2023–2024 Concert Season
STRATTON SOLOISTS
Sunday, October 29, 2023 – 2:30 pm
ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN
Well, they’re back. Popular demand has made this dynamic and intimate ensemble an Orillia favourite. The Stratton Soloists are all members of the Toronto Concert Orchestra’s principal players. Named in memory of Kerry Stratton’s musical legacy, Stratton Soloists continues Kerry’s heart of sharing music – the firm belief that good music can be found in all genres, and classical music can be enjoyed by all. Stratton Soloists brings diverse programming performed with virtuosity, spirit, and imaginative musicianship.
For more information about the TCO, visit their website.
DANIEL VNUKOWSKI
Sunday, November 26, 2023 – 2:30 pm
ST. PAUL’S UNITED
In New York, they said… “a pianist to watch”. In Britain, they said… “a dashing pianist”. In Orillia, we’re saying… “ Can’t wait!”.
From Canada to Italy. From Poland to Argentina. Daniel Vnukowski has charmed the world and in the spirit of Lizt, Chopin and Beethoven he will not only be a must see, but a must hear! The piano never sounded so good.
In the meantime…catch him every morning as the morning radio host on Classical 96 FM.
For more information about Daniel, visit his website.
CHRIS ROBINSON – WILL DAVIS QUARTET
Sunday, January 28, 2024 – 2:30 pm
ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN
If there’s one word to describe the Chris Robinson – Will Davis Quartet… it’s COOL!
Chris Robinson and Will Davis have a mutual love for the songs from the great American songbook which they perform with style and passion. Both veterans of the Canadian jazz scene, Chris plays saxophones and vocalizes in a unique way to tell the story of each song while Will provides a stalwart harmonic and rhythmic backdrop on keyboards.
Together with the expert accompaniment of bass and drums you’ll be truly entertained by the way they bring to life the music of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Peggy Lee and many more.
JAMES CAMPBELL TRIO
Sunday, March 24, 2024 – 2:30 pm
ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN
The Ottawa Citizen calls him “Canada’s premier clarinetist”.
This world class Clarinetist has collaborated with Glenn Gould and Aaron Copland. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in over 35 countries with over 60 orchestras and 35 string quartets. He has been awarded, the Juno, the Order of Canada, the Queen’s Gold and Diamond Jubilee medal, an Honorary Doctor of Law and has been the driving force as Artistic Director of the Festival of the Sound since 1985. Needless to say, JAMES CAMPBELL is a monumental talent.
See him in concert with pianist Angela Park and soprano Leslie Fagan.
ENSEMBLE VIVANT
Sunday, May 5, 2024 – 2:30 pm
ORILLIA OPERA HOUSE
Captivating, enchanting and certainly vivacious!
ENSEMBLE VIVANT returns to delight Orillia with its special blend of classical pearls and jazzy pop gems. Mining the Classical, Ragtime, Latin and American Song books, this brilliant chamber ensemble is a perfect ending to a perfect season. Join us and join Artistic Director, Catherine Wilson as she heads up this Canadian musical treasure of piano and string.
TORONTO CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Sunday, October 30, 2022 – 2:30pm
ORILLIA OPERA HOUSE
An itinerant professional orchestra, Toronto Concert Orchestra makes Ontario its musical playground. Founded by the incomparable music director Kerry Stratton its musical diversity runs the gamut from the immortal Mozart to the legendary Elton John.
For more information about the TCO, visit their website.
CHRISTOPHER DAWES
Sunday, Nov. 27 2022 – 2:30 pm
ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
There are organists and then there is Christopher Dawes. From Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto to the Domkirk in Cologne this world travelling virtuoso has played it all. Listen as he lovingly performs on St. Andrew’s 5300 pipe 1921 CASAVANT LETOURNEAU. A glorious sound this side of heaven.
For more information about the Christopher, visit his website.
(Photo by Bo Huang)
LADOM ENSEMBLE
Sunday, January 29, 2023 – 2:30 pm
ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The piano, cello, accordion and percussion unite in a unique blend of acoustic chamber and world music that is passionate, sophisticated and just plain wild! Join Adam Campbell (percussion) Beth Silver (cello) Michael Bridge (accordion and Pouya Hamidi (piano) as they take you on a musical adventure from Bach to Argentinean tango and then tops it all off with a surprising stop at the world of Progressive Rock.
For more information about the Ladom Ensemble, visit their website.
WESTON SILVER BAND
Sunday, Mar. 26 2023 – 2:30 pm
ORILLIA OPERA HOUSE
Whether it’s standing out on top at the North American Band Championship three times in a row or winning the Hannaford Cup five times, The Weston Silver Band is in a class of brass all on its own. It’s a return engagement that will send you proudly marching.
For more information on the Weston Silver Band, visit their website.
TORONTO MANDOLIN ORCHESTRA
Sunday May 7, 2023 – 2:30 pm
ORILLIA OPERA HOUSE
Founded in 1956, this unique ensemble is a veritable United Nations of musical talent. The Toronto Mandolin Orchestra is as ethnically diverse as its repertoire which spans classical, folk, popular and Canadian music. What sets it apart? The mandolin! Come! Listen! An afternoon in the company of musicians creating the intimacy of a chamber ensemble with all the power of a symphony.
For more information on the TMO, visit their website.
Many strings attached!
