Concerts
This is an overview of upcoming performances that I’m a part of which will be definite highlights, but it is not inclusive of everything I’m up to. Sometimes I'll also include concerts that I may have nothing to do with, but feel like are really worth sharing!
For Winter 2024 dates, check in with me via Instagram @canadabassbass
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
September 22 + 23 at Trinity St. Paul Centre, Toronto
A beautifully crafted program of Handel’s Dixit Dominus, Caroline Shaw’s To the Hands, and Bach’s Christ lag in Todesbanden performed with dancers from Compagnie de la Citadelle and yours truly in a chamber string group.
More info and tickets: In Time - At the Intersection of Music & Dance - Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
Magisterra Soloists
October 1 at Museum London
A performance of Prokofiev’s Quintet for violin, viola, bass, clarinet, and oboe; Hans Werner Henze’s solo bass piece S. biagio 9 agosto ore 1209, and more!
Tickets and info: Beyond Borders
Esprit Orchestra - works by Xenakis, Ligeti, and more - X MARKS THE SPOT – Esprit Orchestra - October 15 2023
Cycle of Our Earth
October 27
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons paired with Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires presented at the Armenian Cultural Centre Concert Hall.
Tickets and info: Tickets | Cycle Of Our Earth • The Four Seasons • Khourdoian Plays Vivaldi & Piazzola |
Celestial Light
October 28
Backing up the fantastic Elmer Iseler Singers for their concert at Eglinton St. George’s United Church in Toronto, featuring Faure’s Requiem.
Rosenkavalier + Till Eulenspiegel
September 8 and 9 2022 in Southam Hall (9th is also livestreamed), Ottawa
With the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Bruce Liu playing Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Conductor Alexander Shelley.
Eagles Hotel California
September 10 2022, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
The whole album, front-to-back, with orchestra. I don’t usually do these things, but it’s the Eagles!
Sweetwater Music Festival 2022
September 15 - 18 2022 in Owen Sound
Highlights include Prokofiev Quintet, Andriessen Elegy for Bass and Piano, and Guillaume Connesson’s Sextet
NACO Sphere Festival
September 22 - 25 2022 in Ottawa
A music festival themed around the planet we live on, featuring new(ish) works from Tarkianen, Richter, Louie, J.L. Adams, and Clyne.
Futurestops Festival
September 30 2022 at Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto
Described by the Pulitzer Prize Board as “a concentrated and powerful musical expression with a haunting visceral impact”, the FutureStops Festival is proud to bring the 2022 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Music, Voiceless Mass, a mesmerizing work for organ and ensemble by Raven Chacon, to Roy Thomson Hall for its Canadian Premiere on the 2nd National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Tchaikovsky 5
October 5 and 6 2022 in Southam Hall, Ottawa
Storgårds conducts this old favourite, along with Haydn Trumpet Concerto with soloist Håkan Hardenberger.
Array Music - Michael J. Baker Retrospective
October 29 2022 at Array Space, Toronto
A rockin’ selection of the music of the late Michael J. Baker, curated by Marie-Josée Chartier. Will be seen doubling on electric bass, my old love!
UPDATE - the livestream of this concert is now available through YouTube - click here.
Strauss Metamorphosen with Magisterra Soloists
November 13 in London, ON
The chamber version of Stauss’ Metamorphosen, along with Don Thompson’s duo for cello and bass “In Memory of Glenn” and Mendelssohn’s string quartet.
Nutcracker
Lots of Nutcrackers happening this year! Catch me with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens from December 1-4 in Ottawa; or with The National Ballet of Canada in Toronto throughout the rest of the month!
Vaughan Williams Quintet
December 13 2022 - FREE concert in the Richard Bradshaw Amphlitheatre, Four Seasons Centre (Canadian Opera Company).
A favourite bass quintet with some of my favourite people - members of the Rosebud String Quartet.
UPDATE - as of December 7, we’ve had to change repertoire due to some health issues. We’ll now be performing Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, with the 2nd cello part being performed by me on the double bass! With Aaron Schwebel and Csaba Koczó on violins, Sheila Jaffe and Carolyn Blackwell on violas, and Leana Rutt on cello.
