The month of December is the perfect time to share the joy of music with family and friends at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). The holiday season kicks off November 28-December 2 with Tchaikovsky for the Holidays. Korean-Canadian Earl Lee (the TSO's former RBC Resident Conductor) leads this showcase of works by the beloved Russian composer, which includes Tchaikovsky's majestic Fourth Symphony and a generous serving of excerpts from The Nutcracker.
December 6-8, the TSO presents Home Alone in Concert. Back by popular demand, this 1990 madcap family comedy (about an inventive eight-year-old who, accidentally left alone over Christmas, repeatedly outsmarts a couple of bone-headed burglars) has become a certified holiday classic. John Williams's delightful score packs extra punch and sparkle when the TSO-performing live with the film-joins forces with the Resonance Youth Choir and conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos.
TSO Holiday Pops (December 11-15)-featuring award-winning Canadian singer Matt Dusk as special guest-is a dazzling Christmas extravaganza, overflowing with yuletide favourites. The TSO and the Etobicoke School of the Arts Holiday Chorus share the stage under the musical direction of TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke (December 11 & 12) and Lucas Waldin (December 13 & 15).
December 17-23, Canadian Opera Company (COC) Music Director Johannes Debus conducts the combined forces of the TSO and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir for Messiah-a cherished Toronto Christmas tradition. Handel's immortal oratorio features four brilliant Canadian soloists: soprano Claire de Sévigné, mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy, tenor Andrew Haji (all alumni of the COC Ensemble Studio), and baritone Tyler Duncan.
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