Events
Soundstreams Announces a Season of Music for the Soul
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir with Tõnu Kaljuste, Soundstreams’ Choir 21 with David Fallis, Steven Dann, Elizabeth Shepherd, Rebecca Cuddy, Adam Scime, Midori Marsh, Gregory Oh, and many more. World Premieres by Cecilia Livingston, Omar Daniel, André Ristic.
June 2023 // Toronto, ON – Lawrence Cherney, Founding Artistic Director, Soundstreams, announced a 41st season filled with concerts, compelling stagings and world premieres:
“Our post-pandemic world has made it easier to “stay home” on a grand scale. Wonderful as that can sometimes be, we’re wired to have collective experiences, to have a shared humanity. There’s something primordial about experiencing deeply-felt emotions with others, whether it be profound sadness or profound joy, and everything in between. Great music can inspire those feelings – it may happen rarely – but when it does, it’s truly nourishment for the soul. That’s the impetus behind every Soundstreams note you’ll hear next season!”
Whether its spiritual nourishment or sustenance you are after, Soundstreams’ 41st season has plenty to indulge in. Our 2023/24 Season launches with intimate musical reflections for solo viola and chamber choir on the world of legendary painter Mark Rothko with The Bright Divide, staged by critically acclaimed director Tim Albery. The 8th edition of our annual production of Electric Messiah, a riff on universal themes of love, betrayal and redemption, continues with a brand-new take featuring award-winning jazz vocalist Elizabeth Shepherd returning from last year. Singers making their Electric Messiah debut next season will include Dora award-winner Rebecca Cuddy, as well as Midori Marsh.
Appearing for the sixth time in Toronto, and always a sell-out, The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir with renowned conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, will present ageless and spiritually profound classics by Palestrina and their universally beloved countryman Arvo Pärt, along with a world premiere by Canadian composer Omar Daniel.
Rounding out our season is a mini-festival Keyed Up! celebrating new music for piano, harpsichord, organ and electronic keyboard! Bach’s famous Aria from the Goldberg Variations is one of the most spiritually uplifting themes in all of the Western canon. He would have loved our genre-bending Variations on Goldberg Variations almost as much as he would have loved the gorgeous sound world that electric keyboards can conjure up! Keyed Up! comes to a spectacular climax with 6 Pianos 12 Hands featuring two mesmerizing and hypnotic 20thcentury masterpieces: Steve Reich’s Music for Six Pianos and Terri Riley’s A Rainbow in Curved Air, plus works for multiple pianos by André Ristic, Ana Sokolovic and more.
We look forward to our audiences joining us for another exhilarating season. Visit Soundstreams.ca to subscribe and for full subscription details.
THE BRIGHT DIVIDE
November 10 – 11, 2023
TD MUSIC HALL
Two immersive & contemplative works by Morton Feldman and Cecilia Livingston inspired by the paintings of Mark Rothko, with staging by Tim Albery.
Rothko Chapel by American composer Morton Feldman was written for the opening of the “Rothko Chapel” in Houston, Texas, a non-denominational spiritual space containing 14 paintings by the iconic Mark Rothko. Feldman wrote, “Rothko’s imagery goes right to the edge of his canvas, and I wanted the same effect with the music.” His evocative score is a dialogue with Rothko’s paintings featuring a solo viola, punctuated by distant timpani and choir. It’s also an homage to The Chapel, created “to illuminate our shared humanity, inspiring actions towards treating all with dignity and respect.”
mark will be a world premiere by Canadian composer Cecilia Livingston with text by Duncan McFarlane, responding both to Feldman’s piece and to Rothko’s art itself. mark offers a ritual of light and darkness: exploring this ‘Bright Divide’, the spiritual tensions in Rothko’s work, and the tensions between Rothko’s earlier bright colour fields and the sombre refinement of the Chapel paintings. Known for her powerful, dramatic creations for singers, Livingston contrasts soloist and ensemble, viola and voice, to evoke what Robert Hughes called the ‘breathing intensity’ of Rothko’s paintings—that sense of awe and contemplation.
Repertoire will include Morton Feldman’s Rothko Chapel (1971), and Cecilia Livingston’s world premiere of mark (2023). Performers will include Soundstreams’ Choir 21 with David Fallis conducting and Steven Dann on viola.
ELECTRIC MESSIAH
December 14-17, 2023
THEATRE PASSE MURAILLE
A re-imagining of Handel’s Messiah like you’ve never heard before!
Whether you know the music of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah or not, you’ll love our Electric Messiah. It’s a reimagining that riffs on some of Handel’s gorgeous arias and choruses, but is universal in appeal, probing as it does compelling themes of love, betrayal, joy and redemption.
