Pianist/vocalist Marque Smith is a very busy, well-known musician in the London area. Since moving to London in 2007, he has been the musical director for plays with Musical Theatre Productions, London Community Players and Original Kids Theatre Company, to name a few. He is also a very experienced choral musician and has been a member of The Karen Schuessler Singers, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir and The Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus.
He has performed with many of the city’s leading soloists, choirs and ensemble groups, including Denise Pelley and London Symphonia. He is currently the Accompanist/Band Leader of the London Gospel Collective.
Marque was the Recipient of the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General for dedicated service to his peers, his community and to Canada.
What follows is an edited Q&A Interview with Marque conducted by The Beat Magazine’s Publisher and Content Manager, Richard Young.
(Pictured: Marque Smith.)
Some basic stuff first: Where were you born? How long have you lived in London?
I was born in Toronto. I lived in London from February 2007 to September 2025. I moved to Port Stanley in October 2025.
Was yours a musical home? Did you have any professional training, or are you self-taught? A bit of both? Could you tell me about your early musical endeavours as a child and teenager?
Yes, music was played quite a bit in my home. I studied classical piano at The Royal Conservatory of Music and jazz piano at Humber College. I sang in The Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus, The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and The Karen Schuessler Singers.
Do you remember the moment when you made the decision that music was going to be a big part of your life?
I was in my last year of high school when I decided to pursue music as a career.
How long have you been playing music professionally?
I have been playing music professionally for twenty-seven years.
Other than keyboards, do you play any other instruments?
I am a vocalist. In elementary school, I played the Baritone and in high school, I played the guitar.
(Pictured: Marque Smith.)
What are your main musical influences?
I love classical, jazz, disco, R & B, hip hop, rap, gospel and pop music.
What influence does your Christian faith have on your music?
I grew up in the church, and faith has had a huge impact on my life.
Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally. Who are you currently playing with?
The list is long indeed. I perform with a variety of vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs.
Tell me about any recordings you have made in your career.
I recorded two albums with Nathaniel Dett Chorale, one album with Elizabeth Paddon, one album with Cindy Ashton and one album with Angus Sinclair.
(Pictured: Marque Smith in concert with London Symphonia, The Sounds of Home, December 6, 2025.)
Your social media posts suggest that you are a very busy musician. What projects are you currently pursuing? Do you have any gigs coming up this month or two you would like our readers to know about?
I have a concert on Saturday, December 13 in London with London Gospel Collective and one on Saturday, December 20, with Maggie Grace and Guitar Gord in Port Stanley. There will be more in 2026.
In addition to your musical endeavours, are you involved with any other arts organizations or activities in the London community?
I am a collaborative pianist at the Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts in London. I occasionally perform for The London Arts Council, as well.
Is there anything else you think our readers should know about Marque Smith the musician and Marque Smith the individual?
I am the music director at Grace United Church, Sarnia and have been since October 30, 2022. I have been happily married to my husband, Andrew Koornstra, since September 28, 2024.
All hail the rise of craft beer brewing! The feared rival to the big guns of Labatt and Molson, which once ruled the Canadian brewing industry for over a century, has dug deep roots throughout the province, with a handful of fine breweries taking up residence in London.
My local is Storm Stayed on Wharncliffe Road, approaching its eighth year in 2026.
Like most craft breweries, Storm Stayed engages its community with a wide variety of events, ranging from a mom and kids time to the music of opera. And do I need I advise you that there is beer available for those of a certain age?
Snaggle, a six-piece jazz fusion band from Toronto, took up residence on November 25; their second engagement at Storm Stayed within the last twelve months.
They have been defined as a “cross between Miles Davis and Rage Against The Machine” with a nod to American jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy.
In the words of band leader, keyboardist Nick Maclean, “expect performances swinging between moments of quiet clarity to cataclysmic bursts of energy, worthy of a crumbling galactic empire.”
Adding to that attack of a ‘galactic empire’ is Jay Yoo on electric guitar, Matt Gruebner on bass, and Adam Mansfield on drums. Fronting the entire musical onslaught are the Ali brothers, Brownman on trumpet and Marcus on tenor saxophone.
So, what is it like for musical siblings to perform and record together? Marcus Ali tells me, “He’s five years older than me, so I was in high school when he was in university. We played tunes around the house, but by the time I got out of high school, we were starting to gig together and eventually began getting calls to play as a ‘horn section.’ We grew up listening to the same music, so we have an instant connection.”
Marcus adds, “We are anomalies in our family. Our parents were math and science teachers. They moved to Canada from Trinidad as my Dad saw the future and wanted to work with computers. We grew up in a house that was full of music. Dad listened to a lot of classical and calypso and loved Baroque music. My mother loved Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and Count Basie, so we had all of that music ringing in our ears.”
So, here’s to parents!
(Photo Credit: J. Bruce Parker.)
It was also the ether of the Canadian airwaves permeating the Ali household, specifically station CJRT FM, which offered the music of Moe Koffman and the Boss Brass. The brothers absorbed it all.
Band leader, Nick Maclean, began as a music student at Humber College. In his fourth year, he was required to create a recording project and the essence of ‘Snaggle’ was born in 2012. Over time, the band has evolved and expanded. Nick refers to the current lineup as his “dream team” wound up tight with a “ton of synergy.” And it shows!
Nick tells me, “Inspiration was from my grandfather. He wasn’t a musician, but he introduced me to jazz. He introduced me to Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. My high school years were filled by listening to all that. When I got to Humber, I discovered more modern jazz bands which directly affected the sound of Snaggle like Weather Report, Brecker Brothers, electric era Miles Davis, Return to Forever and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. One of my big touch stones is Herbie Hancock.”
(Photo Credit: J. Bruce Parker.)
Now there is a musical pedigree!
Describing them as an ‘up-tempo jazz fusion band’ does not do them justice. Tight? Like a Ludwig drumhead! They do not proceed with caution, but rather digging a groove and working it like a coal mine.
Composer, arranger, producer of Browntasauras Records and trumpet player, Brownman Ali embraces the work of the electric Miles Davis era. He is a protégé of the mighty Randy Brecker, who referred to him as “One of the next great voices in the new generation of jazz improvisers.” Adding to the natural sonics of the saxophone, Brownman often incorporates the Boss ME-50, a pedal unit designed for electric guitars. With the added effects of modulation, reverb, echo and delay, his sound becomes stratospheric.
