On Nov. 28, the St. John-Mercer-Park Trio dazzled the audience at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre with the premiere of composer Kevin Lau’s new album, Under a Veil of Stars. The night opened with cellist Rachel Mercer and violinist Scott St. John, performing Lau’s Intuitions no. 2. It became immediately apparent from this work that the concert would be one of many contrasts: in one moment a... Source ..read more

Welcome to La Scena Musicale’s weekly Highlights, a roundup of classical music news from Canada and beyond. Classical musicians and ensembles are getting in the holiday spirit with free performances at children’s hospitals, upcoming holiday themed concerts, and the release of winter or Christmas inspired albums. In the holiday spirit, Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir (Stir) are putting on six... Source ..read more

The first rule of recording used to be: never bring out an unknown work unless it is performed by a world-famous artist. Anything less would be commercial suicide. I cannot remember any major company ever breaking this rule. The only transgressors were fringe labels with zero overheads who, like Indian gurus, cultivated a tribe of true believers who bought into whatever they did. Source ..read more

November 29, 2023 (Philadelphia, PA) – Join Chantal Freeman, Soprano and her fantastic collaborator, Ting Ting Wong in an intimate evening of some her favorite French Chanson. She hopes to transport you from the comfort of your space to the warmth and intimacy of a small café. The recital will be held on December 9, 2023 at 7:30pm (Doors open at 7:00pm, and Livestream access will be available... Source ..read more

As previously reported in my review of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s concert on November 22, in the span of a single week, two big-name conductors cancelled their Toronto engagements due to ill health. Michael Tilson Thomas, 78, is suffering from brain cancer, while Daniel Barenboim, 80, had to step down from conducting duties due to neurological vasculitis. Both conductors have enriched the... Source ..read more

Montreal, November 27, 2023 – The Auguste-Descarries Piano Competition took place Sunday, November 26 at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal concert hall. The jury unanimously decided to award the 1st place prize to Antoine Rivard-Landry. The prize includes a $5,000 bursary and a residency with Orford Music. At 27 years old, laureate Rivard-Landry was trained by Robert McDonald at Julliard... Source ..read more

The hottest ticket in Toronto this weekend was no doubt Staatskapelle Berlin, whose Canadian debut was sold out months before the orchestra took to the stage. The 453-year-old orchestra is one of the oldest in the world, and boasts a history of prestigious leaders, including Richard Strauss and Herbert Von Karajan. Even though Toronto audiences were disappointed that the legendary Maestro Daniel... Source ..read more

Toronto music lovers (including myself) can be forgiven if we lament the passage of time and its impact on our favourite artists. In one extraordinary week, two beloved conductors – arguably two of the greatest of the past half century – Michael Tilson Thomas and Daniel Barenboim, had to withdraw from their engagements in Toronto due to ill health. My first exposure to the conducting of Tilson... Source ..read more

Welcome to La Scena Musicale’s weekly Highlights, a roundup of classical music news from Canada and beyond. From the oldest pianist in the world to the founder of an international music competition that’s over 50 years old, the classical music world has lost many influential performers, composers, and teachers this week. Several Canadian mentorship programs and competitions are also open for... Source ..read more

The lights went out, and the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky filled the hall. Music Director and Principal Conductor David Briskin’s baton could barely be seen by the audience as he communicated with the musicians in the pit and the dancers on stage, so as to tell the story of Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel, Eugene Onegin. John Cranko’s brilliant choreography holds an important place in the... Source ..read more