The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre has presented a staggering array of artists from different disciplines and genres since its very first concert in 2006. In anticipation of our 1000th concert, we took a trip down memory lane to spotlight 10 of the series' most noteworthy moments.

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Adrianne Pieczonka (November 17, 2009)

Celebrated Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka’s performance with pianist Liz Upchurch (Head of the COC Ensemble Studio) in 2009 was a pivotal moment for the Free Concert Series. The opportunity to hear an internationally renowned operatic superstar drew a capacity audience (lined up around the block!) and set a standard of excellence for years to come.

Sondra Radvanovsky (December 14, 2010)

Sondra Radvanovsky has been hailed as one of the leading sopranos of her generation. Her performance in 2010 with Liz Upchurch is another example of how the Free Concert Series enables people to get up close and personal with world-class artists – cost and barrier free!

John Adams (March 2, 2011)

Opera lovers will know John Adams for his operas like Nixon in China and Doctor Atomic. With a Pulitzer Prize and several Grammys, Adams is one of the most influential composers alive today (and a personal favourite!). In 2011, he hosted a concert of his own music in collaboration with the TSO New Creations Festival. For my recommended listening, check out his exhilarating orchestral masterpiece Harmonielehre or hauntingly beautiful Chaconne from his violin concerto.

Robi Botos and Hilario Durán (February 15, 2012)

The only thing better than one legendary jazz pianist is two! In 2012, Robi Botos and Hilario Durán (both JUNO Award winners) teamed up for their doubly awe-inspiring performance, which marked their debut as a duo.

Ballet Creole (March 5, 2013)

The Free Concert Series has always featured music and dance traditions from around the world. In 2013, Ballet Creole celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Malinke people. Don’t miss their return on February 26, 2019!

Sir Thomas Allen (February 13, 2014)

There are too many incredible artists who have performed in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre to include in this list, but it wouldn’t be complete without Sir Thomas Allen. After being knighted in 1999, he was awarded the Queen's Medal for Music in 2013 personally by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II… just in time for his recital in the Free Concert Series in 2014.

Emanuel Ax (February 5, 2015)

Speaking of music celebrity hosts like John Adams, world-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax (a seven-time Grammy Award-winner) hosted a concert in 2015 of opera transcriptions for piano performed by Pavel Kolesnikov and Orion Weiss.

Louis Riel Métis Dancers (April 13, 2017)

V'ni Dansi's Louis Riel Métis Dancers travelled from all the way from Vancouver in 2017 to treat Toronto audiences to their colourful and high energy music and dance traditions, passed down from generation to generation by their ancestors.

Ana Sokolović (May 17, 2017)

Multi-award-winning Canadian composer Ana Sokolović has been commissioned by the COC for an upcoming full-length opera. In 2017, she presented the world premiere of her song cycle dawn always begins in the bones, based on texts by Canadian poets. Commissioned by the Canadian Art Song Project, it was performed by artists of the COC Ensemble Studio. This memorable performance showcased her unique compositional style and whimsical ideas — who else would have had the singers fall asleep leaning against the pianist, pretend to be a deer, or do their best rendition of “the robot”?

Invictus Games (September 27, 2017)

In 2017, the COC joined #TeamInvictus as a cultural partner for the Invictus Games, a para-sport event founded by Prince Harry for injured, ill, and wounded active-duty and veteran service members. Artists from the COC Ensemble Studio presented a performance dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the athletes, which was attended by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Honourable Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.

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Stay tuned for more highlights and fun facts when we hit the 1,000th concert on February 19 - and check out our full 2018/2019 program schedule.

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Announcing the 2018/2019 Free Concert Series | "A cornucopia of culture... and it's all mind-blowingly free." Toronto Star...

Photo credits: Artists of the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, by Kevin Lloyd; Adrianne Pieczonka, by Chris Hutcheson; Sondra Radvanovsky, by Chris Hutcheson; John Adams, by Caitlin Coull; Robi Botos and Hilario Durán, by Chris Hutcheson; Ballet Creole, by Chris Hutcheson; Sir Thomas Allen, by Karen E. Reeves; Emanuel Ax, by Jess D. Lea; Louis Riel Métis Dancers, by Kevin Lloyd; Emily D'Angelo and Ana Sokolović, by Karen E. Reeves; Invictus Games, by Kevin Lloyd.