Guitarist Jay Loo does not get lost in this brass onslaught. He cuts through cleanly, given ample opportunity to stretch out his skill and musical legs on his Fender.
In the rhythm section, Matt Gruebner on five-string bass initiated several songs, bringing his melodic sound to the forefront.
Rounding out the rhythm section, drummer Adam Mansfield holds it all together. No drum solos, just great timekeeping, locking it all in.
On this tour, the music is inspired by the writings of American science fiction author, Issac Asimov. So, without hearing a note, I am a bit lost. Outside of ‘Star Trek’ and its many incarnations, I am not a huge science fiction fan. The only Asimov book that I own is his guide to the works of Shakespeare. Yes, he actually did write that.
Nick Maclean tells me he was introduced to the writings of Issac Asimov by Brownman. Being a science fiction fan, he connected immediately and eventually read all fifteen novels of Asimov’s ‘Foundation Universe.’ The huge anthology tells the future of humanity and the rise and fall of the human galactic empire.
Nick explains, “Things Asimov was writing about in the 1950s, we are starting to deal with now, especially the rise of AI. I find it all an incredible and fruitful source of inspiration for composition. So, all of the compositions that we are playing on this tour and that we will be recording are inspired by places, people, events, and ideas from those 15 novels”.
The song, ‘Twilight of Civilization,’ begins as a plaintive call from Brownman’s trumpet. It quickly grows into an aggressive pedestrian strut, backing down somewhat when brother Marcus brings in the voice of his tenor. It rumbles along, very tough, very urban, but surprisingly, very softly, reminiscent of the theme of loneliness and marginalization of American composer Aaron Copland’s ‘Quiet City.’
‘Lonely Man Robot’ seems to summon the tenderness of Chet Baker’s trumpet with Nick carefully meandering on his Rhodes keyboard in quiet contemplation.
Science fiction, like jazz, can be considered a niche genre. Both have fans which are vast and loyal but tend to scamper into the sanctity of darkness when illuminated. So maybe it makes sense to blend the two. I mulled over this notion while studying and forgetting the sequence order of my beer flight.
Their two sets were made up of entirely original material: no covers.
Snaggle, at this stage in their musical evolution and on this tour, retains the essence of jazz fusion from the 1970s and, with the help of Issac Asimov, propels it into the next century. Their sound is big, bold, engaging, and tough as nails.
London Community Players present: Deathtrap By Ira Levin Directed by James Patterson Produced by Anita Goodfellow
A thriller about thrillers—and the deadly games writers play.
Sidney Bruhl’s Broadway career is failing fast… until a student sends him the perfect script. What follows is a suspenseful, twist-filled rollercoaster of betrayal, manipulation, and murder. Who’s writing the final act—and who won’t live to see it?
Twists. Turns. Typewriters.
The most diabolically clever thriller ever staged.
Miracle on 34th Street, The Play – Dec 4-14, 2025 Adapted by Mountain Community Theatre from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street.
“This is a tale that we want to believe in, that creates a world we seem to desperately desire, free of the blatant commercialism that surrounds us, where love and decency and generosity of spirit are their own rewards. What we want Christmas to be all about, really.” So writes the Santa Cruz Sentinel of this most heartwarming holiday story. By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy’s customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy’s vocational counsellor, who plots to have Kris shanghaied to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. In a dramatic decision, the court confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy.
Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas, ON.
What:Disney’s Frozen:The Broadway Musical, presented by The Grand Theatre Where: Spriet Stage at the Grand Theatre When: November 18th to January 4th, 2026 Tickets:Disney’s Frozen | The Grand Theatre
Original Kids Theatre Company presents Between the Lines, Jr.
December 5-7.
Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favourite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in extraordinary ways, Delilah realizes her dreams in the real world are worth fighting for.
Because this ain’t your Granddad’s Christmas Benefit Show!
On Sunday, December 7th, the Palasad Socialbowl will come alive with the 13th Annual 63 Monroe Toys for Tots extravaganza. This benefit concert will feature 13 of London’s premier Punk and Rock n Roll acts.
This isn’t just a show — it’s a movement. Every beat, every note, every cheer will help support 2025’s Toys for Tots Christmas drive. Expect dazzling performances, surprise collaborations, and an afternoon you’ll not soon forget.
Admission is one unwrapped toy or a monetary donation @ the door, so mark this day on your social calendar, grab your friends and family and head out to the Palasad and be part of something bigger than music.
The show starts at 1pm, and the last band winds it all down by 9pm. Not only is there a non-stop afternoon of music, but the venue will also feature a large raffle table, giveaways, and more.
Here is the lineup of the talent that has volunteered their bands for this all-out rockin’ event. It’s a Who’s Who of the local scene, including the hosts, 63 Monroe, Stepsisters, Disgusteen, Tuned Out, Limits of Approach, Dolly Mix, Stunning, Doppelgänger, Snede, Face Lift, Burnt Reynolds, All But Six, Def Bombs, and Turbo Tusk!
Stop by for an hour to cheer your favourite local act or make an afternoon of it and be home in bed by 10pm knowing you helped support a great cause.
Let’s make the 2025 edition of Toys for Tots the best yet!
For more information about the show, contact Steven R Stunning at stunningsrb@gmail.com
IF YOU GO:
What: London Symphonia presents The Sounds of Home.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:30pm.
Where: Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON.
This weekend, After Midnight is back at The Wortley Roadhouse with special guests Jessica Blum on vocals and Anthony Borek on Bass, Friday night, McKenna Langdon on vocals and Ry Guy from Journeymen on Bass, Saturday night. Hope to see all our favourite people on the dance floor.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 5TH London Music Hall, SummerCamp Productions, Virgin Radio London, and Fresh Radio present SHAWN DESMAN – Back To Life Tour One of Canada’s most iconic pop and R&B voices, Desman has a legacy of Platinum hits, #1 singles, and unforgettable performances. From winning JUNO, MMVA, and SOCAN Awards to shaping a generation of Canadian music, his impact is undeniable. Now, after a massive 2023 comeback and 2024 smash hits like Maniac and Body, he’s ready to light up the stage once again
Christmas In The Village, Saturday, December 6, Wortley Village, London, ON.
Light up the holidays in Victoria Park, starting tonight at 6 p.m. Enjoy live local music, food trucks, and a complimentary 360° photo booth.
