle cooking),and a welcoming performance spacefeaturing some of Toronto’s most talentedmusicians.Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, The194 Queen St. W. 416-598-2475therex.ca @therextorontoWith over 60 shows per month of Canadianand international groups, The Rex is Toronto’slongest-running jazz club, with full bar andkitchen menu.Sauce on Danforth1376 Danforth Ave. 647-748-1376sauceondanforth.com @sauceondanforthWith Victorian lighting, cocktails, and anextensive tap and bottle list, Sauce on Danforthhas live music Tuesday through Saturday(and sometimes Sunday).Sellers & Newel672 College Street. 647-778-6345sellersandnewel.com @sellersandnewelIntimate bookstore that doubles as a livemusic venue in the evenings.Smokeshow BBQ and Brew744 Mt. Pleasant Rd 416-901-7469smokeshowbbqandbrew.com @smokeshowjohnA laid-back venue with an emphasis on barbecueand beer, Smokeshow hosts cover artistsand original music Thursday through Sunday,with Bachata lessons on Tuesdays and Karaokeon Wednesdays.Tapestry224 Augusta Ave.@tapestry_toIn the space formerly occupied by Poetry,Tapestry features jazz, electronic music, soul,and more.Tranzac292 Brunswick Ave. 416-923-8137tranzac.org @tranzac292A community arts venue dedicated to supporting,presenting, and promoting creativeand cultural activity in Toronto, withlive shows in multiple rooms every day ofthe week.40 | December 2024 & January 2025 thewholenote.com

CCDTOPERA, MUSIC THEATRE, DANCECCDT's 36th annual Wintersong - Dec 13-15 at Toronto's Fleck Dance TheatreFor details of short-run productions, see daily listings; for extended runs(8 shows or more) consult presenter websites for more information.● Attila Glatz Concert Productions/RoyThomson Hall. Bravissimo! - New Year’s atthe Opera. Arias and duets, including selectionsfrom Carmen, Turandot, and The Marriageof Figaro. Eri Nakamura, soprano;Viktoria Vizin, mezzo; Kang Wang, tenor;Mihai Damian, baritone; Canadian OperaCompany Orchestra. Roy Thomson Hall,60 Simcoe St. www.roythomsonhall.com or416-872-4255. From .50. Dec 31 7:00.● Attila Glatz Concert Productions/RoyThomson Hall. Salute to Vienna New Year’sConcert 2025. Brigitta Simon, soprano; EricFennell, tenor; Europaballett St. Pölten &International Champion Ballroom Dancers;Strauss Symphony of Canada; Michael Zehetner,conductor. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 SimcoeSt. www.roythomsonhall.com or 416-872-4255. From . Jan 01 2:30.● Batuki Music Society. Okavango AfricanOrchestra Concert in Toronto. Redwood Theatre,The, 1300 Gerrard Ave. E. www.Okavango20Dec24.eventbrite.ca.(door);(adv). Dec 20 8:00.● Brampton On Stage. The Nutcracker byBallet Jörgen. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker.Brampton Children’s Chorus; St. Roch ChamberChoir; St. Roch Alumni Choir; SamuelTak-Ho Tam, conductor. The Rose Theatre,1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. www.tickets.brampton.ca/online or 905-874-2800. From. Dec 17 7:00.● Canadian Contemporary Dance’s Theatre.Wintersong - Dances for a Sacred SeasonCelebrating 36 years of illuminating thesolstice with seasonal dance inspired by theworld’s rich traditions. A world premiere byJustin Rapaport, and works by Hanna Kiel,Colin Connor, Carol Anderson, and RodneyDiverlus. Fleck Dance Theatre, Third Floor- Harbourfront Centre 207 Queens QuayWest, Toronto . .50- harbourfrontcentre.com/event/wintersong-2/416-366-7723 | 1-800-708-6754 Dec 13 &14, 8pm:Dec 15, 2pm.● Canadian Opera Company. Vocal andDance Series: ALIVE. Aqua’s Red Rhythm &Blues. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, FourSeasons Centre for the Performing Arts,145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free. Dec 1212:00_noon.● Canadian Opera Company. Dance Series:Find Your Rhythm. Includes a Q&A sessionwith the artist. Nickeshia Gerrick. RichardBradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centrefor the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W.www.coc.ca. Free. Jan 09 12:00_noon.● Canadian Opera Company. Dance Series:Preview of DanceWeekend ‘25. Featuring ballet,flamenco, hip hop, Indian classical, Egyptian,Chinese, and other dance traditions.Dance Ontario. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre,Four Seasons Centre for the PerformingArts, 145 Queen St. W. www.coc.ca. Free.Jan 16 12:00_noon.● Canadian Opera Company. Madama Butterfly.Music by Giacomo Puccini. Eri Nakamura(Cio-Cio San); Kang Wang (Lt. Pinkerton);and other soloists. Canadian Opera CompanyChorus & Orchestra; Keri-Lynn Wilson,conductor; Michael Grandage, director.Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts,145 Queen St. W. 416-363-8231 or 1-800-250-4653 or tickets@coc.ca. From . Jan 24,26(2pm), Feb 1, 6, 8(4:30pm), 12, 14, 16(2pm).At 7:30pm unless otherwise noted.● Canadian Opera Company. La Reine-Garçon.Music by Julien Bilodeau. Libretto byMichel Marc Bouchard. Kristen MacKinnon/ Kirsten LeBlanc (Queen Christine); OwenMcCausland (René Descartes); Philippe Sly(Count Karl); and other soloists. CanadianOpera Company Chorus & Orchestra; AngelaKonrad, director. Four Seasons Centre for thePerforming Arts, 145 Queen St. W. 416-363-8231 or 1-800-250-4653 or tickets@coc.ca.From . Jan 31, Feb 2(2pm), 5, 7, 9(2pm),13, 15(4:30pm). At 7:30pm unless otherwisenoted.● Centre in the Square. Swan Lake – P.Tchaikovsky – The State Ballet of Ukraine.101 Queen St. N., Kitchener. 519-578-1570.From .50. www.centreinthesquare.com.Dec 07 7:30.● Church of the Holy Trinity. The ChristmasStory. Professional musicians and a volunteercast present this charming hour-longpageant. 19 Trinity Sq. www.thechristmasstory.caor 416-598-4521. Suggestion donations:(adult); (child). Dec 4(4:30pm),8(4:30pm); 14(4:30pm); 15(4:30pm);20(7pm), 21(4:30pm), 22(4:30pm). AmericanSign Language interpretation onDec 14.● Don Wright Faculty of Music. Opera andMusical Theatre Gala With Early Music Studio.Western University - Talbot College - PaulDavenport Theatre, 1151 Richmond St. N., London.519-661-3767 or www.music.uwo.ca/events. Free. Jan 31 2:00.● Flato Markham Theatre. Ballet Jörgen:The Nutcracker - A Canadian Tradition. BengtJörgen, choreographer & artistic director.171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. 905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca.From .50. Dec 30(2pm & 7pm), 31(11am& 3pm).● Flato Markham Theatre. ProArteDanza:The 9th. 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham.905-305-7469 or www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca. From . Feb 07 8:00.● Gentle Freak. Meeting in the 9th House orEmily/Christina/Sagittarius. Honouring thefiery spirit of Sagittarius through the beautyof poetry and music. Poetry of Emily Dickinsonand Christina Rossetti, with specialastrological narration by Hype Witch. Improvisatorymusic-making combines with exquisitemelodies by Aaron Copland, Jake Heggie,Lee Hoiby, Lori Laitman, Libby Larsen, DanikaLorèn, and André Previn to creating an excitingand timeless soundscape. Reilly Nelson,David Eliakis, and Danika Lorèn. Array Space,155 Walnut Ave. Dec 15 3:00.● Grand Theatre. The Sound of Music. Music& Lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Book byHoward Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Directed byRachel Peake. Grand Theatre, 471 RichmondSt., London. 519-672-8800. -1. RunsNov 19-Dec 29. Visit www.grandtheatre.com for full performance dates and pricing.● Kindred Spirits Orchestra. Salute to 2025!New Year’s Gala. A selection of overtures,arias, and duets from works by Mozart, Verdi,Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, and others. AlexaFrankian, soprano; Geo Chobanov, bass-baritone;Kristian Alexander, conductor. MeridianArts Centre - George Weston Recital Hall,5040 Yonge St. 905-604-8339. -.Dec 28 8:00.● Li Delun Music Foundation. BenestoneConstruction New Year’s Concert 2025:East Meets West Concert of Favourite Classics.Chopin: Piano Concerto No.1; J. StraussII: Voices of Spring Waltz; Hu Bijing: ClarinetConcerto “Sound of Pamir”; Tenor soloarias from La traviata and Tosca; Tchaikovsky:Mvmt 4 from Symphony No.4; and Chineseworks. Kang Wang, tenor; YaoGuangZhai, clarinet; Ryan Wang, piano; Toronto FestivalOrchestra; Lihua Tan; conductor. MeridianArts Centre - George Weston Recital Hall,5040 Yonge St. 365-597-6788 or 416-366-7723. From . Jan 05 3:00.