The Free Concert Series made its much-anticipated return to live performances in September, and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible response of the COC community! Support for these phenomenal artists allows us to continue sharing the talent and passion of Toronto’s music community with our audiences.

With so many incredible performances each month, we thought we would highlight a few select concerts to check out in November, showcasing the wide range of musical moments to enjoy!

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Wednesday, November 2
Classic Scenes of Peking Opera
Canadian Chinese Opera Arts Center 

Young performers aged 7-12 from the Canada Chinese Opera Arts Center present classic scenes of Peking Opera. These growing talents will showcase an array of stunning techniques and physical movements along with a performance practice that blends singing, reciting, gesturing, fighting, and dancing.

Wednesday, November 9
Glorious Strings: Haydn and Walton
Tokai String Quartet

Tokai String Quartet is one of Canada’s leading string quartets and is formed by musicians of the COC Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and National Ballet of Canada Orchestra. The group will perform arrangements by Franz Joseph Haydn and William Walton, contrasting pieces written 200 years apart.

Wednesday, November 16
A Salute to Sondheim
Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio

Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio celebrate the life and works of revered American composer, songwriter, and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. His music and lyrics, renowned for their sophistication and complexity, touch on deeply emotional themes and shared elements of the human experience.
 
Tuesday, November 22
Persian Melodies
Padideh Ahrarnejad, tar; Ali Massoudi, tombak; Mahnaz Raad, voice

This performance of traditional Persian melodies will highlight the musical systems of Dastgah (Maqam), the basis of Persian music. Persian musicians Padideh Ahrarnejad and Ali Massoudi will perform on the tar and tombak, two main Persian Instruments, accompanied by the beautiful voice of Mahnaz Raad.

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Of course, don’t miss our full schedule on the Free Concert Series web page, including 12 November performances ranging from the jazz stylings of the Mike Downes Trio to celebrations of the Schulich School of Music’s Golden Violin Award and Wirth Vocal Prize winners. As always, the Free Concert Series is free for all attendees, but arrive early! Doors open half an hour prior to the performance start time and admittance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

See you at the concerts!

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The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre is presented by:

Header Photo: Karen Reeves

Ensemble Studio Photo: Gaetz Photography