SINFONIA TORONTO
Oct 23, 2021
Special Virtual Presentation
This outstanding 16 piece ensemble, conducted by Nurhan Arman, is in its 21st season. Although based in Toronto, they travel throughout Canada and completed 3 week tour of China last fall. We will hear a violin concerto by Bach, plus music by Tchaikovsky, and Wieniawski. Check out their website at sinfoniatoronto.com
Classics meets Jazz
PETER STOLL (clarinet & saxophone) & ADAM ZUKIEWICZ (piano)
Nov 28, 2021
Special Virtual Presentation
After voluntarily stepping in to fill a cancelled concert spot for us in 2018, Peter returns with Adam to bring us a mixed program of light classical and jazz music, with lots of clarinet and saxophone, Mozart, Chopin, Gershwin, tangos, classic British TV music and a big band set.
Daredevils with instruments! Flute/violin duo
SONIC ESCAPE
February 20, 2022 – 2:30pm
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Sonic Escape (Maria Millar, violin and Shawn Wyckoff, flute) will return for another outstanding, energetic presentation of traditional and original works, all performed with an anything-goes sense of fun. See samples of their talent at www.sonicescapemusic.com
Brass with a touch of Class
Hog Town Brass
Sunday, March 27, 2022 – 2:30 PM
Orillia Opera House
Hogtown Brass is a dynamic Canadian Ensemble comprised of accomplished musicians Trumpet / Tristan Tye Trumpet / Michael Barth Horn / Jay Austin Trombone / Brayden Friesen Tuba / Ian Feenstra Know for their unique arrangements and compositions, Hogtown Brass is on a mission to reinvigorate the entire concert experience for audiences.
Remember When
TORONTO ALL STAR BIG BAND
May 1, 2022 – 2:30pm
Orillia Opera House
Returning to Orillia after nine years, the Toronto All Star Big Band is one of the most exciting bands around, reviving the spirit, style and sound of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s – that golden age of the big bands. Google ‘Toronto All Star Big Band-YouTube’ and you’ll hear what these outstanding young players are capable ofTom Allen’s Missing Pages
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 2:30pm
Orillia Opera House
BETRAYAL! SCANDAL! Speculation is rampant. In 1825 Theodor Molt became the sole Canadian to meet Ludwig van Beethoven. The meeting was cordial but then ripped apart. Why? Join Tom Allen and friends in a musically, dramatic investigation. It’s a cold case that’s turned hot!
Trio Tangere
Sunday, November 21, 2019 at 2:30pm
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Due to unforeseen circumstances, THE CANADIAN GUITAR QUARTET was replaced by the incredibly popular Trio Tangere. This exciting new ensemble stirs the imagination with the uncommon combination of two guitars and violin. Mark Djokic, violin, Jérôme Ducharme and Louis Trépanier, guitars make magical simpatico.
Bridge and Wolak
Sunday, February 2, 2020 at 2:30pm
Orillia Opera House
It’s a clarinet! It’s an accordian! It’s a stunning duo of baroque, classical, folk, and contemporary music. An afternoon of the unorthodox, the incredibly inventive, and the absolutely magical!
Toronto Mandolin Orchestra
POSTPONED
We look forward to working with the Orillia Opera House and the artists to find a future replacement date to enjoy the magic of the Toronto Mandolin Orchestra and celebrate returning to calmer times. Please stay tuned. Ukranian roots! Canadian sound! 61 years of classical and contemporary brilliance. Your spirit will soar. ladies and gentlemen you ain’t heard nothing yet.
The Toronto Concert Orchestra
CANCELLED due to COVID-19
What can be said about this perennial favourite? ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING! Never ordinary! Never disappointing! It’s classical music the way it was meant to be.
TakeFive Ensemble – Chamber Music’s Greatest Hits
Sunday October 21, 2018 at 2:30PM
When Shoshana Telner (piano), Lynn Kuo (violin), Csaba Koczó (violin), Theresa Rudolph (viola) and Emmanuelle Beaulieu Bergeron (cello) rub shoulders with the likes of Beethoven, Debussy, Mahler, Schumann, Dvorak and all the usual suspects… music becomes a beautiful thing!
Arkady Yanivker – Virtuoso Violin
Sunday November 18, 2018 at 2:30PM
A soloist extraordinaire that can only be described as impressive, versatile and positively brilliant. From Russia to Toronto with love, this concert master gives new meaning to virtuoso.
Guy Few, Stephanie Mara, Leslie Fagan – Project Aria
Sunday February 3, 2019 at 2:30PM
A fun trio combining the flair and agility of acrobats and the challenge and competitiveness of Olympic gold. Music that makes your senses race. Guy Few on trumpet, Stephanie Mara on piano, Leslie Fagan, vocals.
Ensemble Vivant Octet – Tribute to Rick Wilkins
Sunday March 3, 2019 at 2:30PM
Canada’s Chamber Music Treasure Ensemble Vivant has for over 25 years bedazzled audiences with classical, Latin and Jazz. Led by pianist/artistic director Catherine Wilson, Ensemble Vivant pays homage to the great saxophonist Rick Wilkins who has arranged, composed and performed with the likes of Tommy Ambrose, Boss Brass, Anne Murray, Jackson Five and Oscar Peterson, just to name a few.
Kerry Stratton and the Toronto Concert Orchestra – The Age of Elegance
Sunday May 5, 2019 at 2:30PM
Stratton musically juggles Joseph Haydn and Johanne Hummel with elegance and finesse, as only the maestro and the Toronto Concert can!