Koerner, Live!!!

I think Koerner Hall may be addictive.

Just staring at the ceiling, listening to some of the best musicians on the planet. Watching and listening to the music, live. And yes, that can be pronounced in two ways, a short or long 'i' sound,  as in, being there physically in person; as in, living and breathing and experiencing the music come alive.

Adding to my playlists as I discover new sounds and virtuosos. Such a gorgeous setting and outstanding acoustics.

Many of the groups and ensembles express their pleasure of being in the hall and confirm it is one of the best venues anywhere. How fortunate we are to have this space here in Toronto!

Several of the musicians on my concert list were brand new to me. I selected most of them based on brief samplings and descriptions and was rewarded with new musical favourites. Designing your own series brings some benefits: reduced ticket prices, free drinks at intermission, and being able to exchange tickets without penalty.

I enjoy seating in the Loge but it doesn't work for Rob's long legs... it is definitely cramped. So orchestra seats already ordered here next year.

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Jordi Savall and Carlos Nunez and Friends; Celtic Favourites May 10
- Reinventing chamber music! The viols played by Jordi are several centuries old, and evolved into the cello we know today. Carlos Nunez plays a mean Galitian bagpipe. What a night! I felt transported back to medieval times and magical places. Sold-out crowd. (M9/10)

Max Raabe and the Palister Orchestra April 18
- Such a dry sense of humour and impeccable timing. I can't recall laughing when the brass section played at any previous concerts, but the horns provided the punchlines on a few of the musical interludes. Faves from Germany and America. Sold-out crowd.(G19/20 aisle)

Pink Sardines, Saturday April 14
- We booked this on the suggestion of Mike P, and Laura nabbed the tickets more than a year ago. The group ended up recording a live album that night, with the lead singer teasing us that New Yorkers were dubious about whether Toronto audiences knew hot to clap.  Sold-out crowd. (F9/10)

KUNÉ - Canada's Global Orchestra 
and Odessa/Havana April 7

New Canadians playing instruments from their home countries, including: Persia, Turkey, Greece, India, Russia.
After intermission, followed by Odessa/Havanna and a crowded, noisy stage with brass and percussion and piano. Sold-out crowd.

Nicolas Altstaedt with Fazil Say, Friday March 2
- Two brilliant solists. A cellist and a pianist. Performing works by Claude Debussy, Fazil Say, Leoš Janáček, andDmitri Shostakovich. (B9/10)

Leon Fleisher conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, Friday February 16 at 20:00
- Legendary pianist and conductor helms some of the best emerging international talent from the Glen Gould school. The room was electric, with this being the culmination of decades of musical study for students not yet thirty years of age. Such energy! (G19/20 aisle)

Janine Jansen, Martin Fröst, Torleif Thedéen, and Lucas Debargue 05 December 2017 at 20:00
- Chamber music Violinist Janine Jansen, clarinetist Martin Fröst, Swedish cellist Torleif Thedéen, and French pianist Lucas Debargue will perform Béla Bartók: Contrasts, Karol Szymanowski: Myths, op. 30 and Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time. (G19/20 aisle)

Yasmin Levy & the Klezmatics on Wednesday 01 November 2017 at 20:00
- Exhuberant accordions! Sold-out crowd. (A9 & 10)