Messiah
December 9 2022 - 7:30pm
Handel’s masterwork with the famous Elmer Iseler Singers, at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto.
Salute to Vienna
January 1 2023 at 2:30pm - at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto
The New Year’s Day tradition is back! After a few years of COVID-related cancellations, I’ll be back leading the bass group of the “Canadian Strauss Orchestra” for this holiday tradition.
Canadian Opera Company - Marriage of Figaro and Salome - Home | Canadian Opera Company (coc.ca)
Esprit Orchestra - Taiko Live! - Esprit Orchestra
National Arts Centre Orchestra - March 8 + 9 2023 with free livestream - ▸ De Souza, Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn | Featuring Francesca Dego with the NAC Orchestra | Thu, Mar 9, 2023, 8:00 pm | Online | National Arts Centre (nac-cna.ca)
Opera in Concert - L’Amant Anonyme by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges - March 19 2023 at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Toronto - VOICEBOX | Opera In Concert
National Arts Centre Orchestra - Kawasaki, Storgårds & Mozart | with the NAC Orchestra | Mar 29 - 30, 2023 | Southam Hall | National Arts Centre (nac-cna.ca)
International Society of Bassists - Canadian School of Double Bass Technique Class - Ann Arbor, Michigan - June 5-10 2023 - International Society of Bassists - ISB Convention (isbworldoffice.com)
National Academy Orchestra - I will be leading the bass group as a mentor to Canada’s premiere youth training orchestra for two weeks this summer in Hamilton - Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastqiue - National Academy Orchestra of Canada – Canada's Only Training Orchestra
Thieriot Octet and Foley Mountain Sketches - with London’s Magisterra Soloists - July 9 2023
Tapestry Opera - World Premiere of “Dragon’s Tale”
on Toronto’s Waterfront, June 15-18 2023
Dragon's Tale - Tapestry Opera - note that tickets are free with advance registration
Trout, Dussek, Hummel
March 31 in Kitchener-Waterloo, ON for the KW Chamber Music Society
April 2 in Barrie, ON
Very excited that a COVID-cancellation has been rescheduled for this set of bass quintets I performed back in Fall 2021. Details to be announced, but mark March 31 and April 2 2022 on your calendars for this great program with great musicians!
ISB Convention 2023
I’m thrilled to have been invited to present at the upcoming ISB Convention in Ann Arbour, Michigan. Stay tuned for more details!
International Society of Bassists
I was asked by the ISB to prepare a video for their 2022 convention, giving a little perspective on the state of the bass in Canada. I don’t know much about the whole country, but I made a great video that shows what I’ve been up to over the past few years!
Watch the full video premiered at the ISB here: https://youtu.be/6kLt9eHiAWQ
Ottawa Chamberfest
At Carleton’s Dominion-Chalmers Centre, Thursday July 21 2022 7:00pm
I can’t explain how excited I am to play Olli Mustonen’s Nonet No.2 with some of my favourite string players in Canada - violinists Yolanda Bruno, Emily Kruspe, Carissa Klopoushak, and Min-Jeong Koh; violists Isaac Chalk and David Marks; and cellists Rachel Mercer and Desiree Abbey.
National Academy Orchestra
At L.R. Wilson Concert Hall
Returning once again to be a sit-in coach for the bass group at the late Boris Brott’s National Academy Orchestra. We’ll be playing Dvorak’s New World Symphony under the direction of the one and only Alain Trudel, the festival’s new artisic director. Also on the programme, Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.1 performed by soloist Valerie Tryon.
Come study with me for two weeks of intensive technique classes, masterclasses, private lessons, and chamber music coaching! All at the University of Ottawa Summer Strings Academy.
National Ballet of Canada - Mixed Programme - March 8-13 2022 - Four Seasons Centre
Canadian Opera Company - Bluebeard’s Castle, Mozart Requiem, Gianni Schicchi - streamed productions
Esprit Orchestra - Goddard, Louie, Norman - April 3 2022 - Koerner Hall
Esprit Orchestra - Chin - April 20 2022 - Koerner Hall
Caledon Music Festival
September 10 and 12
It is with sheer delight that I will be helping to present two concerts with the Caledon Music Festival on September 10 and 12 2021 at the beautiful Alton Mill Arts Centre’s new outdoor performance space. I’ll be playing several sketches from Xavier Foley, as well as chamber music of Bach and Dvorak. I will also be working as a mentor in the adult-amateur program, and sharing some expertise on critical listening as well as dealing with the pressures of performance. Visit the Caledon Music Festival website for details!
