This is one of many 2025-26 season first concerts- opportunities I hope to tell you more about soon – but this one is special. “Classical” music is my passion to hear live and to write about. Not because I’m a musician or an instructor, but because I’m committed more than ever to the shared experience of being at a concert played or sung by London’s formidable talent pool. The energy and emotion felt by the players are felt by everyone in the audience – it’s a shared experience that increases the pride and identity of our city.
Opening Night, London Symphonia
October 4, 2025, at 7:30, Metropolitan United Church
(But as Londoners, let’s call it “The Met” – The Met halfway between Toronto and Detroit)
(Pictured: Opening Night Guest Artist, Canadian pianist, David Jalbert.)
And on the program …
Augusta Holmès, La Nuit et l’Amour
Rodrigo Prats, Canta el Carretero Cuando Dan Las Seis Ravel, Piano Concerto in G Major Mozart, Symphony No. 39
First, David Jalbert- the guest artist. The Canadian is ranked “among the best 15 pianists of all time” by the CBC. Critics have strived to explain what makes him unique: “In an age of knuckle-busting keyboard technicians fixated on a single era, composer or concerto, it is a great pleasure to encounter an artist of Jalbert’s stature for whom the piano is simply a transcendent means of human expression” (WholeNote)” His recordings are already legendary- Prokofiev, Faure, the Goldberg Variations, and on Saturday night, he’s performing Ravel.
In an interview with Andrew Chung, Jalbert admits that he’s like an actor, changing characters with every composer that he plays. Ravel, to him, is an “old friend” who “never ceases to amaze”. The concerto he’ll perform with London Symphonia is only twenty-two minutes long- but it’s “an astonishing piece” with French themes, touches of flamenco, and hints of American jazz.
And I can’t omit this detail about Jalbert. In the “dark times”, when Orchestra London musicians were regrouping through “We Play On” into the stunning ensemble we know today, Jalbert offered to perform with them – refusing to take a fee!
You know by now that London Symphonia has no permanent conductor. An exciting new conductor is invited for every program- and this opening night has an upcoming young Cuban-born maestra on the podium.
(Pictured: Opening Night Guest Conductor, Cosette Justo Valdés.)
Cosette Justo Valdés has conducted in a mind-boggling number of cities around the world. She is Honorary Director still of the symphony of Santiago, Cuba where she spent nine years, but her contributions to Canadian culture through music are particularly interesting: “Through her daring, innovative programming with the Vancouver Island Symphony Ms. Valdés has quickly ignited new passion in her audiences, inspiring them to engage personally not only with living, contemporary music but also with rarely heard historical works. As an ongoing part of her artistic agenda in Vancouver Island, Ms. Valdés proudly continues to give a powerful voice to the works of women composers and composers from Native Canadian and American heritage.”
I promised myself I would not drag current politics into notices about London’s rich classical music scene – but with every new announcement and curtailing of DEI, cutting of support for the arts and education, and ridicule of “wokeness’ – I’m breaking that promise. As Thom Hartmann reminds his fellow Americans, “[The old Democrats] knew that politics is not just about what laws are passed but about what stories a nation tells itself about who it is. They knew that culture is not an afterthought; it is the riverbed through which politics flows.”
London Symphonia is one of London’s most valuable forgers of our Canadian culture. This opening night concert will add to our cultural fabric – and level up your internal immunity to the noise pollution of social media and politics.
What: London Symphonia Opening Night
When: October 4th, 2025
Where: Metropolitan Church, 468 Wellington St, London, ON
The summer may be coming to an end, but there is still a lot happening during the last week of August. Here’s a sampling of arts and culture events taking place in London and the area. Check back often for daily updates.
Summer Songs on Elmwood with Laurraine Sigouin& Friends, Monday, Sept. 1, 2:oo pm, 64 Elmwood Ave. Donations for the musicians are welcome.
blackfriars bridge bash, aug. 31.
Sunday, August 31, 3:00 – 7:00 pm. All welcome!
Jaws 50th anniversary screening at the hyland cinema.
JAWS 50th Anniversary
Welcome back to our annual Jaws fest! This time, a brand new 4K restoration to celebrate the 50th anniversary! The classic that still holds up after five decades and paved the way for the modern summer blockbuster!
jaded valentine at the eastside bar & grill, aug. 29.
Friday August 29th.
It’s gonna be a great night of Rock!
IN AUGUST wsg Jaded Valentine
9pm Start. Cover $5.
karaoke night with kevin edwards at the pierside pub, aug. 28
Karaoke Night was such a blast with Kevin Edwards last week that we’re doing it again! Thursday, Aug 28 @ 8:00 PM! Bring your friends, warm up those vocals, and get ready for another unforgettable night of fun, music, and laughter!
the aeolian tunes@noon: robbie antone, aug. 26.
The final concert The Aeolian’s TUNES@NOON summer concert series is this Tuesday, August 26th. Come join us in the Southen Lounge as we welcome blues artist Robbie Antone. We’ve loved having these concerts, and we can’t wait for one more week of local live music!
