This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between July 27 and August 2, 2026.
Toronto Summer Music: Council: Kahane & Kuusisto
Monday, July 27, 7:30 p.m.
Walter Hall, 80 Queens’ Park, $30+
The genre-bending genius Kuusisto, widely known among classical music fans as a champion of contemporary music, wielding his “ex-Sandars” Stradivarius whilst premiering works of Thomas Adès, Daniel Bjarnason, Enrico Chapela, Anna Clyne, Bryce Dessner, Sebastian Hilli, Nico Muhly (to name a few), equally busy on the conducting podium of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Helsinki Phil —the list goes on —brings his duo project, Council, with Gabriel Kahane. Kahane, equally versatile and hard to pin down, has been busy observing and creating through words and music; his writings have appeared in The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and The New York Times, and he currently serves as the Creative Chair for the Oregon Symphony. With no formal program, audiences are invited to join these two big-minded performers in this no-intermission evening of interaction, creativity, and inspiration. As many things become set in their formality to the point of restriction and confinement, it is great to have a chance to witness an intimate, conversational performance. Info here.
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church: Carillon Recital: Jeremy Chesman
Wednesday, July 29, 1 p.m.
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St., free
As we roll into the last phase of peak summer, bring your lunches and snacks and find a good spot on the Yorkminster grounds for one of the most iconic outdoor instruments: the Carillon. Consisting of 37 bells, fully chromatic for 3 octaves, with the heaviest bell weighing just shy of 2000 lbs, it’s a lovely sound to enjoy in the full outdoor glory of the summer. For this week, Jeremy Chesman takes the bench; the very first person to receive a master’s degree in carillon performance from the University of Michigan. It’ll be interesting to see what he’s capable of with these massive bells. Info here.
Harbourfront Centre: Summer Music in the Garden: Arparla and Elixir Baroque Ensemble — It’s A Gut Feeling
Thursday, July 30, 7 p.m.
Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W., free
A gentle weekday evening rolling into the weekend, this time duo Arparla and Elixir Baroque Ensemble bring music from the 16th and 17th centuries. A contrast to the usual summer sounds of electronics and loud, powered amps, this particular evening will be delivered through gut strings, pointy bows, and the iconic plonking of the harpsichord. Ever been curious what an Irish baroque harp sounds like? Come and find out! Info here.
Toronto Summer Music: Souvenir de Florence
Friday, July 31, 7:30 p.m.
Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park, $30+
With many concerts selling out (for this week, both Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Centre for Tuesday and Miró Quartet on Wednesday sold out a while ago), I urge you to get your tickets asap for this lovely evening of Tchaikovsky, Kodály, Tournier, and Debussy. The centrepiece, Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, written for string sextet, is one of the most beautiful of string chamber works, full of pathos and graceful arcs so typical and reminiscent of his ballet compositions. A program full of variety, this is a great way to start to unwind for the weekend. Info here.
Koffler Arts: Shesh Besh
Sunday, August 2, 4 p.m.
Koffler 301, Shaw St., Unit 301, $24
Shesh Besh brings music that bridges beyond the usual difficulties of this world. Drawing from the members of the Israel Philharmonic and Arab musicians from northern Israel, they present the varied traditions and colours of this complex area — a truly beautiful experience. Come and experience the richness that goes beyond simple dotted lines on a map, and all the sufferings that bleed from it. Info here.
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Cecilia tumbled into ‘serious’ music study when she decided to avoid attending medical school. Currently working in the field of classical music, recording, and Korean-English interpretation, she tends to get her nose dirty in many different things in the city. Cecilia holds a DMA in Piano Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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