Tafelmusik’s 2025/26 Season: A Journey Through Baroque Mastery
September 25, 2026 – May 16, 2027
Various Toronto Locations
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir is set to captivate audiences once again with its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season. Renowned for its historically informed performances, Tafelmusik brings the richness of Baroque music to life, blending impeccable artistry with a deep connection to the works of masters like Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. This season promises a dynamic lineup of both well-loved classics and innovative collaborations, offering something for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Baroque tradition.
Highlights of the season include a series of captivating performances that explore Baroque masterpieces, paired with special guest artists and ensembles from around the world. Audiences can look forward to thrilling orchestral concerts, intimate chamber performances, and the ethereal sound of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, all performed in stunning venues across Toronto. Whether it’s a beloved work from the Baroque era or a modern interpretation, the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra 2025-2026 season promises to continue Tafelmusik’s tradition of excellence, bringing timeless music to contemporary audiences.
Season Highlights
Beethoven & Farrenc
September 25 – 27, 2026
Koerner Hall
Tafelmusik opens its season with powerful symphonies by trailblazing composer Louise Farrenc and Beethoven. Guest conductor Jakob Lehmann makes his debut, leading performances of Farrenc’s acclaimed Symphony No. 3 and Beethoven’s celebrated Symphony No. 7.
Baroque Fiesta
October 29 – November 1, 2026
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Spanish violinist Lina Tur Bonet and mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte reunite with Tafelmusik for a vibrant baroque journey linking Europe and Latin America, featuring music influenced by Spanish, Italian, Indigenous, and African traditions.
Vive la France!
November 27 – 29, 2026
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Tafelmusik Choir and Orchestra celebrate the splendour of French baroque music with sacred and secular works by Lully, Charpentier, Campra, Lalande, Mondonville, and Rameau, exploring faith, love, grief, passion, and the beauty of nature.
Handel Messiah
December 17 – 19, 2026
Koerner Hall
Tafelmusik’s beloved annual presentation of Handel’s *Messiah* returns to Koerner Hall. Directed by Ivars Taurins, this inspiring holiday tradition celebrates peace, hope, and humanity through one of the most cherished and uplifting works in classical music.
Sing-Along Messiah
December 20, 2026
Massey Hall
A cherished Toronto holiday tradition, Tafelmusik’s Sing-Along Messiah fills Massey Hall with music and festive spirit. Join thousands of voices, acclaimed soloists, orchestra, and choir for an interactive celebration of Handel’s timeless masterpiece.
Bach’s Coffeehouse
January 28 – 31, 2027
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Celebrated violinist Rachel Podger leads Tafelmusik in a programme inspired by Bach’s Leipzig coffeehouse concerts. Featuring works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann, and Gallo, this intimate performance showcases virtuosity, creativity, and baroque brilliance.
Telemania!
February 18 – 21, 2027
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Inspired by the life and music of Georg Philipp Telemann, this multimedia programme combines live performance, narration, and projected imagery. Designed by Alison Mackay, it celebrates the creativity, innovation, and enduring legacy of one of the baroque era’s most prolific composers
Bach St John Passion
March 11 – 14, 2027
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Bach’s monumental St John Passion comes to life through Tafelmusik’s Orchestra and Choir alongside an acclaimed international cast. Directed by Kristian Bezuidenhout, this powerful masterpiece explores suffering, faith, and redemption with profound emotional depth.
A Feast of Sound
April 1 – 4, 2027
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Guest director and oboist Alfredo Bernardini returns for a vibrant programme celebrating baroque music from across Europe. Featuring works by Purcell, Vivaldi, Corelli, Zelenka, Rebel, and Telemann, the concert showcases dazzling virtuosity and rich musical colours.
of sensuous and colourful music
Purcell King Arthur
April 23 – 25, 2027
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Purcell’s enchanting *King Arthur* blends romance, magic, humour, and adventure through stirring choruses, spirited dances, and memorable songs. Narrated by R.H. Thomson, this captivating performance brings Dryden’s legendary tale vividly to life.
Mozart’s Genius
May 14 – 16, 2027
Koerner Hall
Tafelmusik concludes its season with an all-Mozart programme led by Rachel Podger. Featuring Symphonies No. 35 and No. 36, plus Violin Concerto No. 4, this celebratory finale highlights Mozart’s brilliance, elegance, and enduring appeal.
ABOUT TAFELMUSIK
Every now and then a group of musicians comes along and changes the way we think about music. For over four decades, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra has been synonymous worldwide with dynamic, engaging, and soulful performances informed by scholarship, passion, and artistic excellence. Performed on instruments and in styles appropriate to the era, 17th- to 19th-century instrumental and choral music share the stage with exciting multimedia programs, bold new commissions, and intriguing cross-cultural collaborations. From a vibrant home season in Toronto to international tours, award-winning recordings, and inspiring education programs, Tafelmusik is a musical powerhouse with a reputation for thrilling and delighting audiences