@OfficialFarmBoy will also be onsite, offering free hot cider samples and collecting non-perishable food donations in support of the London Food Bank.
Kids, don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Mailbox to send your holiday wish lists to the North Pole.
Special guest John Davidson, founder of Jesse’s Journey, joins us for the ceremonial flip of the switch at approximately 6:55 p.m., illuminating over 100,000 lights and filling the park with holiday magic!
Yes, I know The Beat Magazine publisher has dubbed me a local scribbler about “classical music” – but the London Symphonia concert on Saturday night doesn’t look as though it fits into that niche until you read about the organizer, the soloists, and the choir and orchestra players who will bring that stage alive with an authentic greeting of the season!
Care to glance at The Sounds of Home program?
Snow (from White Christmas) Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. A Place Called Home (from A Christmas Carol) Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. On the Street Where You Live (from My Fair Lady) Music by Frederick Loewe. Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. It All Fades Away (from The Bridges of Madison County) Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. I Love the Way (from Something Rotten). Streets of Dublin (from A Man of No Importance), and many more classic selections from the stage and celebration.
“Classical”- I don’t know- but I DO know that this is ART MUSIC with roots in church choirs, jazz clubs, and musical theatre, carried by the colours of a live orchestra. It challenges, delights- and empathizes – and it’s brought to you by magnificent performers with roots in this community.
(Pictured: Alexandra Kane.)
Do you know Alexandra Kane? She’s a Music graduate of Western University, but also holds degrees in Communication from Fanshawe and in DEI from Cornell (I wonder if that program still exists in Trumpland?). She is a music director, singer, activist, TV producer- and you already may have witnessed her incredible work at the Grand Theatre.
If you’ve lived in this area for a while, you know Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane. Born and raised in London, Olivia began her career at the Grand Theatre in Annie at the age of 12. From Original Kids and Amabile Youth Choir to attending H.B. Beal Secondary School and participating in the Grand Theatre’s High School Project, Olivia went on to Sheridan College for Musical Theatre Performance. From there, four seasons at Stratford in Cabaret, Mamma Mia, and Something Rotten.
(Pictured: Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane and Henry Firmston.)
Henry Firmston grew up in London, where he performed in four seasons of the Grand Theatre’s High School Project (2011-2015) and for two years in Beal Musical Theatre. He’s spent the last seven seasons performing at Stratford, in shows like The Music Man, Rocky Horror, Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, Spamalot, Annie, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
(Pictured: Tiffany Deriveau.)
Tiffany Deriveau All right- not a Londoner but a Windsor-born performer of Afro-Haitian and Indo-Guyanese heritage. She has over twenty-five professional credits across stage, film, and television. She’s appeared in productions with Mirvish, Stratford, Soulpepper, Charlottetown Festival, Drayton Entertainment, and the Grand Theatre – and her screen credits are from Disney, Netflix, NBC, and MTV.
(Pictured: Trevor Patt.)
Trevor Patt is another Londoner who has been in professional theatre now for over fifteen years after his start in London with Original Kids, The Grand Theatre High School Project (‘06,’07), and Beal Music Theatre. He then went on to graduate from George Brown College’s ballet program and Sheridan College’s Music Theatre program. His versatility has amazed audiences from coast to coast and during six seasons in Stratford – Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show, and the North American premiere of Shakespeare in Love.
And there’s a choir too – the London Gospel Collective!
Who are they? Let’s ask them:
We are a diverse, spiritual community uniting through the power of worship and gospel music.
We arrange and perform gospel songs which inspire others through messages of hope and thanksgiving. We sing to worship and connect spiritually with the City of London, particularly its Black communities. The people in the choir and the songs we sing emphasize hope and unity through faith.
Our city’s symphony, some of the brightest performing stars London has nurtured, and a cultural tapestry that will make you even prouder of being a Londoner, will be on stage at the Metropolitan Church on Saturday night. Be part of it!
IF YOU GO:
What: London Symphonia presents The Sounds of Home.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:30pm.
Where: Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON.
“In an orchestra, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, we can create something truly extraordinary.” – Yo-Yo Ma
And looking at this recent photo of the London Youth Symphony on that beautiful stage at The Met below, these words resonate.
(Pictured: London Youth Symphony.)
They bring back sweet memories: Taking my stoic 12-year-old son and his bassoon to an audition with conductor Jerry Summers over 30 years ago. Wondering how he’d get through the chosen piece, some scales on that gigantic piece of pipe, and then a piece of sight-reading. When he was accepted, there were cheers from his nerdy parents and a chocolate cake at Sebastian’s on Richmond.
And then his mom started over 30 years of volunteering for London’s youth orchestra, thankful for what orchestra playing provided for her own kids.
Oh, the Londoners in LYS whose performances continued to enrich our lives ~
String players like Alex, who went on to Montreal’s Symphony.
Andrea, who is now part of the Montreal ensemble she created: collectif9.
Susan, who left London to study at Oberlin and was principal cello in Louisiana before returning to London to teach and inspire.
Becky, who played in a Polish salt mine- and the Krakow Cathedral – but now delights audiences in Kitchener-Waterloo.
But equally inspiring- the LYS musicians who used their talents in other fields ~
Steve, who adds fire to the local community orchestra while completing his epidemiology degree.
Sharon, who started her own Suzuki school to help generations of little ones flourish.
Ana, a dedicated therapist who also plays her violin in LCO.
Mary, the oboist- member of the first LYS over 60 years ago, still sets that tuning A for the community orchestra.
So why am I indulging in personal memories as the first LYS concert of Season 2025-26 begins?
Because I find the power of the music these young people rehearse, the energy that their conductors and mentors provide their efforts, and the willingness of the audience- even non-family members – to offer them applause, one of the most powerful beacons of hope in a world that is showing the distressing speed at which values can be lost.
Only this past weekend, some of you might have seen this demonstration by some gentlemen across the Wortley Road Bridge in London.
This group announces on its website that The Second Sons is a men-only, Canadian white nationalist group. The group operates chapters throughout Canada, using gyms as meet-up spots and to train their fitness via martial arts. The group appears publicly in white masks and sunglasses, similar to the Patriot Front, and has adopted a modified version of the Red Ensign as its logo.
What would they and their “Remigration Now” banner make of the LYS kids (and their supportive families), whom you can hear this Saturday night? What would they learn from the Kims, Lees, Sanatanis, Wongs, and Smiths who create beautiful harmony and stirring rhythms with notes put together by composers around the world?
