What's On at the Library

Formed in 1979, Tafelmusik is today a world-renowned baroque orchestra. Using period instruments, they perform 50 concerts a year at their Toronto headquarters, Trinity-St. Paul Church in the Annex. During the last 36 years, they have toured the world to great acclaim–a significant musical achievement. 

In 1981, to complement the orchestra, Tafelmusik Chamber Choir formed, specializing in baroque performance practice and vocal technique. The ensemble has its own recording label, and they have also made films, and many of the CDs and DVDs may be borrowed: search Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra or follow the link. 

Tafelmusik Chamber Choir

In early 2016, Toronto Public Library will be on their roster, with four Tafelmusik events scheduled. The library events will give audiences a new way to experience Baroque music. Put them all on your calendar:

For Black History Month, we invite you to the Parkdale branch for Tafelmusik Presents Le Mozart Noir (February 8, 6:30 pm). This award-winning film uncloaks the mystery of Joseph Boulogne, a black musician of the 18th century whose work has fallen in to neglect due to the prejudices of history. The film will be introduced by Tafelmusik's Chief Artistic Advisor, Jeanne Lamon, who was Tafelmusik's Musical Director from 1981 to 2014, a remarkable 33-year career. 

 

The series continues in April with The Four Seasons Mosaic at Sanderson, April 6, 6:30 pm. Everyone loves Vivaldi's Four Seasons and you can hear Tafelmusik perform it in this gorgeous film. But what makes the film extraordinary are the performances of seasonal music from other traditions: Wen Zhao playing the Chinese pipa, Aruna Narayan Kalle on the Indian sarangi and the Aqsarniit Inuit throat singers.

 

Credit: Inuit Art Society. Throat singers Kendra Tagoona and Charlotte Qamaniq.

We wrap-up our Tafelmusik series at Kennedy/Eglinton on April 19, 3:30 pm, with Music at the Dresden Court in the 18th Century, presented by Kate Helsen, a member of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir and a musicologist who teaches at the University of Western Ontario. A wonderful way to welcome spring!