● Living Arts Centre. The Nutcracker. TheState Ballet Theatre of Ukraine transportsyou to a dazzling winter wonderland in thisspecial performance. 4141 Living Arts Dr.,Mississauga. 905-306-6000. Tickets start at. Visit www.livingartscentre.ca for tickets.Dec 01 1:00 & 6pm.● Mirvish Productions. Disney’s TheLion King. Directed by Julie Taymor. Princessof Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W.1.800.461.3333. -9. Runs Nov 2, 2024- Apr 27, 2025. Visit www.mirvish.com fortickets.● Royal Conservatory of Music. SpecialEvent: Into the Woods. Music & Lyrics byStephen Sondheim. Book by James Lapine.Richard Ouzounian, stage director; PaulSportelli, music director. Royal Conservatoryof Music - TELUS Centre - KoernerHall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-408-0208 or www.rcmusic.com/performance. From .Dec 28, 29, 30 & 31.● Shaw Festival. A Christmas Carol. Directedby Ryan G. Hinds, Original music by Paul Sportelli.Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen St,Niagara on the Lake. 905-468-2172 or www.shawfest.com. .25-1.87. Prices vary bydate. Runs to Dec 22.● Shaw Festival. My Fair Lady. Book andLyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Festival Theatre,10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake.www.shawfest.com/playbill/my-fair-lady. ToDec 21.● St. Anne’s Music and Drama Society. TheYeomen of the Guard. By Gilbert and Sullivan.St. Anne’s Anglican Church (Toronto),276 Gladstone Ave. www.stannesmads.com.; (sr/st). Jan 31(7:30pm), Feb 1(2pm),2(2pm), 6(7:30pm), 7(7:30pm), 8(2pm),9(2pm).● Toronto Operetta Theatre. CountessMaritza. Music by Imre Kalmán. Artists to beannounced. St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts- Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E. 416-366-7723 or 1–800-708-6754 or www.tolive.com. From . Dec 29(3pm), Jan 3(8pm),4(8pm).● Toronto Operetta Theatre. TOT CabaretSeries: The Magic of Venice. Edward JackmanCentre, 947 Queen St. E., 2nd Floor. 416-366-7723 or 1–800-708-6754 or www.tolive.com. . Jan 25 4:00.● T.Y.T. Theatre. The Snow Queen Musical.Be spirited away by this new musical adaptationof Hans Christian Andersen’s fantasticalcoming-of-age adventure that inspired thehit Disney movie Frozen. Wychwood Theatre,76 Wychwood Ave. Visit www.tyttheatre.comfor complete show times and tickets. .49-.49. Runs Nov 22, 2024-Jan 5, 2025.● University of Toronto Faculty of Music.UTSO C of T Opera Student Composer Collective- The Avenue of Avarice. Libretto byMichael Patrick Albano. Harbourfront Centre- Fleck Dance Theatre, 235 Queens QuayW. www.music.utoronto.ca. Visit website forticket information. Livestream available.Jan 19 2:30.● Upper Canada Brass. December Delights.Dedicated to supporting Ukraine and performingconcerts to raise funds for childrenaffected by the war. Donations to Dmytro’sproject can be made through our charitybuckets at the concert. Dmytro Garbovskyi,baritone. St. Mary’s Anglican Church,10030 Yonge St., Richmond Hill. www.uppercanadabrass.caor www.eventbrite.ca/e/ucb-presents-baritone-dmytro-garbovskyiin-december-delights-tickets.Visit websitefor ticket information. Dec 14 7:30.● VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert. Alceste.Music by Christoph W. Gluck. Sung in Frenchwith English Surtitles. Lauren Margison asAlceste; Opera in Concert Chorus; RobertCooper, chorus director; Suzy Smith, musicdirector & pianist. Trinity St. Paul’s UnitedChurch. Jeanne Lamon Hall, 427 Bloor St. W.www.operainconcert.com/tickets or 416-408-0208. From . Jan 12 2:30.● Young People’s Theatre. Roald Dahl’s Charlieand the Chocolate Factory. Book by DavidGreig. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics byScott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on thenovel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the MotionPicture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.Recommended for ages 6 and up. www.youngpeoplestheatre.org or 416-862-2222.From . Weekdays: Dec 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 18& 19 at 10:15am & 1pm; Dec 4, 6, 11, 13 at10:30am. Weekends: Dec 1, 8, 15, 22 at 11am& 2pm; Dec. 7, 14, 21, 27, 28, 29 & 30 at 1pm& 4pm.thewholenote.com December 2024 & January 2025 | 41