It has become Toronto’s newest holiday tradition, returning now to our stage for the 8th time and this season for the first time at historic Theatre Passe Muraille. Unlike some holiday classics that never change, Electric Messiah is never the same two years in a row! This reboot of Handel’s masterpiece mixes diverse influences and genres to deliver the unexpected. It features four extraordinary singers and an instrumental ensemble that deliver musical styles ranging from jazz, blues, hip-hop, and gospel to classical. While it’s guided and shaped by the masterful hand of composer and synth player Adam Scime, the performance is a truly collaborative effort with musical contributions from all the singers and instrumentalists.
ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR
February 3, 2024
ST. PAUL’S BASILLICA
The world-renowned chamber choir returns to Toronto with music by Arvo Pärt, Palestrina, and a world-premiere by Canadian composer Omar Daniel.
Led by its founder Tõnu Kaljuste, The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC) is in the top rank of the world’s greatest vocal ensembles, famous as the foremost interpreters of music by their beloved countryman Arvo Pärt. This program includes Pärt favourites like Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, Dopo la Vittoria and Kanon Pokajanen, as well as works by another great spiritualist of centuries past, Palestrina.
The concert takes place in the majestic and acoustically superb setting of St. Paul’s Basilica, adding depth to an evening of reverence and magic. On previous visits to Soundstreams, Tõnu Kaljuste and the EPCC have premiered several Canadian works, and this year is no exception with the world premiere of a new work by Estonian/Canadian composer Omar Daniel. He sets text from the poem A Sorrow of Stones, by Canadian poet Anne Wilkinson that explores perspectives on death and the afterlife.
Returning to Toronto for the sixth time since 2000 under Soundstreams auspices, EPCC concerts usually sell out, so don’t miss your chance to experience live this deeply-fulfilling international collaboration!
KEYED UP! April 18-21, 2024, JANE MALLET THEATRE
A mini-festival celebrating new music for piano, harpsichord, organ and electronic keyboard!
VARIATIONS ON GOLDBERG VARIATIONS
April 18, 2024
JANE MALLET THEATRE
J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations is one of the most famous works in the Western canon.
A genre-bender inspired by Bach’s masterpiece Goldberg Variations our Variations on the Goldberg Variations reflects on Bach’s singular achievement through a contemporary lens. In the first half of the program, composers each write 7-8 variations to make up several new variations, each preceded by a rendition of the Bach original. Four gifted Canadian composers create 30 new variations on Bach’s originals, culminating with Australian pianist and composer Paul Grabowsky’s jazz variations. The composers represent not only a diversity of aesthetics, but the newly-composed variations will alternate continuously between piano, harpsichord, organ and electronic keyboard. J.S. would have loved it!
In the second half, the distinguished Australian composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky returns to Soundstreams nearly a decade after appearing with his boundary-breaking Australian Art Orchestra. This time he performs his jazz-inspired take on Bach’s monumental work. Performed 36 times across Australia last season, The Sydney Arts Guide had this to say: “In this improvisation, jazz gesturing alternated with hand-crossing, complex filigree. Paul Grabowsky’s playing was effectively reminiscent of Bach’s ecstatic workings in his thirty variations.”
RBC BRIDGES: Emerging Composers Showcase
April 19, 2024
JANE MALLET THEATRE
Six short new works for keyboard by Emerging Composers in our Bridges program with mentorship by renowned composers Paul Grabowsky & André Ristic.
The RBC Bridges program offers audiences a chance to hear some of the world’s most promising composers at an early stage of their careers. It’s an annual week-long, program that offers free tuition and accommodation to six emerging Canadian and international composers. They get to work with celebrated mentors and a resident ensemble of seasoned professional keyboard performers. Over the course of the week, each composer participates in rehearsals and workshops with the resident mentors and instrumentalists, culminating in a performance of all six works.
6 PIANOS 12 HANDS
April 20, 2024
JANE MALLET THEATRE
Steve Reich and Terri Riley have each had a profound influence on the way we listen to music. The term “minimalism” is often used to characterize their music, yet the music itself is anything but minimal, incorporating much nuance and subtlety that is maximal in imagination and innovation.
Reich, described by the New Yorker as “the most original musical thinker of our time”, recognized the power of multiple pianos, exploited spectacularly in his mesmerizing Music for Six Pianos. This seminal work is combined with a new arrangement for six pianos by André Ristic of Terri Riley’s A Rainbow in Curved Air, itself dating from the same period as Six Pianos. And we feature a reprise of Ristic’s Soundstreams-commissioned work Vivaldi Variations.