Overall, the discipline and collaboration required in classical music ensembles nurture well-rounded individuals who are socially aware, emotionally mature, and cognitively equipped, qualities that are invaluable for sustaining democracy and community life. This makes the London Youth Symphony’s first concert not only a musical event but a celebration of these deeper civic and personal benefits.
But as Daniel Barenboim reminded us, “An orchestra is not an orchestra without the musicians, but the musicians are not an orchestra without the audience.”
(Pictured:Argentine-Israeli classical pianist and conductor, Daniel Barenboim.)
Among a gazillion other accomplishments, Daniel Barenboim worked with the late Palestinian scholar to create a youth orchestra of young Israeli and Arab musicians. This ensemble was created to show that music can break down barriers once thought insurmountable. Their commitment is to showing that bridges can be built if we listen to each other’s narratives. You won’t be hearing the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra on Saturday night, but you WILL be part of building bridges and bearing witness to young people merging their right and obligation to create something exquisite for each other and for you.
(Pictured: LYS Conductor, Ben Bolt-Martin.)
And what scores will LYS Conductor Ben Bolt-Martin be bringing to life with his baton- and his dedication to London’s musicians? Some of them will be familiar to you – and I’ll even add some links to previous performances if you’d like to get your expectations ready:
There’s “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations — Elgar
Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” began almost as a private joke at the piano, when he started improvising little musical caricatures of his friends to amuse his wife after a long day of teaching and routine work. Each variation is a musical “portrait gallery,” where you can actually hear personalities, inside jokes, and even remembered conversations, yet the whole piece is wrapped around a secret hidden theme that Elgar claimed, “goes through and over the whole set, but is not played” and that he took to his grave without ever explaining. The “Nimrod” was written about a friend, but its slow, gentle start and rise to glorious sound have made it a favourite selection for funerals!
And what about Capriccio Italienne -Tchaikovsky?
Peter Ilyich’s love life was the pits at that time, but Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italienne was composed during that dark and turbulent time in his life, bursting with the vibrant energy of the Roman Carnival he witnessed firsthand. The piece captures the bright colours and lively folk tunes of Italy as Tchaikovsky absorbed local street music and dances, creating a joyful, almost theatrical celebration of a city that stirred something vital in his sensitive soul.
And are you ready for Academic Festival Overture – Brahms?
Will you catch its irony? He offered it as a thank-you for a new degree – an honorary doctorate- and gave the bigwigs a rousing potpourri of boisterous student drinking songs rather than a solemn academic piece. He used four drinking songs and ended with “Gaudeamus igitur,” a centuries-old student anthem meaning “Let us rejoice, therefore, while we are young,” capturing the mischievous, playful spirit of youth amid a formal academic celebration.
I‘m sure we’ve all heard this one, too – Overture to Der Freischütz – von Weber
Are you ready to take the risk of Weber’s overture to “Der Freischütz”? It stands out for how it dramatically sets the scene for the opera’s dark romantic tale of supernatural bargains and moral struggle, weaving together actual themes and motifs from the opera—especially the eerie diminished seventh chord associated with the devil figure Samiel and the lyrical hunting horn calls—into a vivid musical narrative.
Your openness of mind, your willingness to learn, and your celebration of some of London’s most inspiring young artists are gifts that you have the power to give and receive by your presence. An orchestral performance is a collaboration between the conductor, the musicians, and the audience. It is a shared experience where everyone involved becomes a part of something greater than themselves. It is a connection of souls, united by the power of music.
IF YOU GO:
What: London Youth Symphony presents Old Friends and Overtures.
When: Saturday, November 29, 7:30pm.
Where: Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON.
Compiled by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager, The Beat Magazine 2025
WE’VE GOT LIVE THEATRE!
London Community Players present: Deathtrap By Ira Levin Directed by James Patterson Produced by Anita Goodfellow
A thriller about thrillers—and the deadly games writers play.
Sidney Bruhl’s Broadway career is failing fast… until a student sends him the perfect script. What follows is a suspenseful, twist-filled rollercoaster of betrayal, manipulation, and murder. Who’s writing the final act—and who won’t live to see it?
Twists. Turns. Typewriters.
The most diabolically clever thriller ever staged.
Theatre Tillsonburg presents Ken Ludwig’s Twas the Night Before Christmas, November 20-23, and November 27-30.
A festive comedy full of mischief, music, and holiday magic! A mouse, an elf, and a spunky young girl team up to help Santa save Christmas in this wildly entertaining holiday adventure. Packed with clever wordplay, wild characters, and heartwarming cheer, it’s the perfect outing for the whole family.
What:Disney’s Frozen:The Broadway Musical, presented by The Grand Theatre Where: Spriet Stage at the Grand Theatre When: November 18th to January 4th, 2026 Tickets:Disney’s Frozen | The Grand Theatre
Kettle Creek Players presents The Wicked Witches of Oz Pantomime this Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th.
Wicked Witches of Oz is a British Panto written by Peter Nuttall with permission from Lazy Bee Scripts. It’s a hilarious take on the story of The Wizard of Oz that is fun for all ages.
Shut The Front Door: Grinch-Prov, Friday, November 28.
Picture a stage where your wildest holiday ideas come to life! From mischievous Grinches to cheerful spirits, every suggestion sparks hilarious moments. Bring your friends and family for a night of belly laughs you won’t forget!
Don’t miss out on the fun—grab your tickets early! Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Drop your quirky suggestions in the comments below! Let’s make Grinchprov unforgettable!
Original Kids Theatre Company presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma: Youth Edition, Nov. 27-30, Spriet Family Theatre, 130 King St. (Covent Garden Market, 2nd fl), London, ON.
A high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colourful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.
Liam Grunté Theatre & FPT London present It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Show, November 26-29, on the Grand Theatre’s Auburn Stage.
This timeless classic about a selfless man, George Bailey, is brought to life as a live radio show.
When life gets in the way, George sacrifices his own ambitions for the good of the community. It’s Christmas Eve, and a cruel nemesis has put the reputation of George and his father’s business in jeopardy. George is in a desperate condition, and an unlikely guardian angel comes to his aid, but will it be enough to make George see that it’s really a wonderful life?
