Photo of Ivars Taurins dressed as Maestro Handel by Gary Beechey - Courtesy of Tafelmusik

Tis the season for Handel’s Messiah. The tradition of performing this particular oratorio has become as synonymous with the holidays as the Nutcracker and a Charlie Brown Christmas. If you have never seen a Messiah before, here are a few that might pique your interest, performed by some of Toronto’s best. If you’re a Messiah veteran, why not check out Tafelmusik’s sing-along version–don’t forget to bring your score–I’ll be there on Sunday singing along with the soprano soloist. If you fall into the category of people who have no interest in seeing Handel’s yuletide opus, or if you’ve heard enough Messiah’s that you want to scream, there are a few alternative events on this MASSIVE list that should provide for some spirited, anti-entertainment from the likes of Unsilent Night, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Opera pop supernova, Naria.

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Jonas Kaufmann really wants you to watch Faust this weekend. How can you say no to that face?

THE BIRDS TAKE UP THEIR CHARMING SONGS ONCE MORE
Special guest narrator: Bruce Hunter
Vivaldi - Four Seasons
Musical Improvisations – The Audience becomes the Storyteller

The holidays are a time to be together with those you love. Join with friends, family and community and participate in some music making with Via Salzburg. The Baroque sounds of Vivaldi prepare our ears as Via Salzburg and our audience create music together for the first time. Friday, December 9, 2011, 8pm. Rosedale United Church, 159 Roxborough Drive, Toronto.

BACK TO BACK - CONTINUUM MUSIC
Continuum Music co-presented with the Music Gallery and Toronto New Music Projects, Back to Back is a concert of works for small ensemble by experimentalist extraordinaire Vinko Globokar. This event, together with a New Music Concerts performance on December 11, creates a rare concentration of Globokar’s work that is not to be missed. The programme includes Dos à Dos, Terres brûlées, ensuite…, a brilliantly theatrical trio for piano, saxophone and percussion with electronics by Thomas Kessler, and a group improvisation led by Globokar on trombone. Performers -
Composer and trombone: Vinko Globokar (FR)
With: Thomas Kessler (electronics), Wallace Halladay (saxophone), Stephen Clarke (piano), Ryan Scott (percussion), David Schotzko (percussion). December 9, 2011, 8 pm. The Music Gallery, 197 John Street, Toronto, ON, CA, M5T 1X6

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Photo of Soulful Messiah - Ballet Creole

The Art Life and Stilettos Performance Calendar. December 2 - December 4, 2011

To submit your event, please email info@artlifeandstilettos.com

Soulful Messiah - Ballet Creole
Soulfully danced to Quincy Jones’ Grammy Award-winning R&B rendition of Handel’s Messiah, this universal holiday tradition will leave you singing “Hallelujah!” throughout the festive season! Enriched by the uplifting voices of Aretha Franklin, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight, Ballet Creole infuses tap, African-Caribbean, ballet, jazz and modern dance in this unique celebration of life through dance and music. With the eclectic energy of Ballet Creole’s Dance Company, and featuring David Cox (former Stomp member), Soulful Messiah drives its dancers and its audiences to rejoice! Now celebrating its 10th year anniversary with enhanced lighting and new costumes, it’s the perfect time to discover the magic of this season favourite. Friday, December 2, 2011, 8:00 pm - Sunday, December 4, 2011, 8:00 pm. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay West. http://www.balletcreole.org/

Eve Egoyan “Returnings” music by Ann Southam

Eve Egoyan will perform works recorded on her new CD Returnings, world première recordings of music for solo piano by Ann Southam. The performance will include three Toronto premières including the world première of Returnings II: A Meditation. Along with Simple Lines of Enquiry, this disc represents the complete works for solo piano that Ann wrote with Eve in mind. Friday, December 02, 2011. 8pm. Glenn Gould Studio. http://www.roythomson.com

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