A concert spectacular featuring two iconic works for 6 pianos: Steve Reich’s Music for Six Pianos and Terri Riley’s A Rainbow in Curved Air, plus works for multiple pianos by André Ristic, Ana Sokolovic and Alexina Louie.
TD Encounters
TD Encounters is our ongoing free concert series. Smaller in scale than our Main Stage Productions, these shows will include intimate live performances that explore culturally resonant themes and finish with a group discussion, allowing audiences to engage with the music and artists in a relaxed atmosphere.
This program is supported by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.
Soundstreams | Soundstreams.ca
Founded in 1982, Soundstreams is one of the world’s leading contemporary music companies, and the largest global presenter of new Canadian music. Founding Artistic Director Lawrence Cherney and Executive Director Beth Brown are committed to showcasing the work of Canadian and international composers on the world stage with the aim of creating a lasting legacy for Canadian music. Soundstreams’ focus is innovative thematic and experiential programming through which the organization serves a broad community of music lovers. Annual activities include its Main Stage series, a free community outreach series TD Encounters and two professional development programs: New Voices Mentorship Program for aspiring curators; and RBC Bridges Showcase for early career composers. Soundstreams is embarking on an ambitious recording project of the choral music of the late R. Murray Schafer, and has two productions touring in North America and Europe in coming seasons.
Content Source: Soundstreams
Buika Returns to Canada: A Latin Grammy-Winning Voice Like No Other
Toronto, ON & Montreal, QC — AB Collective International proudly presents the return of internationally acclaimed Spanish vocalist Buika to Canada for two powerful concerts this October.
Named by NPR as one of the “50 greatest voices of all time,” Buika is a genre-defying artist whose music fuses flamenco, soul, jazz and Afro-Latin sounds with poetic intensity. She is a Latin Grammy winner, has been nominated for Grammy Awards in multiple categories, and has shared stages with legends such as Chucho Valdés, Anoushka Shankar, and Carlos Santana.
This fall, her unmistakable voice will resound once more in two of Canada’s most iconic venues:
October 18, 2025 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto
October 19, 2025 – L’Olympia, Montreal
Buika’s performances are emotional journeys — raw, elegant, and deeply human. Her art transcends genres and borders, delivering truth through music.
Presented by AB Collective International, these concerts are more than shows: they are moments of soulful connection and cultural resonance, featuring one of the most expressive vocalists of our time.
(TORONTO – May 14, 2025) – One month today, Saturday, June 14, 2025, Massey Hall presents Oscar Peterson at 100: A Canadian Celebration featuring an all-star roster of musicians coming together to celebrate international Jazz legend, Oscar Peterson’s 100 birthday. New additions to line-up include two Canadian Jazz legends, Dave Younge and Oliver Jones.
Dave Young and Oliver Jones will join the previously announced acclaimed Canadian musicians on the legendary Allan Slaight Stage at Massey Hall: Amanda Tosoff, Andrew McAnsh, Caity Gyorgy, Chet Doxas, Chris Butcher, Colleen Allen, Jim Doxas, Jocelyn Gould, Jodi Proznick, Joe Sealy, Kevin Turcotte, Laila Biali, Lex French, Mark McLean, Matt Woroshyl, Mike Downes, Reg Schwager, Robi Botos, Sean Nimmons, Taurey Butler, and Thompson Egbo-Egbo.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:
WWW.MASSEYHALL.COM
OR 416-872-4255
Oscar Peterson at 100: A Canadian Celebration will feature music from throughout Peterson’s near seven-decade career, with a mix of both his original compositions and jazz standards, performed with love by an eclectic mix of artists, all of whom have drawn inspiration from Peterson’s immeasurable legacy.
The evening, co-produced by Céline Peterson and JUNO Award-winning drummer, composer, educator, and the evening’s Musical Director, Jim Doxas, was born from the pair’s desire to curate an evening that embodied the excellence that Peterson led throughout his life.
Tickets to Oscar Peterson at 100, A Canadian Celebration are available now by visiting www.masseyhall.com or calling the box office at 416-872-4255.
Dave Young Bio: Order of Canada recipient, Dr. Dave Young C.M., is one of Canada’s most celebrated and valued bassists, composers, arrangers, and educators. Originally from Winnipeg, Dave has made his name known on both the Canadian and international stages in both jazz and classical music for the last 5 decades, and along the way has worked with some of the world’s top artists in various fields. Known for his elegant tone, impeccable time, and immense knowledge of musical history, Dave has been a first-call bassist for the likes of Oscar Peterson, Lenny Breau, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, and countless others.