The Aeolian Hall presents Emm Gryner, Friday, November 28, at 7:30pm, 795 Dundas St, London, ON
Emm Gryner is a 3-time Juno Award-nominated Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist. She has been sought after by David Bowie and Def Leppard to sing and collaborate with them on tour and on recordings, including the new Stripped Version of “Pour Some Sugar On Me” featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Emm also helped make the first music video in outer space when Chris Hadfield enlisted her to create a new version of “Space Oddity”, which was partially recorded aboard the International Space Station. Emm’s new album “Business & Pleasure” is a foray into yacht rock and features an all-star list of Nashville musicians who have worked with Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Taylor Swift and Toto. Emm is constantly crossing genres and defying the odds of what is possible in the music industry as an independent female recording artist.
Anne Moniz & Friends at the Dawghouse Pub and Eatery, Friday, November 28, at 9:00pm. 699 Wilkins St, London, ON.
London singer-songwriter Anne Moniz (from such bands as Tell It To Sweeney and Thames Rivieras) returns to The Dawghouse Pub & Eatery for the last time in 2025! Accompanying her is multi-instrumentalist Daniel Oniszeczko.
Enjoy a full night of original acoustic-driven music featuring special guests, including indigenous Toronto artist Nyssa Komorowski.
Betamaxx Live 80s Matinee at the Richmond Tavern at 3:00pm. 370 Richmond St, London, ON
Say Anything to your pals while dancing and singing along to your favourite 80s New Wave/Post Punk/New Romantics songs!
Matinee show, 3-6pm. Day drinking on a Saturday – what could be better?
No cover.
The annual Red Scarf benefit concert returns to London Music Hall on Saturday, November 29, hosted by Queen Priyanka and featuring performances from SHEBAD.
Every year, music artists take the Red Scarf stage to ring in World AIDS Day and raise critical funds in support of the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC). As a special celebration of RHAC’s 40th anniversary, this year’s show is double the entertainment: Hosted by international popstar and drag performer Priyanka and featuring Indie music group SHEBAD.
FIESTA LATINA THIS 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐕. 𝟐𝟖𝐓𝐇 INSIDE 𝐏𝐄𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍! LATIN ELEMENT DANCE BAND – DJ ORLANDO VALENCIA IN THE HOUSE! 10PM – GREAT FOOD – LATIN MUSIC – FREE PARKING! 1100 COMMISSIONERS RD. E. LONDON ON.
The Strands at the Eastside Bar and Grill, Friday, November 28th, 750 Hamilton Rd., London, ON It’s a full night of Rock hits with a punk rock twist. 9pm Start. Cover $10.
Kevin’s Bacon Train at the Palasad Socialbowl, Friday, November 28, at 8:30pm. 777 Adelaide St. North, London, ON.
Kevin’s Bacon Train is a high-energy bluegrass band that blends down-home picking with a cheeky sense of fun. With driving banjo, tight harmonies, and a sound that’s equal parts front porch jam and festival mainstage, they get audiences clapping, stomping, and grinning ear to ear. Whether you’re a die-hard roots fan or just love a good time, Kevin’s Bacon Train brings the kind of infectious, foot-stompin’ joy that turns every show into a barn-burner.
The Elder Brothers at The Wortley Roadhouse, Sunday, November 30, at 3:00pm. 190 Wortley Rd, London, ON.
The Elder Brothers close out November with a matinee on Sunday, November 30! The show starts at 3pm. No Cover.
Dallas Smith and his Band at Centennial Hall, Saturday, November 29, at 7:00pm. 550 Wellington St. London, ON.
Tickets $ 69.00 + TAX & S/C $1.00 from every ticket will be donated to Salvation Army Toy Mountain
London Youth Symphony presents Old Friends and Overtures, Saturday, November 29, 7:30pm, at Metropolitan United Church.
Program:
“Nimrod”from Enigma Variations — Elgar
Capriccio Italienne -Tchaikovsky
Academic Festival Overture – Brahms
Overture to Der Freischütz – von Weber
Tickets: Adult – $15.00, Students – $5.00. Available at the door or londonyouthsymphony.net
London Pro Musica Choir presents Texture: Beauty for Dark Times, Saturday, November 29, 7:30pm, at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London, ON.
An a cappella concert that celebrates the music and influence of 16th-century Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594) and Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824-1896).
The program features Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli: an intricate, exquisite work written in defiance of a papal edict demanding that all sacred music be simple and stark. Our program will celebrate this work and incorporate works by the German composer Anton Bruckner. Bruckner lived 300 years later, yet his music rings with the old master’s influence and style. With this unadorned, a cappella program, we, like Palestrina, stand in defiant defence of the necessity of beauty in dark times.
Anton Bruckner was a devoutly religious man and composed numerous sacred works. He wrote a Te Deum, five psalm settings (including Psalm 150 in the 1890s), a Festive cantata, a Magnificat, about forty motets (among them eight settings of Tantum ergo, and three settings of both Christus factus est and Ave Maria), and at least seven Masses. There will be five selected a cappella works by Bruckner in this concert.
Celebrating original music and art from the local community as we raise funds to support the ongoing work of Mission Services of London, at Valleyview Mennonite Church on Saturday, November 29, at 6:00pm. 170 Melsandra Ave, London, ON.
->Featuring several short music performances by local musicians ->Art silent auction ->Art silent auction starts at 6pm. Music starts at 7pm. ->$10 entry + donation* online or at the door (https://CreativityandCommunity.eventbrite.ca) ->Refreshments available
Music Lineup Featuring: Adair Meehan Sina Khosravi Sharon Bee Lynn Davis Bertie Derek Martin Rayne Vitorino Dias & David Rayo
Art Silent Auction featuring various local artists.
All donations are to the Valleyview Mennonite Church: Missions Fund. www.valleyviewmc.ca/content/missions-fund. The Valleyview Mennonite Church Missions Fund will make a donation to Mission Services of London equivalent to the proceeds raised at this event. Tax Receipts are available for any donation provided above the $10 admission fee.
Lisa Johnson’s incredible solo exhibition, Full Circle, will be on display until November 29th at Westland Gallery
Full disclosure, I took piano lessons without whimpering – but even if I put on a scruffy coat, hunched over, and had unravelling gloves on my hands – I never got into a Glenn Gould state of mind to understand the lure of JS Bach.
But then I found the confession of a man who stuck with music teaching and performance – and explained the appeal of Bach to people with souls!
