ARTS & CULTURE
Monday, September 14, 2015 11
A Survey of the Fall 2015 Toronto Classical
Music Scene
anthony choi › staff writer
T
oronto has a vibrant and well-established
classical music scene, with renowned organizations and performance groups such as
the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), the
Canadian Opera Company(COC), and the National
Ballet of Canada hosting regular performances
throughout much of the year. As September heralds
the beginning of a new concert season, I decided to do
a brief perusal of the Fall 2015 portion (September to
December) of the calendars of the major Toronto classical music institutions and highlight some possible
concerts that could be of interest to both new enthusiasts and seasoned listeners alike.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has a number
of exciting performances lined up in the coming
months. To begin with, the TSO, from 25 September
to 27 September, will be performing what could be
one of the more popular programmes of the year,
which includes the famous “Fifth Symphony” by
Beethoven and the Stokowski arrangement of Bach’s
“Toccata” and “Fugue in D Minor.” Both the “Fifth
Symphony and the “Toccata” and “Fugue” have
highly recognizable opening motifs, from the dramatic “dit-dit-dit-dah” of Beethoven’s work to the
arresting upper-range flourish and downward spiral
of Bach’s. Both pieces also emanate a feeling of raw
power and drive, and coupled with the complex
emotionality that is so characteristic of Beethoven’s
compositions, will definitely leave audiences on the
edge of their seats throughout the performance. Very
highly recommended for all.
The month of November also presents several noteworthy programmes. 18 and 19 November feature a
performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s most beloved
work– “Scheherazade.” Based on the folktales of the
Arabian Nights, this symphonic poem tells the story
of the Sultan Shakriar, who:
“[…] convinced of the falsehood and inconstancy
of all women, had sworn an oath to put to death
each of his wives after the first night. However the
Sultana Scheherazade saved her life by arousing
his interest in the tales which she told during the
1001 nights. Driven by curiosity, the Sultan postponed her execution from day to day, and at last
abandoned his bloodthirsty design.”
With its dazzling orchestration, combined with its
interweaving and melodiousthemes, Scheherazade is
a definite must-listen.
26 November, meanwhile, features a line-up
of popular pieces including Benjamin Britten’s
“The Young Person’s Guide to the Orche