Best Blues/R&B 2012 Jack Richardson Music Award winners, 2012 Memphis International Blues Challenge Semi-Finalists, and 2011 London Free Press Local Album of the Year winners, the “Robbie Antone Band” gets its sound from the many influences of lead singer and harmonica ace Robbie Antone. Robbie Antone, “Wolf Clan,” hails from the Oneida Nation of the Thames First Nation, near London, Ontario.
the wobbly pops 4th anniversary at the pierside pub, aug. 30.
This Saturday, August 30th, at The Pierside Pub, we’ve got The Wobbly Pops hitting the stage at 8:00 pm. They’re celebrating their 4th anniversary as a band, and we want you to join the fun by rocking a banana shirt to mark the occasion! Don’t miss this night of great music, good vibes, and a whole lot of bananas.
FREE London Symphonia Lunchtime Live Music Series at Market Lane, String Quartet, August 27.
London Symphonia musicians will be performing live for the Wednesday Lunchtime Live Music series at Market Lane, presented by the London Arts Council and Dundas Place, and supported by the Paul Seed Fund through the London Community Foundation. These performances will run weekly until September 10 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at Market Lane (137 Dundas St), weather dependent.
String Quartet: August 27 Brass Quintet: September 10 String Quintet: September 17 Brass Quintet: September 24.
beehive: the ’60s musical at the Huron Country Playhouse.
Big hair, and even bigger hits!
Beehive – The ‘60s Musical continues at the Huron Country Playhouse through August 31.
Taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through timeless hits like “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” From Leslie Gore to Janis Joplin, you won’t want to miss this toe-tapping production that will have you dancing in the aisles.
From Sea to Sky: Connected by a Thread at Westland Gallery.
From Sea to Sky: Connected by a Thread is on display at Westland Gallery until Saturday, August 30. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out our textiles exhibition featuring eight talented Canadian artists.
Pictured: Lorraine Roy, “Heart of Light”, 39 x 39″, textile, $1700
Beach Boys Night with Jerome Thomas. An evening out with your favourite songs sung by Jerome. Wear your favourite beach attire – shirt , hat , dress. Fun appetizers and cold beverages will be available to order.
168 Curtis Street Unit B, Saint Thomas, ON, Canada
the jitterbugs at the springbank gardens concert series, aug. 31.
Get ready to jump, jive, and wail! The Jitterbugs return to the bandshell this Sunday, August 31. This legendary group really knows how to keep you out of your seat! See you at 2:00 pm.
billy bert young: cloudburst, opens August 30 at Museum London
Billy Bert Young has been a creative force in London’s art community for over fifteen years, known for his intricate ink drawings filled with comic book creatures, dense patterns, and playful text.
In 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘵, Young shifts into vivid colour and theatrical form, drawing inspiration from nostalgic advertisements, movie posters, children’s book illustrations, and archival prints. The result is a series of layered, dreamlike works that blend realism with collage and pop culture references—each one buzzing with carnivalesque form. Learn more: https://buff.ly/2mofuvw
Billy Bert Young, 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘜𝘱… (detail), 2021, acrylic on wood panel, 122 x 91.4 cm, Collection of the Artist. Photo Credit: Brad Turner
jim chapman & friends: end summer with a song, Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Join Ken Thorne and Jim Chapman for your favourite ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s hits.
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Unity Centre, 501 Nelson Street at Maitland, London, ON
jude sings the oldies with the boomer gang, aug. 26.
Join Jude Coyle and the BOOMER Gang on August 26 at Metropolitan Church, 468 Wellington St., London, ON, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Everyone is welcome at this fun sing-along event geared toward the 55+ set. We hope to get some dancers out, too!
shrek the musical at the huron country playhouse
The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life tonight as Shrek The Musical continues at Huron Country Playhouse until August 31.
In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess. A wisecracking donkey, villain with a short temper, cookie with an attitude, and a band of quirky misfits set off on a journey full of laughs, friendship and unexpected romance.
goldfish opens at port stanley festival theatre, aug. 27.
WORLD PREMIERE of Goldfish by Steve Ross This is a moving tale of two lonely people who didn’t know how much they needed each other. Until they did.
Walter, a retiree, lives a quiet life. He sits on his porch and watches the world go by day after day until Shannon, a busy mom of two, moves in across the street and opens a daycare. Join these two unlikely buddies as they sit and talk about life, death, and CATS, the musical.
If only Walter could remember her name or what had happened the day before.
city of music 2025 concert, x Punk Rock Flea Market, aug. 28.
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 5:00 PM, Good Foundation Theatre, Market Lane, London, ON
Closing the curtain on this year’s City of Music Concerts with Punk Rock Flea Market.
Don’t miss the send off to summer with live music, food, drinks & vendors – all in one lane! Featuring great tunes from Whine Problem, General Chaos & Miss Mae!
this week at the eastside bar & grill.
sweetwood mac at Summer Biergarten, aug. 30.