Ethan Hein is a music technology and music education professor- somewhere – and his personal admission hits the right note. Here’s what he has to say about Bach and his music:
(Pictured: Ethan Hein, The Ethan Hein Blog)
“I’m not a big classical music guy for the most part, but I never get tired of Bach. This stodgy eighteenth-century Lutheran doesn’t seem a likely inspiration for a hipster electronica producer like me. There aren’t too many other wearers of powdered wigs in my record collection, and Bach is the only one in the regular rotation.
Why? When I studied jazz guitar, I was encouraged to learn some Bach violin and cello music. I learned a lot about music theory that way, but I had a surprising amount of fun, too.
Why is Bach’s music so much cooler than anything else of his time and place? There are plenty of beautiful melodies and interesting thematic developments in other Baroque music, but they’re usually buried under tweedly curlicues. I get exhausted from all the jumping up and down between adjacent scale tones.
You never get the sense that Bach is just throwing notes at you to fill the space between ideas. This spare, economic quality shows most clearly in his solo instrument stuff. The single lines spell out both the melodies and the chord progressions clearly, using the spaces between the melody notes to deploy fragments of basslines or arpeggios. Bach gives your imagination just enough data to easily fill in the rest. Leaving notes out is a great way to draw in the listener. It invites us to participate in our heads.
Bach has huge geek appeal. He favored puzzle-like musical forms, canons and fugues, where the melody gets repeated as its own accompaniment. Bach’s music is dense with references and quotations of other works, and of itself. Bach’s love of recursion inspired Douglas Hofstadter to write a whole computer science book about him (and Gödel and Escher.)
Bach was a great quoter of the popular music of his time and place: hymns and regional dances. Since most of the music he was paid to write was for church services, it’s no big surprise that Bach did so much reworking and embellishing of hymns.
You couldn’t ask for a better education in what it means to embellish a theme than to hear Bach’s lines superimposed on the simple hymns. No wonder jazz musicians love him so much; the effect is similar to the way Charlie Parker sounds improvising on a showtune. (Bach was known in his lifetime as an improviser, which adds to his jazz cred.)
There’s something very algorithmic about the rule-oriented forms he wrote in, the canons and fugues, all that complex counterpoint. Every note that Bach ever wrote is on the web in MIDI format. http://www.jsbach.net/midi/index.html His music sounds pretty decent when played by robots (though it’s livelier when it’s played by humans.)
Bach wasn’t very highly regarded in his lifetime outside of a small, devoted circle of groupies. He didn’t hit the cultural big time until a hundred years after his death. He’d probably be amazed now at his elevated stature.” (Ethan Hein)
(Pictured: TSO Chamber Soloists)
And who are the musical powerhouses that will be playing Bach on Sunday afternoon?
Their bios with details of performances, awards, and recordings can be found on websites- but what do you NEED to know?
Jonathan Crow is their “curator.” He’s also been the concertmaster of the TSO since 2011, but travels the world concertmastering for other orchestras. He teaches violin at the University of Toronto and is an avid chamber musician – a founding member of the Orford String Quartet.
What is it with oboes and London, Ontario? Sarah Jeffrey is a London girl who plays that instrument superbly. You’ve heard the oboe jokes, haven’t you?
Oboist: Did you hear my last recital?
Friend: I hope so.
Oboe: “An ill wind that no one blows good.”
Sarah, however, has been praised for her “exquisite solo work,” her “luscious tone,” and her sensitive musicianship. She’s Principal Oboe of the TSO, a teacher at the Royal Conservatory, and mom of two kids.
Kelly Zimba Lukic joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Principal Flute in 2017 – but leaves a trail of US orchestras in her debt. She’s celebrated as an innovative and inspiring teacher as well as a performer. Previously a flute fellow at the New World Symphony, she has performed with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras.
And Christopher Bagan? He’s another tough one to squeeze into an X (formerly Twitter) post. He’s a Doctor of Musical Arts (specialising in Schonberg) who performs baroque with equal fluency. If you’ve heard the tinkle of a harpsichord at the Canadian Opera Co., it was Christopher.
Is there anything else you should know before you get to the church, on time at 3:00 p.m.? Visit: https://youtu.be/IunEDER6Mws
Only that the Brandenburg Concerto #5 – the piece that will feature the whole ensemble – is incredibly beautiful. The link above leads to a Chicago Symphony chamber performance- but T-Rex Hand Position Up – our Canadian musicians will dazzle!
IF YOU GO:
What: The Jeffery Concerts: TSO Chamber Soloists Play Bach.
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 3:00pm.
Where: St John the Evangelist Church, 280 St James Street, London, ON
by Richard Young, The Beat Magazine Publisher & Content Manager
Q. What is the mission/purpose of the London Jazz Association?
To advance the appreciation of jazz music through education programs and performances in the area. We showcase jazz in our community by celebrating established and emerging talent, thereby inspiring future generations to enjoy the music we love.
Q.When was the Association founded and by whom?
The Association was formed in 2024 after the first London Jazz Festival. We received an investment from a local benefactor to run the festival, but quickly realized the opportunity to bring jazz lovers together extended well beyond the Jazz Appreciation Month of April. From that, the Association was born. Seth McNall and Jason Jamieson, along with Brian Ball, founded the Association, but Brian has since moved on to other endeavours.
(Pictured: Jason Jamieson and Seth McNall, London Jazz Association.)
Q. How is the Association organized?
The London Jazz Association is a registered charity that operates under the purview of a board of directors and other volunteers. The board is currently made up of six members, and there are several other volunteers that work on the projects overseen by those board members.
Q.Are London jazz musicians “members” of the Association?
At this time, the association doesn’t have members, per se, but the board is made up of both local musicians and advocates. There are teams of people who work with our performance, education and advocacy projects to help promote and improve the state of jazz music in the Forest City. We also help local musicians by recommending them for performances around town.
Q. I notice a lot of social media postings for musical events in the city say, “in partnership with the London Jazz Association.” Could you explain what that means?
The Association has been very lucky to have local establishments and vendors call upon us to share our contacts and expertise in order to hire local musicians for their events. Several restaurants and venues reach out to us and ask us to help organize and book their jazz nights, concert series, and other events. This has helped us establish a variety of different jazz series across London that allow for quarterly, monthly, and even weekly jazz events for the local music fans to enjoy.
(The Peppermoon Restaurant is one of the London Jazz Association’s partners.)