Quintets of Schubert, Hummel, & Dussek
September 17 - London, ON
September 19 - Barrie, ON - CANCELLED
Three pillars of the bass chamber music repertoire in one concert program! More details to come on tickets for these concerts, but they are sure to be a good time. With Annette-Barbara Vogel (violin); Jutta Puchhammer-Sédillot (viola); Katerina Juraskova (cello); and Francine Kay (piano).
Canadian Opera Company Streamed Concerts
September 24, 25; October 29, 30
I will be joining the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra once again for their upcoming season, starting with two recorded concerts. Check the COC’s website for details - these are free!
Serenade + Angels & Atlas
With the National Ballet of Canada, at the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto. Please check out the NBC website for details here, keeping in mind that tickets are being sold for full-capacity seating!
The Nutcracker
With the National Ballet of Canada. I grew up watching this production, and love it so dearly, it’s such a joy that I’ll be contributing to the music this year! Lots of shows, please come and enjoy! Click here for tickets.
Center Stage with Uxia Martinez Botana
All are welcome to join us for this free public chat between myself and Spanish bassist Uxía Martínez Botana. Click on this text to register (the ISB only needs your name and email address) - the more the merrier! Saturday March 13 at 3:00pm EST (Toronto/New York) or 21:00 CET (Amsterdam). Hosted by the International Society of Bassists.
All my concert engagements after March 13 2020 have been cancelled or postponed. Anything interesting that comes up with public access will be listed immediately below:
Live Stream: Canadian Opera Company Orchestra
December 3 2020 at Koerner Hall, Toronto
Mostly Beethoven, including his fantastic second symphony, from one of the finest halls in the country.
While I have not had the privilege to play live concerts, I have been involved in a number of recording sessions and videos, like this one here with violist Rory McLeod. We recorded this in studio, and then mimed the video out in the woods.
Salute to Vienna
January 1 at Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto
Come start 2020 right with favourite Waltzes and Arias from the Viennese tradition! I’ll be leading the bass section for this sold-out romp.
Barber of Seville
with the Canadian Opera Company
January 19 - February 7
Do you enjoy laughing? And great music?
Iris Ensemble
March 1st in Chelsea, QC
Program to include the Vaughan Williams Quintet, and more Folk-music inspired tunes from Schumann, Oscher, and more Vaughan Williams! This instance of the Iris Ensemble will include Jeff Dyrda on violin, Rory McLeod on viola, Leana Rutt on cello, and Emily Rho on Piano. Yours truly rounding out the bottom end.
Aida
The Flying Dutchman
Verdi Requiem
With the National Arts Centre Orchestra
September 11 + 12 2019
Turandot
With the Canadian Opera Company
September 29 - October 27 2019
Rusulka
With the Canadian Opera Company
October 12 - October 26 2019
The Merry Widow
Trout Quintet
With Off Centre Music at Trinity St. Paul Centre, Toronto
October 6 2019, 3pm
Tchaikovsky 6
With the National Arts Centre Orchestra
October 30 + 31 2019, Southam Hall, Ottawa
Tchaikovsky’s last Symphony, presented after his stunning Violin Concerto played by Timothy Chooi. Tickets and details at the NAC website.
Another Brick in the Wall
At the Meridian Arts Centre (formerly Sony/Hummingbird/O’Keefe Centre)
Ritornello Festival
April 12 - 14 2019
I’m so happy to be making my Saskatchewan debut with Ritornello Festival. Looking forward to making new musical friendships, and continuing some that are decades-old. Look for Schubert’s Trout!
Vivier’s Lonely Child and Ravel
WITH THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE ORCHESTRA
April 17 + 18 2019
An evening of French and Quebecois music from composers Maurice Ravel and Claude Vivier. Jan Lisiecki will play the G major piano concerto, and soprano superstar Erin Wall (who sang Arabella with us at the COC in fall 2017) sings in the Vivier. More information here!
