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The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is ringing in the New Year with a range of musical experiences from the classical precision of Bach and the romance of Wagner and Mendelssohn, to the jazz styles of the great “Satchmo” –Louis armstrong. Contemporary works from the world’s best composers, including TSO Spotlight Artist Samy Moussa, and musical director Gustavo Gimeno return to the podium with Beethoven’s Second.
In addition to the live concerts in person, the TSO also includes two live performances in January: Tribute to Louis armstrong January 4 and Gimeno conducts Beethoven on January 28.
All concerts take place at Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, unless otherwise specified.
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Tue January 4, 8:00 p.m. & TSO Live Stream
Wed, Jan 5, 2:00 p.m.
Wed, January 5, 8 p.m.
Byron stripling, leader, trumpet & singer
His voice was unmistakable and his artistry amazing. In this loving and electrifying tribute to Louis armstrong, famous trumpeter Byron stripling plays and directs the TSO in several of Satchmo’s greatest hits, including “What a Wonderful World”, “Saint Louis Blues” and “Ain’t Misbehavin ‘”.
Tickets and information:
Tickets start at $ 41 and are available through TSO.CA, or by contacting TSO Patron Services at 416.598.3375
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Fri January 7 7:30 p.m.
Sat January 8 8 p.m.
Sun January 9 3:00 p.m.
Jonathan Crow, leader & violin
Chelsea Gu, violin (Winner of the Play Along with Jonathan Crow All-Star Award)
Kelly Zimba Lukić, flute
Léonie Wall, flute
Sarah Jeffrey, oboe
Michael sweeneybassoon
Andrew McCandless, trumpet
Joseph johnsoncello
JS Bach: Prelude from Suite No. 1 for solo cello, BWV 1007
JS Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, BWV 1049
JS Bach: Concerto for bassoon, strings and oboe d’amore, after BWV 169, 49, 1053
JS Bach: Suite No.3 for orchestra, BWV 1068 – Mvt. II (“Air on the G string”)
JS Bach: Concerto for two violins and string orchestra, BWV 1043 – Mvt. I
JS Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, BWV 1047
JS Bach’s glorious music, led by solo violin Jonathan Crow and showcasing the artistry of TSO musicians, includes the surprisingly inventive Brandenburg concertos and the ever-soothing “Air on the G Stringâ€. Nine-year-old violinist Chelsea Gu, winner of the Play Along with Jonathan Crow All-Star Award, joins the TSO musicians.
Tickets and information:
Tickets start at $ 29 and are available through TSO.CA, or by contacting TSO Patron Services at 416.598.3375
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Wed, Jan 12, 8:00 p.m.
Thu, January 13, 8:00 p.m.
Sat, January 15, 8:00 p.m.
Samy Moussa, conductor & Featured Artist 2021/22
Kerson Leong, violin
Wagner: Siegfried Idylle
Samy Moussa: Concerto for violin and orchestra “Adrano”
Dvořák: Symphony No.7
Winner of the 2021 JUNO Prize for Classical Composition of the Year, the fiery violin concerto by Canadian artist Spotlight 2021/22 Samy Moussa was inspired by Etna in Sicily and evokes the ancient fire god who is said to have lived below. This concert marks the composer’s debut at the TSO and features violinist prodigy Kerson Leong. The concert features Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, a delightful birthday present for his wife, and Dvořák’s Seventh Rhapsodic Symphony, the work often considered his crowning glory.
Tickets and information:
Tickets start at $ 29 and are available through TSO.CA, or by contacting TSO Patron Services at 416.598.3375
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Wed, Jan 19, 8:00 p.m.
Thu, January 20, 8:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22, 8:00 p.m.
Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor
Eric Abramovitz, clarinet
Miles Jacques, basset horn
Mendelssohn: Concert piece n ° 2
Anna Clyne: in her arms
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 “The Reformation”
Charismatic young Russian conductor Maxim Emelyanychev makes his TSO debut in this program which features Mendelssohn’s magnificent “Reform” Symphony. The program also features TSO Eric Abramovitz’s solo clarinet and TSO Miles Jaques clarinet and bass clarinet in the sunny piece of Concert No. 2. Initially written as a memorial, Anna Clyne’s Within Her Arms captures powerful meditation on loss – an elegy for strings that is both sad and hopeful.
Tickets and information:
Tickets start at $ 29 and are available through TSO.CA, or by contacting TSO Patron Services at 416.598.3375
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Fri January 28, 7:30 p.m. & TSO Live Stream
Sat, January 29, 8:00 p.m.
Gustavo Gimeno, conductor
Jeffrey Beecher, double bass
Farrenc: Opening n ° 1
Missy Mazzoli: Dark with excessive brightness
Barbara Assiginaak: Innenohr / Biinjii’ii Tawgaang (inner ear / inner ear) (TSO co-commission)
Beethoven: Symphony No.2
Sun January 30, 3:00 p.m. * to George weston Recital hall
Gustavo Gimeno, conductor
Jeffrey Beecher, double bass
Barbara Assiginaak: Innenohr / Biinjii’ii Tawgaang (inner ear / inner ear) (TSO co-commission)
Missy Mazzoli: Dark with excessive brightness
Beethoven: Symphony No.2
From one of the darkest periods in Beethoven’s life was born some of his most influential music – the jovial and fun Symphony No. 2. This symphony proved to be an inspiration to Odawa First Nation composer Barbara Assiginaak, whose ii Tawgaang meditates on the German master’s legendary love for nature. Evocative Dark with Missy Mazzoli’s Excessive Bright also draws inspiration from the past, bringing Baroque-era techniques into the 21st century with the skillful bow of the main double bass. Jeffrey Beecher.
Tickets start at $ 29 and are available through TSO.CA, or by contacting TSO Patron Services at 416.598.3375
