Monthly Archives: March 2025

Ardra Shephard’s surprising Fallosophy

I have just roared through Ardra Shephard’s memoir, a book that I loved from start to finish, wishing it wouldn’t end. I did not expect such a fun book. If I call Ardra a multiple sclerosis activist it could make … Continue reading

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TSO, Angela Hewitt & Marta Gardolińska

I went home satisfied from tonight’s Toronto Symphony concert, a program including some items exactly as expected plus a few surprises. For an evening titled “Angela Hewitt Plays Mozart” it was a very solid collaboration between the famous pianist and … Continue reading

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Talking to Jennifer King about Souvenance, her new piano album

Spirited and sensitive, Jennifer King is a versatile pianist who enjoys exploring the world of classical music in the 21st century through the presentation of new music and the revisiting of past musical gems. She has established herself as a sought-after talent … Continue reading

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Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra’s Joy

Tonight Erika joined me to hear the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert featuring joyful works by Beethoven and Bruckner. No wonder they titled it “Joy!” Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, William Shatner, and Dave Keon were all born on … Continue reading

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Gustavo Gimeno wears his heart on his sleeve in Mahler’s Fourth with Toronto Symphony and Anna Prohaska

Last night the Toronto Symphony celebrated an honour to their music director Gustavo Gimeno from his homeland, while affirming connections to Toronto, his new home. Gimeno was appointed Commander of the Order of Civil Merit (Encomienda de la Orden del … Continue reading

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Baroque and Folk: adventures with Tafelmusik and Miloš Valent

I was completely blown away by the latest Tafelmusik concert I saw and heard tonight. It’s a reminder that, while we associate Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra with music from long ago, that doesn’t mean they can’t surprise you with something new. … Continue reading

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Wonder women: Sarah Hagen talks about her celebration of female composers

Sarah Hagen describes herself as a “recovering pianist”.  As a collector with a ridiculously big library of scores maybe I need to admit I have a problem, and someone like Sarah can help people like me. Next week Sarah delves … Continue reading

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Interviewing Ronald Royer, composer and artistic director of Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra

My interest in Ronald Royer is complex. Ron was a teacher at my school, although I was only dimly aware of that because Ron arrived at the school long after I left. I encountered Ron as Artistic Director of the … Continue reading

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Illia Ovcharenko recital in Toronto

Tonight Illia Ovcharenko played at the Jane Mallett Theatre in Toronto. I can give you the list of items in the program, but it can’t possibly convey the experience, between the pieces you might know and the ones we’ve never … Continue reading

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Toronto Operetta Theatre’s Gondoliers prescription for what ails you

I arrived at the Jane Mallett Theatre in a bad mood. I don’t think I’m the only one finding the news on television hard to take. Between the arguments between Zelensky and the White House, or the outcome of the … Continue reading

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