Pictures at an Exhibition
April 26 + 27 2019
The last concert of the WSO season - fantastic music by Mussorgsky, and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1. Get your symphonic music fix before the orchestra closes down until next fall!
Brahms 1
WITH THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE ORCHESTRA
May 1 + 2 2019
I really don’t know what to say about this one other than you won’t soon forget the amazing sound of the NACO bass section on our low-C’s from the downbeat of this symphony. The work speaks for itself. More info.
Brahms 2 and Dvorak 9
WITH THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE ORCHESTRA
April May 8 2019
Come bid the NACO farewell as we perform two symphonic greats before striking out on tour to Europe. Led by Alexander Shelley, it is not often that you get to hear two masterwork symphonies in the same night! More info.
NAC Orchestra European Tour
May 11 - 26 2019
Who wouldn’t be excited to go on tour with a top-tier orchestra to some of the greatest cities in Europe? Symphonies of Brahms and Dvorak; Canadian works from Nicole Lizee, John Estacio, and more; soloists include James Ehnes and Erin Wall. I simply can’t wait.
Lunenburg Academy
June 12 - 22
Continuing the tradition of spending June in Lunenburg, this year the Iris Ensemble is back in full force. Can’t wait to make music with Iris: Mark Lee, Katya Poplyansky, Rory McLeod, Leana Rutt, and Emily Rho.
La Boheme
Thursday, July 18th, 2019 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton Ontario
Puccini’s Masterpiece, La Boheme, performed by the National Academy Orchestra where I will be leading the bass group as their mentor for this project.
Belfountain Festival
August 16 - 18 2019
Situated a scenic 45-minute drive north of Toronto, this festival is being recreated this year by artistic and general director/genius/entrepreneur/pianist Emily Rho. I’m feeling so fortunate and humbled to be included in this lineup of rockstar musicians.
September 19 2018
This one will be a fine kick-off not only to the 18/19 season at the WSO, but also to our new music director’s tenure. On the program are our go-to Tchaikovsky Symphony 5, and the elegant and supremely enjoyable Emperor Piano Concerto 5 of Beethoven, with Emanuel Ax. Having just performed at his concert of this same concerto in Ottawa, I can safely say that you will enjoy listening to his performance! Tickets here.
September 28 + 29
One of the best gateway symphonies to get into listening to one of the great orchestral composers. Cheesy as it is, the feeling I get at the end of the symphony when (spoiler alert) the horn section stands up and plays their “coming home” theme is just amazing. Also on the program is the Marriage of Figaro Overture, and Chopin’s first Piano Concerto.
November 9 + 10
This is one of Shostakovich’s most accessible symphonies, and it is a really powerful way to mark 100 years since the end of World War One. Not to be missed for a powerful pre-remembrance day musical event. Also on the program are Britten’s First Violin Concerto and some Bridge and Ravel. More details here.
Photo: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco
January 11 + 12 2019
If you enjoy the sound of the violin, you will not find a finer concert in our season for hearing it played beautifully. I am a huge fan of Bella Hristova’s playing - she has an amazing sound and powerful character in her playing that really shines among the soloists we’ve had here over the years. This will be a welcome return! Take some time to listen to the link above, and check out her other concerts at her website.
January 26 - February 1 2019
This is the best and most important thing we do, and also by far the most easily accessible in terms of ticket prices, seats, and musical offerings - this is the WSO’s strong point. Be sure to check out my pals Collectif9 on January 27th, they rock! Check back at the #wnmf19 website for updates.
March 1 and 2 2019
Easily the highest-profile conductor we have visiting and working with the WSO this year, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Gemma New. Can’t wait for this Scottish Symphony along with some lesser-known works! Tickets.
March 6 and 8 2019
Taking this incredibly contemplative and important folio of works on the road to Kingston on March 6th, and again in Ottawa on March 8th, along with Canadian superstar throat singer Tanya Tagaq.
March 29 + 30
I love space. I also love Holst’s most famous composition. You probably will too. We’re also playing a few pieces by Canadian composer John Estacio, who you can always depend on for an enjoyable aural experience. Word on the street is that this concert will feature a whole lot of shots like this one from NASA. Matinee option on Friday morning also available! Tickets are here.