We have fantastic relationships with our retail and performance partners, and since our beginnings, we have held performances at over a dozen locations, including soft-seat theatres, restaurants, bars, and other venues, including Wolf Performance Hall, Toboggan Brewing, Peppermoon Restaurant, West Social, Highland Golf and Country Club, and many more.
Q. Does the Association sponsor any special annual events or series of shows?
The London Jazz Association is currently running a three-concert fundraising series. Our first event was held on the afternoon of Sunday, September 28th, and featured London’s own Denise Pelley with Toronto trumpet legend Kevin Turcotte and an all-star band. The show was a great success, and we’re hoping for the same at our next show on Thursday, November 27th, at 7pm at the Highland Country Club. That performance is a kick-off to the holidays with singer Paul Zubot and some incredible local musicians backing him up. Then, on March 26th, we’re running our third fundraising concert, and this time we’re featuring something never before seen in the region. Local musicians will be performing Miles Davis’s “Birth of the Cool” album in its entirety that night, as well as premiering several never-before-heard pieces by local composers. These concerts are meant to be showpieces for local and regional talent and promise to be something never experienced before in our beautiful city. Tickets for all of those concerts can be found at www.jazzassociationlondon.ca
Q. Could you identify some of the well-known London jazz musicians who have played concerts/engagements/events sponsored by the Association?
We’ve featured Denise Pelley, Rick Kish, Nevin Campbell, The Jitterbugs, The Baddest Big Band, Laurraine Sigouin, Steve Holowitz, Sonja Gustavson, The Jazz Collective, and the Seth McNall Sextet, to name a few.
Q. What type of relationships does the Association have with other London organizations like the London Music Office, London Musicians’ Association, Forest City London Music Awards, and others?
Over the last eighteen months, we have worked closely with many of the London organizations. We have a close relationship with the London Musicians’ Association and are pleased to be able to provide union scale wages to all of our musicians at their events. We enjoyed a close relationship with the London Music Office last year and worked together to bring an amazing jazz group from Poland to perform at the 2025 festival finale on April 30th. We’ve also worked with Dundas Place and Cherryhill Mall, and other city venues, to bring jazz to the people of the city for no cost.
Q. Jazz appears to be experiencing a renaissance in the London area, if the postings on social media are any measuring stick. Is Jazz finding newfound popularity? If so, with whom and why?
Jazz never died, it just evolved. When rock became the most popular genre, Count Basie did a Beatles tribute album, and Miles Davis did jazz covers of Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson tunes. Jazz continues to permeate modern popular music, influencing performers like Meghan Trainor and Bruno Mars. Jazz has always been there, growing, changing, and becoming more diverse and interesting.
As for jazz’s newfound popularity in the region, I think that’s happening everywhere. The advent of AI-generated, formulaic pop tunes is making consumers crave a high-quality, genuine, live experience. People like hearing music performed in person because it satisfies their desire for authenticity while satisfying their need to be entertained. And if you want to be entertained, why not hear someone at the top of their craft, performing the music they love for people who want to listen.
(Pictured: Toboggan Brewing is another one of the London Jazz Association’s partners. Here’s a poster for one of their recent shows featuring Rick Kish & Friends.)
Q. Is there anything else Londoners should know about the London Jazz Association and its activities?
Besides the five different concert series we’re currently running, we also run a Jazz Education Program on Wednesday nights for students in grades 7-9 and 10-12. These ensembles are run by local jazz performers and educators, and they already have a spot to perform at the London Jazz Festival in April 2026. For more information, visit https://www.jazzassociationlondon.ca/lja-lab-bands
We also run a London Jazz Archive whose goal is to help preserve the vibrant jazz history of the region, right from Guy Lombardo through keynote performances from the last few years. You can see some of the videos at https://www.youtube.com/@Londonjazzarchives
The London Jazz Association podcast is just getting started, but there are two episodes up that showcase some of the local performers and their connection to the history of London jazz. You can find that on any podcast aggregator.
Lastly, anyone who wants to donate to the charity can learn everything they need to know about that at our main website.
Tango did not begin in a sad dance studio in Brooklyn. Tango is a passionate, provocative music and dance style that began in the working-class bars and brothels of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 1800s, emerging from a melting pot of African, European, and local influences. Born where desire and melancholy intertwined, tango quickly became infamous for its sensuality and daring social dynamics—people danced close, in smoky rooms where the music’s erotic undertones mirrored the pulse of the city’s nightlife. It swept into the salons of Paris and beyond, transforming from a sultry scandal to an international sensation, all while keeping traces of its rebellious origins. (All right, while I fan my fevered brow, I’ll admit I got this history through AI research)
Tango’s music is syncopated rhythms played on bandoneon, violin, piano, and double bass – sometimes with voice that punches even higher on the emotional gauge.
Tango was danced by immigrants, misfits, and the marginalized in port neighbourhoods. Its lyrics and notes embody carnal passion. Its performance scandalized polite society but, naturally, fascinated them as well.
Today, Tango Nuevo renews the music and the dance for its sensuality, nostalgia, and emotional storytelling. It blends high drama, cultural fusion, and the thrill of improvisation. Check out this instructional video on dancing Tango Nuevo: https://youtu.be/2mtoTyMns8o?si=ENxIAGDhyPUjduGd
Who are the members you’ll hear – and later meet- of Payadora? The brilliant musicians were drawn together in 2013 by their love of this unique music. And their ensemble’s name? A payador is a male improvising poet-musician in South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay (the feminine form is Payadora). These musical vagabonds roam the countryside, improvising verses, often accompanied by a guitar, to respond to rivals in a musical contest known as a contrapunto.
So, at The Met (corner of Wellington and Dufferin), how will you be hearing and seeing?
Our beloved composer-in—residence, Scott Good, will conduct members of London Symphonia and the musical powerhouses of Payadora.
(Pictured: London Symphonia’s Composer-In-Residence, Scott Good.)
Rebekah Wolkstein is the founder and leader of Payadora. She holds a doctorate in Violin Performance from U of T, plays in a classical string quartet- and excels in klezmer/Yiddish swing!
(Pictured: Rebekah Wolkstein, founder and leader of Payadora. Photo by Peter Yuan.)
Joe Philips– our hometown boy who lives here and is principal bass of London Symphonia – was born in Toronto. He also plays classical guitar and has appeared with orchestras and musical artists too varied – and many – to mention. I’ll just pop in Joel Quarrington’s name and Shane Cook’s, and the TSO, and Le Violons de Roi.
