If you are attending a concert in-person, please note the following COVID-related precautions:
James Ehnes (1982) and Charles Richard-Hamelin (2015) will perform together for the first time, in a RCM Beethoven 250 Festival Livestream Concert from Koerner Hall on December 10. Tickets are available here.
Two WMCT Career Development Award Winners in Virtual Concert Read More »
Les Violons du Roy are among the many Québec-province musical presenters embarking on live performance series. Their first concert takes place September 25 in the Salle Raoul-Jobin in the old city of Québec, including Mozart’s Piano concerto no. 23, with soloist 2015 WMCT CDA winner Charles Richard-Hamelin.
Charles will also play a recital of the complete Chopin Preludes in the Palais Montcalm, on October19 and 20.
Charles Richard-Hamelin opens the season Read More »
Karina Gauvin, WCMT 1994 Career Development Award Winner, appeared in the season-opening concert of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra on Friday September 11, in the Maison Symphonique in Place des Arts, singing Beethoven’s concert aria Ah! perfido. Bernard Labadie conducted 43 physically-distanced orchestra members. The hall has a capacity of 2,100: the provincial guidelines for indoor gatherings and all other Covid-19 protocols were observed. Ludwig van Montréal posted a full review.
Karina Gauvin – Live! Read More »
Planning in this Time of Uncertainty
With no end in sight to the crushing effects of the pandemic on the seasons of performing arts presenters, on the livelihoods of artists, or on the spirits of audiences, the WMCT is still optimistic. Supported by the engagement of our members, the generosity of our donors, and the backing of the WMCT Foundation, the volunteer Board firmly intends to deliver an exceptional chamber music experience for the 123rd time.
The 123rd Season – Covid-19 Version
In light of changing local regulations in health and safety, and shifting factors in international travel, the recital by Spanish oboist Ramón Ortega Quero has been moved from the beginning of the season (October 8) to the end (June 24, 2021.)
Presuming access to Walter Hall by November 12, Michael Bridge & Friends will perform there in a professionally-produced webcast.
By the time of our spring Music in the Afternoon events, we may all be able to meet in person. We’ll keep you informed by e-newsletters, and on the website. You can contact us anytime at wmct@wmct.on.ca or phone 416-923-7052.
The 2021 Career Development Award Competition is in progress, and Student Scholarships for the coming academic year to the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, and the the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, will be presented as usual.
Best wishes for health and safety to you and your loved ones.
CORONEWS 3: Planning in this Time of Uncertainty Read More »
| Covid-19 has affected every feature of life in Toronto. All levels of our governments have mobilized resources to meet the threats of the pandemic. Remarkably, most citizens have found within themselves the strength required to live within unprecedented restrictions. Many in the arts community have offered virtual gifts of music, dance, and theatre. Toronto Arts Foundation list CBC Arts coverage Martha Graham dancers and the TSO A song a day since March 19 from Russell Braun, a 1989 scholarship winner Current WMCT scholarship holder Hannah Corbett, with the NYOC The Women’s Musical Club of Toronto faces its first experience of concert cancellations since World War II. Thank you to members who were able to make donations of their tickets to the April and May concerts. Receipts will be issued a little later in the year. Even more thanks to those who have subscribed to next season, our 123rd. Members, volunteers, Artistic Director Simon Fryer, and our invaluable Arts Administrator, Shannon Perreault constitute an arts organization built to survive and thrive. We are actively working to find ways to present the “virtuosity, variety, and vitality” of live chamber music in the future. We will keep you posted on developments and stay in contact electronically.  Board members in happier times. We understand that the virus has had a financial impact, and that a subscription or donation may not be possible for many of you at the moment. We also remind you that we are not only a performing arts organization, but also a club. If you are in need of support during this crisis, let us know: if we can’t help directly we can put you in touch with local resources who can. And we are happy to connect with you and have you connect with us. |
Jamie Parker delivered a sensational “Tuning Your Mind” lecture before the Trio Fibonacci concert last October. Recently he shared his pandemic project with the CBC. For his less tasteful but equally hilarious responses to life at the moment, check out the reports from the PNN (Parker News Network) on his Facebook page.
 With desktop publishing software locked up in our locked-down office on Adelaide Street, this is an alternative to our usual spring newsletter. The Women’s Musical Club of Toronto is an organization that thrives on our sociable gatherings around and in support of chamber music performance. With concert production suspended by the pan(dem)ic, the Club will still aim for social cohesion, despite physical distancing. We are all missing the music and each other. Look after yourselves and reach out to others. We’ll be in touch. From the President For the spring newsletter, my planned topic was “Philanthropy.” The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines it as “A love of humankind; the disposition or effort to promote the happiness and well-being of one’s fellow people; especially by gifts of money.” That last phrase of the definition reminds me to thank you for your generous contributions to our fall appeal and ask you to please subscribe to the newly-announced 123rd season. But now, it’s time to show your love of humankind by keeping rather than giving: keep your distance; keep only your own immediate needs in your shopping basket; keep your coughs to yourself; keep a diary; keep in touch with those whose support you need, or who need yours. -Kathleen McMorrow |
You usually pick up this marvellous monthly magazine of Toronto and area concert listings, features, and reviews at your favourite music performance venues.
Stay home and read it here!
Some online substitutes
Musical entertainment from the internet is unlimited. Google search the name of your favourite artist/work (and) youtube to locate a universe of examples. Try the artists of our next season!
Live performances of complete concerts or operas available to stream free:
The European Union’s Opera Vision project from a dozen opera houses
The Berlin Philharmonic
Metropolitan Opera
Bavarian State Opera
The Dutch National Opera
Local Content:
Songbook X with Kristina Szabo and Chris Foley from Tapestry Opera.
Witch on Thin Ice, from Confluence Concerts, featuring our (cancelled) April 2 concert star, Bev Johnston. Start this about the 7:00 mark.
Tafelmusik has its own YouTube channel with current clips and older concerts.
Toronto Arts Council list of virtual and innovative programs
CORONEWSLETTER: Missing the music and each other Read More »