Award winner (FCLMA 2024 & 2025), Sweetwood Mac, close out the Summer Biergarten for 2025 at the German-Canadian Club. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, food and fun as you listen to the very best of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie and much more.
August 30, 2025@ 7:30pm The German Canadian Club 1 Cove Road, London, ON N6J 1H7 Outdoor show (weather permitting – indoors if not) Doors Open 5:00pm Show Start 6:00 pm Show End: -10pm Tickets: $5 Advance total plus fees and HST $8.33 $10 Door
You can Rock and you can Dance- From Metallica to Duran Duran. What a way to end the summer months. Let’s Party at the Richmond Tavern, Saturday, Aug 30th. 9pm. Cover $5.00
the ozzy experience at the toboggan brewing company, aug. 30.
The Ozzy Experience is coming to Toboggan Brewing Co. this Labour Day weekend, August 30.
A full tribute to Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath that’ll bring all the heavy riffs and iconic energy.
Saturday, August 30
Toboggan Brewing Company, 585 Richmond St., London, ON
$25 + HST | Tickets on Eventbrite or at the door
back to school party at peppermoon restaurant, aug. 29.
second chance at the wortley roadhouse, aug. 29 & 30.
Second Chance returns to rock the Wortley Roadhouse this weekend, August 29 & 30. Shows start at 9:00 pm; arrive early.
this week at the forked river brewing company.
45 Pacific Court, Unit 4, London, ON, Canada, Ontario
fake friends at palasad socialbowl, aug. 28.
nowhere men at the pierside pub, aug. 31.
Live music Sunday Funday, Aug. 31st, with The Nowhere Men. Playing all your favourite tunes from The Beatles, Skynyrd, Tim Petty, The Eagles, Doobie Brothers and more. The show starts at 5:00 pm.
london collectibles expo, aug. 31, at centennial hall.
On Sunday, August 31st, the London Collectibles Expo will take place at Centennial Hall. It’s a must attend event for anyone who collects Comics, Action Figures, Funko Pop Vinyls, Sports Cards, Pokémon, Magic The Gathering, Lego, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Hot Wheels, Die Cast Toys, Vinyl Records, Retro Video Games, Board Games or other Pop Culture Collectibles.
Now that I’ve retired from The Aeolian and have more time, I’ve decided to open up a few more spaces in my teaching studio. If you know of someone interested in piano lessons, please have them reach out or go through my personal website: clarkbryan.ca I’ve always taught a few students during my tenure as Director of the Aeolian. Teaching is definitely one of my first loves! I haven’t advertised for decades, so please help spread the word:). Happy to do in-person or virtual lessons (I have a few students from other countries).
Biography:
Clark Bryan is an award-winning concert pianist, composer, recording artist, educator and activist. He has studied with some of the greatest pianists of our times. With fourteen albums to his credit, Clark has also recorded over two thousand piano works for his You Tube channel. As a teacher, Bryan has taught thousands of students, adjudicated more than 75 music festivals coast-to-coast in Canada, given dozens of workshops and written a book, “Gateways to Learning and Memory”. In 2004, he founded The Aeolian Performing Arts Centre and served as the Artistic and Executive Director until his decision to retire at the end of 2024. Bryan believes that everyone should have universal access to music, art, education, and culture. Because of this belief, he launched El Sistema Aeolian in 2011. This free, UNESCO award-winning program has offered more than a thousand children and youth an opportunity to experience the joy of a rich musical education. “Music is one of the most powerful tools we have for social change,” he says. In all his work with the arts and education work, Clark displays a progressive, social-justice mindset. Other innovations have included Aeolian Pride Choruses, Rebelheart Collective, Aeolian Talks, A National Song Writing Competition, an artist in residence program and The Aeolian Jazz and Musical Arts Festival. Bryan was awarded Musical Personality of the Year (2005) and won a Jack Richardson Award for Community Contribution (2011). In 2017, Mr. Bryan was given the Western Alumni Award of Merit and inducted into the Don Wright Faculty of Music Wall of Fame. In 2018, Clark was recognized with a Queen Elizabeth Canada 150 Medal through the House of Commons for his contributions to community and the nation. In 2022 and 2025 Clark won Best Classical Instrumentalist at Forest City London Music Awards. In 2023, Bryan was featured in a book about London by renowned author Richard Bain. In 2023, Clark was awarded a Lifetime achievement award from the Forest City London Music Awards and inducted into the London Music Hall of Fame. In 2024, he was awarded The Mayor’s Honour List from The City of London. In 2025, Clark was awarded The King Charles III Medal for service to the nation. In the same year he was awarded the “Laudible” award from PHSS. Bryan continues to extend his reach into the community. Whether speaking about the power and joy of music study in his TEDX talk or engaging in community activism, Clark is committed to building strong, culturally rich communities that celebrate the arts, culture and education. He speaks regularly at events, is featured on radio, in newsprint and television.
Billy Bert Young, 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘜𝘱… (detail), 2021, acrylic on wood panel, 122 x 91.4 cm, Collection of the Artist. Photo Credit: Brad Turner 
The Beat Magazine 2025 