(Pictured: Joe Phillips, principal bass of London Symphonia.)
Drew Jurecka, an impressive jazz and classical violinist, began as the record producer of Payadora’s albums. His gifts on viola, saxophone, clarinet, and mandolin have made him a valued addition to performances by Jeff Healey, Jesse Cook, Stewart MacLean, and Alex Pangman. He’s composed movie scores- and takes time to teach at Humber College, where he’s created the only jazz strings program in Canada.
Drew is also the group’s bandoneon player – what is that, you ask? According to a post from the Los Angeles Tango Academy, “The bandoneon is a large, rather complicated concertina originally developed in Germany for churches that could not afford organs.”
(Pictured: Drew Jurecka playing the bandoneon. Photo by Karen E. Reeves.)
This monster of reed instruments has no keyboard, so it’s not the accordion we all conspire to keep Uncle Heinrich from playing at Christmas. It’s got 71 buttons, 38 for the right hand and 33 for the left. The musician uses both hands to push and pull air through bellows.
And for Mark Camilleri, music is life. Mark’s entire professional life embraces music, and he has had a wonderfully varied career for over 35 years. As Marvin Hamlisch put it, “Mark Camilleri, or ‘Mr. Canada, as I call him, is a one-man does-it-all musical powerhouse, whether he’s conducting, playing keyboards, or arranging.”
Mark has conducted countless shows for Mirvish, worked with film directors, and performed from the Vatican to the Oprah Winfrey show. He’s shared the stage with Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Annie Lennox, and Eric Clapton.
And the vocals!
Elbio Fernandez is apparently known as El pequeño gigante del tango” (the little giant of tango) – but I’m not judging. Born in Uruguay, he is now a Canadian who performs around the world.
(Pictured: Payadora vocalist, Elbio Fernandez. Photo by Peter Yuan.)
And this Saturday, at 7:30pm, you can dream of being young, lithe, sensual, and worthy of someone asking you to tango. To quote Sherman Alexie, ”If you really want a woman to love you, then you have to dance. And if you don’t want to dance, then you’re going to have to work extra hard to make a woman love you forever, and you will always run the risk that she will leave you at any second for a man who knows how to tango.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: LONDON SYMPHONIA CONCERT Payadora – The Soul of Tango London Symphonia, Scott Good, conductor, Payadora Tango Ensemble.
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30pm
WHERE: Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington St, London, ON.
SUBSCRIPTIONS & TICKETS: Ticket packages start at $155 for a 3-concert General Admission subscription and $212 for Reserved Seating, plus fees and HST. 5-concert packages are also available. Individual adult tickets range from $55 General Admission to $75 Reserved Seating, plus fees and HST. Family Flex packs and free student tickets are also available. In-person subscriptions and tickets can be purchased online now at londonsymphonia.ca.
Subscriptions to all concerts, including the Family Concert, and individual concert rentals are available on London Symphonia’s Watch and Listen video on demand channel.
Experience tango like never before when the award-winning Payadora Ensemble performs with London Symphonia in a concert sure to entertain. Payadora – The Soul of Tango is a genre-crossing celebration of rhythm, melody, and cultural connection that takes you on a vibrant journey from Argentina across Eastern Europe, exploring the music, song, storytelling, and dance behind this multidimensional art form that continues to captivate the world. Scott Good, London Symphonia’s Composer-In-Residence, will conduct.
Based in Toronto, Payadora has been officially endorsed by the Argentinian Consulate in Toronto for its authentic representation of the spirit of tango. The members combine their collective background in classical, jazz, and global music traditions to create their distinctive sound.
The group was founded in 2013, and its members are sought-after musicians in the Canadian chamber music scene, including Rebekah Wolkstein (violin, vocals), Drew Jurecka (bandoneon, violin, mandolin), Joseph Phillips (double bass, guitar), Mark Camilleri (piano), and Elbio Fernandez (vocals).
The superstar group has combined their deep knowledge of tango with their classical, jazz, and world music backgrounds to create something entirely new. Together with London Symphonia, this dynamic concert will dig deeper into the meaning of tango as an art form, telling stories of resilience and grace with an unwavering respect for tradition. “Over the past 13 years, Payadora has developed its musical personality from one that closely studied and emulated the great tango masters, to one that performs across Europe, North and South America to great musical acclaim,” said Andrew Chung, Artistic Producer, London Symphonia. “They have created a special London Symphonia concert version of the music they love so much, and we can’t wait to perform with them.”
(Pictured: Andrew Chung, Artistic Producer, London Symphonia.)
“It is with the greatest admiration that I see longtime Payadora member and London Symphonia principal bass, Joe Phillips, bringing together his favourite groups to celebrate this soulful music,” Chung added. “With Uruguayan roots and a lifelong love for this music, singer Elbio Fernandez’ extraordinary voice sings with the intensity and passion of the very best tango performers”
The soul of tango may have originated in Argentina and Uruguay, but it has long captivated the world with its mix of melancholy, passion, longing, and embrace.
“We are excited to perform with London Symphonia,” said Rebekah Wolkstein, leader of the group. “This concert offers a vibrant and wide-ranging journey through Argentine and Latin-inspired music. From the dramatic sweep of tango classics by Mores, Piazzolla, and Gardel to contemporary works by Payadora members Rebekah Wolkstein and Drew Jurecka, the evening blends tradition with innovation. The program also features folkloric Argentine styles and theatrical songs, showcasing the emotional storytelling at the heart of this music. We hope you will join us. It’s going to be a great evening!”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: LONDON SYMPHONIA CONCERT Payadora – The Soul of Tango London Symphonia, Scott Good, conductor, Payadora Tango Ensemble.
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30pm
WHERE: Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington St, London, ON.
SUBSCRIPTIONS & TICKETS: Ticket packages start at $155 for a 3-concert General Admission subscription and $212 for Reserved Seating, plus fees and HST. 5-concert packages are also available. Individual adult tickets range from $55 General Admission to $75 Reserved Seating, plus fees and HST. Family Flex packs and free student tickets are also available. In-person subscriptions and tickets can be purchased online now at londonsymphonia.ca.
Subscriptions to all concerts, including the Family Concert, and individual concert rentals are available on London Symphonia’s Watch and Listen video on demand channel.
The Beat Magazine 2025 