ARC Ensemble /Mazzoleni Hall (November)
The smaller venue is perfect for chamber music. The concert was a revival of a Ukrainian composer whose works were suppressed by Joseph Stalin. The ARC ensemble performed his string quartet no. 4, six songs, and piano trio no.2 to honour the composer whose reputation and popularity were damaged by the fiercely repressive regime.
This was an unscheduled treat, in lieu of seeing Daniel Hope, the classical violinist. Due to a scheduling mishap (I'm surprised it hasn't happened more often!) we showed up at the door four hours late.... thankfully they were able to find us a seat here.
Mavis Staples / Koerner Hall (November)She turned 80 in July this year but still rocked the house. A standing ovation convinced her and the band to come back for an encore, which the Diva sang in her stocking feet.
The concert was finished in less than 2 hours. Glad to have seen this icon, even if it was only for a short time.
Chieftains and Friends Irish Goodbye Tour / Roy Thompson Hall (October)
Astronauts Cady Coleman and Chris Hadfield joined the Chieftains as special guests, and so did the Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drums in full regalia. There were Irish dancers and singers, and the afternoon felt like a joyous kitchen Cèilidh. Favourite seats! M11 and M12 (section L1), because you get a whole row to yourself.
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