May 2, 3, & 4, 2025, Jeanne Lamon Hall, Toronto
May 6, 2025, Isabel Bader Centre, Kingston
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
Directed by Rachel Podger, Principal Guest Director
April 3, 2025 …. Acclaimed British violinist Rachel Podger wraps up her inaugural season as Tafelmusik’s Principal Guest Director with Concerti Virtuosi: Vivaldi & Telemann on May 2 & 3 at 8 PM and May 4, at 3 PM at Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. Tickets are available at tafelmusik.org. Following the Toronto concerts, Podger and Tafelmusik take Concerti Virtuosi to the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts in Kingston on May 6 at 7:30 PM.
In this dynamic showcase of Tafelmusik’s artistry, Podger and members of the orchestra flex their musical muscles as soloists in a bouquet of concertos that highlight the violin, cello, recorder, oboe, and bassoon.
With a reputation for performances that are “crackling with vitality and executed with consistent brilliance” (Gramophone), Podger inspires every musician on stage to join her in delivering renditions that are “muscular, breathtakingly fleet and immaculately articulated” (Early Music America).
The Concerti Virtuosi program features several quintessentially baroque concertos including Telemann’s Concerto for 3 violins in F Major and three works by Vivaldi: the Concerto for Two Cellos in G Minor, the Concerto for Bassoon in G Major, and the vivacious Chamber Concerto in F Major. Bookending the program are Corelli’s Concerto grosso in D Major and a concerto by Brescianello.
Speaking to The Strad about past concerts with the orchestra, Podger said, “I loved playing with Tafelmusik. The start of every performance was like holding a match to something that’s about to ignite. It wasn’t just fizz, though; the playing felt so centred and responsive. With Tafelmusik it makes for a freer and deeper sense of the music. It’s a living, breathing thing.”
“Rachel’s thrilling virtuosity has inspired us deeply this season,” says Cristina Zacharias, Tafelmusik’s Artistic Co-Director. “Concerti Virtuosi is a chance for the whole orchestra to step into the limelight and shine. This program highlights Tafelmusik’s unique flair and personality.”
LISTING INFORMATION:
Tafelmusik presents
Concerti Virtuosi: Vivaldi & Telemann
Directed by Rachel Podger
May 2 & 3 at 8 PM and May 4, at 3 PM
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Tickets start at $20 and are available at tafelmusik.org.
May 6 at 7:30 PM
The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, Kingston
Tickets are available at The Isabel
Season Presenting Sponsor for the 2024-25 concert season
Tafelmusik gratefully acknowledges the support of BMO, Presenting Sponsor of the 2024/25 concert season, as well as support from the Azrieli Foundation, Brookfield, Power Corporation of Canada, and RBC. We are grateful to Margaret Catto for her support of Rachel Podger’s performances this season. We are also grateful to our government partners Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
ABOUT TAFELMUSIK
Brandon Chui, Dominic Teresi, Cristina Zacharias, Artistic Co-Directors
Glenn Hodgins, Executive Director
Every now and then a group of musicians comes along and changes the way we think about music. For over four decades, Tafelmusik has been synonymous worldwide with dynamic, engaging, and soulful performances informed by scholarship, passion and artistic excellence. Performing on instruments and in styles appropriate to the era, Tafelmusik has performed in more than 350 cities in 32 countries. Its extensive discography on the Sony, CBC Records, Analekta and Tafelmusik Media labels have garnered ten JUNOs and numerous international recording prizes. From a vibrant home season in Toronto, to international tours, award-winning recordings, innovative collaborations, and inspiring education programs, Tafelmusik is a musical powerhouse with a reputation for thrilling and delighting audiences. www.tafelmusik.org
Website: tafelmusik.org
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Media contact:
Luisa Trisi, Big Picture Communications
luisa@luisatrisi.com | 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1X7