January 25, 2007
Classical Music on the Cheap
Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann courtesy of the TSO.
If you’re turned off at the idea of classical music concerts because they seem like an activity for the high society rich, think again. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Toronto’s healthy classical music scene on the cheap or for free.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra |
In an effort to infuse some young blood into its increasingly grey-haired audience demographic, the TSO offers $12 concert tickets to people aged 15 – 29 who become part of the tsoundcheck card program. You can sign up for the free card here or visit the TSO Customer Service Centre at 212 King St. W., 5th floor (across the road from Roy Thomson Hall) to pick one up in person. Then, simply flash the card along with photo ID to order special tsoundcheck tickets that usually become available a week or so before the performance. The card is good for up to two tickets per performance, so you can bring a guest who can be any age. As for the quality of the seats – well, don’t expect front row centre. But at $12 for tickets that routinely cost more than $100, it’s too good to pass up. |
| If you’re under 30, you can check out the COC in its swanky new digs that the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for a mere $20 per ticket. A block of 150 specially priced Opera for a New Age tickets are reserved for each production and go on sale about a week before opening night. Discount tickets for Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (Jan. 31 – Feb.23) and Faust (Feb. 1 – 24) go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. Buy them in person at the Four Seasons Centre (145 Queen St. W.) or online using the URL above. There’s a limit of two tickets per person per opera – and bring photo ID. |
Canadian Opera Company |
National Ballet of Canada |
Sharing the Four Seasons Centre with the Canadian Opera Company is the National Ballet of Canada, which offers a limited number of rush tickets for its performances for $30. You can buy them in person from the box office starting 11 a.m. on the day of the show. The 07 seasons kicks of with The Taming of the Shrew which runs March 10 – 18. |
| Free classical music is happening around Toronto all the time. The University of Toronto Faculty of Music’s Thursdays at Noon series (at Walter Hall in the Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park Cresc.) features lectures, solo recitals and ensemble performances from faculty members, students and guests. There’s also the Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in the lobby of the Four Seasons Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Classical, jazz, world music and modern dance is on the program. |
Free Recitals! |
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I should note that the TSO events can be pretty casual, it's not just black-tie-only. Many people wear formal or business wear, but there is a significant number of people in jeans and casual gear too. And during the summer months you can usually spot a half-dozen or so few hardy souls in sk8er gear.
Opera seems to be casual too. Opening nights are obviously much more formal, but for regular performances -- during the winter -- I've seen (a minority of) jeans and t-shirts, no apologies. I'd prefer it if a specific dress code were actively promoted, just to instill a sense of occasion (it's the opera!), but I guess the modern audience finds formalities oppressive and antiquated.
Tafelmusik also has a discount ticket program for 18-30 year olds called "face the musik". Personally I think Tefelmusik is way cooler than the TSO the only downside is you have to sit in a pinchy church pew instead of RTH's cushy seats.
I would also add the Hart House Orchestra to this list. Their next free concert is scheduled for February 15th at the University of Toronto's Great Hall. They always put on a great show.
sucks to be 33. student debt, house debt, and trying to find a babysitter.
The best source of classical music happening around Toronto is the WholeNote magazine. Each month over 400 events are listed, including classical, choral, jazz and new music. Pick it up, or see online at http://www.thewholenote.com
Don't forget Music Toronto's series at the St. Lawrence Centre for chamber music and piano concerts. Students of any age may go for five - count 'em, 5, dollars! Accompanying adults are 1/2 price - about $20. A great deal - and often with world renowned artists.