Oliver Jones Bio: With 25 albums under his belt, Dr. Jones has toured the world playing for audiences across the United States, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, China and Africa. Having performed at major jazz festivals and concerts alongside acclaimed orchestras, Dr. Jones has been recognized for his work across the globe. He is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Québec and has received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the Oscar Peterson Award, the SOCAN Special Lifetime Award, multiple Félix Awards and two JUNO Awards. He has six doctorates.
Dr. OSCAR EMMANUEL PETERSON, is one of the most prolific jazz pianists of all time, lending his name and talents to more than 500 recordings and earning 8 GRAMMY Awards (including Lifetime Achievement). Born in Montréal’s Little Burgundy, his immense talent, fierce determination and profound love for the artform caught the attention of jazz music’s greatest impresario and founder of Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP), Norman Granz. After accepting an invitation to perform as a surprise guest at a JATP show at Carnegie Hall at just twenty-four years old, Peterson would continue to tour with the group, performing with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Roy Eldridge, Herb Ellis, Clark Terry, Lester Young, and Lionel Hampton.
To learn more about Oscar Peterson and #OscarPeterson100, visit OscarPeterson.com.
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, the rhythms of Latin America take over Luminato at Harbourfront in this day-long celebration curated by Toronto’s beloved Lula Music & Arts Centre. From powerful salsa to groundbreaking fusions of traditional and contemporary sounds, this free event brings together revolutionary artists who are reshaping Latin music.
Get ready to dance with La Pambelé, as members of this cutting-edge Colombian orchestra are joined by top Canadian players to deliver this specially curated presentation of international salsa brava, bursting with the spirit of resistance and revolution. Move to the innovative sounds of Kombilesa Mi, who blend ancestral instruments with contemporary beats, rapping in both Spanish and Palenquero—the unique language of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free Black community in the Americas.
Between sets, Toronto’s own Sonic Sancocho keeps the energy high with vinyl-only DJ sets that span the spectrum of Latin music. Join dance workshops led by international instructors, explore market vendors, and discover why Latin music continues to move the world.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just love to move, this family-friendly celebration invites everyone to be part of the rhythm. More artists, workshops, and activities to be announced.
DIOGO RAMOS | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | CONCERT STAGE | FREE
Meet Diogo Ramos, singer-songwriter hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. Rooted in the rich tradition of Brazilian popular musicians, Diogo has honed his craft since the age of 13, specializing in guitar. With 25 years of professional experience, he has contributed to 20 albums as both composer and producer. In 2023, Diogo launched his latest album ‘Cabaça,’ a vibrant blend of electro-samba-funk designed to get you dancing! ‘Cabaça’ fuses samba funk and electronic hip-hop, featuring lyrics in Portuguese, French, and Haitian Creole, capturing the essence of beach vibes and modern urbanity. His EP ‘Raro Efeito’ serves as a musical statement and a tribute to Montreal’s multicultural artistic scene.
Crafted in collaboration with director Boogát, ‘Cabaça’ features brass arrangements recorded in Brazil by João Lenhari, Cuca Ferreira, and Douglas Antunes of Bixiga 70. Vocal arrangements by Bianca Rocha and Flavia Nascimento, mixed by Jean Massicotte in Canada and Andrés Oddone in Mexico. Special guests include Bïa and Imposs in ‘Samba do Boncy,’ and Boogát in ‘Sua Mão Direita.’ This music was composed and produced during the 2020/2021 pandemic, with the hope for a civilization filled with music and peace.
KOMBILESA MI | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | CONCERT STAGE | FREE
Nestled in the northern coastal region of Colombia, San Basilio de Palenque as it is colloquially known, was founded in the 17th century, by the first free slaves (Cimarrones) of the Americas. It has pioneered a distinct mix of Afro-Colombian culture. Locals speak their own Creole language called “Palenquero”, a blend of African Bantu, Portuguese dialects, French and English. Kombilesa Mi experiments with the instruments created by their ancestors (and introduced to them when they were young), layering them between new sounds. Over traditional percussion, handmade steel drums of his own design and marímbula, Kombilesa Mi rhymes and raps in Spanish and the traditional Palenquero. Kombilesa has performed at the Kennedy Center, NPR’s Tiny Desk, the Festival Petronio Alvarez and SXSW.
LA PAMBELÉ | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | CONCERT STAGE | FREE
La Pambelé is a Colombian orchestra that embodies the essence of heavy guaguanco, salsa brava that resonates with revolution and resistance of migrants to the big cities. Their influences include names such as Markolino Dimond, Eddie Palmieri, Edy Martínez, El Pantera, Ismael Miranda, Quintana, Rivera, and the Afro- Antillean rhythms that flow from the Colombian coasts to the capital, Bogotá, the epicenter of inspiration and conspiracy for this orchestra.
Source: Luminato at Harbourfront
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