Page 47 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2025

2025 SEASON SNAPSHOT OF
TAFELMUSIK
Whether it’s the artistry of Rachel Podger, the improvisations of Lina Tur
Bonet, or the ensemble’s dedication to bringing Baroque music to new
audiences, Tafelmusik continues to elevate the concert experience.
BY KAREN BURSHTEIN
its power to heal and uplift. The
Music has long been celebrated for
New York Times’ popular Five Min-
utes to Make You Love Classical
Music series, introduced during the pandemic,
struck a chord with people worldwide. And as
poet William Congreve famously wrote,
“Music has charms to soothe a savage breast.”
While listening through headphones
or car speakers is satisfying, nothing com-
pares to the joy of a live concert. The
renowned Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
and Chamber Choir in Toronto has long
delivered such transformative experiences.
Audience members often leave their perfor-
mances exclaiming, “This concert was
beyond words.”
Under the direction of British violin vir-
tuoso Rachel Podger, Tafelmusik has reached
even greater heights. Appointed Principal
Guest Director in 2024, Podger, as well as
other renowned guest directors, will grace
the Tafelmusik stage during the season.
Expect unforgettable performances like
Baroque & Folk: Purcell to Poland (March 2025)
with Slovak violinist Miloš Valent; Concerti
Virtuosi: Vivaldi & Telemann (May 2025) with
Rachel Podger; and Samuel Mariño at the
Opera: Bologne & Mozart (May 2025) with
male soprano Samuel Mariño.
The Kate Bush and
Jimi Hendrix of Early Music
Tafelmusik’s 2025/26 season is about to be
announced and we have managed to get a
sneak peek into the collaborative and genre-
defying programming planned under the
guidance of artistic co-directors Brandon
Chui, violist; Dominic Teresi, bassoonist;
violinist Cristina Zacharias; with Ivars Tau-
rins, the founding director of the Tafelmusik
Chamber Choir.
One must-see highlight of next season is
the return of Spanish violinist Lina Tur
Bonet, who dazzled audiences in her 2024
Tafelmusik debut with Fantasticus: Birth of
the Baroque. Known for her improvisation
and penchant for unusual stage arrange-
ments, Tur Bonet has earned herself the
sobriquet, “Kate Bush of early music.” She’s
also been called “the Jimi Hendrix of the
baroque violin.” Just one insight suggests a
remarkable season to come.
On the Road Again
Tafelmusik’s influence extends far beyond
AN INVITATION TO JOY
From the personal connections of
live performances to the adventurous
spirit of their tours, Tafelmusik reminds
us why music matters. Plan your
evening, grab your tickets, and prepare
to be swept away by the magic of
Tafelmusik.
Toronto. After a triumphant South Korea
tour last year, where they played to sold-out
venues and were treated like celebrities, the
ensemble will return to western Canada for
the first time since 2019. Stops in British
Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba during
their November 2025 tour promise to dazzle
audiences eager for the ensemble’s world-
class artistry.
Tickets are on sale now for 2025 concerts.
Expect Tafelmusik’s 2025/26 season announce-
ment in February.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For concert details and reservations, visit
tafelmusik.org
WINTER/SPRING 2025 DREAMSCAPES 47