On Wednesday, September 5, Tongue In Cheek Productions enters Toronto’s already-vibrant classical music scene with what promises to be an unforgettable inaugural concert. Twenty-four basses and baritones will join forces at Lula Lounge for a performance of Winterreise, Schubert’s iconic song cycle as you’ve never heard it before. This one-time-only collaboration of some of Canada’s finest low voices is an evening you won’t want to miss.

Founded by Toronto-based baritones Aaron Durand and Michael Nyby, Tongue In Cheek Productions aims to add a twist to the traditional idiom of classical performance by bringing an element of humour, irreverence, and whimsy to the concert stage. For Winterreise, instead of one singer presenting the entire cycle in a solemn recital hall, twenty-four singers will perform one song each in the festive atmosphere of Lula Lounge. “We wanted to do something memorable for our launch,” explained Nyby. “What better way than to get as many artists involved as possible.”

The powerhouse list of performers from across Canada span a wide-range of experience levels, from established stars with decades of experience on Canadian and international stages to a few talented emerging artists at the very early stages of their careers. The concert will feature the piano talents of Trevor Chartrand, and a number of recognizable voices including Alain Coulombe, Jason Howard, Doug MacNaughton, Giles Tomkins,  Alexander Hajek, Olivier Laquerre, Dion Mazerolle, Cairan Ryan, Justin Welsh, Andrew Tees, Keith Lam, Clarence Frazer, and many more.

Lula Lounge, located at 1585 Dundas West, is one of Toronto’s foremost music clubs, but rarely plays host to classical concerts. The venue features a bar and restaurant with table service, as well as a dance floor that likely won’t be necessary for this performance. Doors open at 7 pm for drinks and snacks, performance begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $35 general admission, $25 for arts workers. Tickets and more information are available at www.tongueincheekproductions.com.

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