Here is the poster for Thursday night’s Magisterra Concert. So, you already know lots about it- but I’ll tell you more!!!
First, though, I’m going to come clean about what may keep people from flocking to some exquisite chamber music- and in THIS city, that is one opportunity among a flood of riches.
It’s PARKING, isn’t it???
Almost sixty years ago, when we came to London, I was vaguely amused by the horrified mentions of PARKING in the city- the warnings about downtown dying if those malls were built in the suburbs offering free space for cars. And now- I’ve also become the kind of Aged Karen who would hurl epithets at City Council from the gallery, bewailing what I must pay to park my Mazda close to the classical music event I want to attend.
I’m going to offer a few suggestions for the similarly enraged:
Point your car to Fullarton St. between Talbot and Ridout. Use the street- it’s after 6:00 p.m. and barely a block from Museum London
Make an evening of it. Yaya’s Café has replaced the Rhino- and offers an intriguing Thursday night African meal until 7:00 p.m.
Ask someone under 40 in your home about Uber. I watched the young’uns in my extended family use it all over Boston, Detroit, Toronto … and their summoning and paying for the service did not seem to impoverish them.
So, what else do you need to know?
Piano trios? Three pianos on that small auditorium stage?
Au contraire, mon frere… as famous poet George Carlin used to say.
A piano trio is a small chamber group of three musicians – piano, violin, and cello – playing together as equal musical partners. In a piano trio, each instrument has its own voice: the piano provides richness and colour, the violin often sings the melody, and the cello adds depth and warmth. Composers have admitted they love writing for piano trio because this intimate setting lets listeners hear every musical “voice” clearly, like three characters in a vivid, wordless conversation.
And the ones chosen for Thursday night are masterpieces:
Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E‑flat major is an early piece from his “new kid in town” years in Vienna. It’s bright and energetic, with clear tunes that bounce quickly between piano, violin, and cello, plus a gentle, slow movement and a witty, fast finish.
Brahms’s Piano Trio in B major is big, warm, and emotional. It opens with a long, singing melody, then moves through music that can feel stormy one moment and comforting the next, always with rich, lush harmonies.
Turina’s Piano Trio No. 2 is a short, colourful work with a strong Spanish flavour. In just three movements, it shifts between dreamy, atmospheric writing and lively, dance‑like rhythms that give the trio a vivid, distinctive character.
(Pictured: Magisterra Solists violinist and music director, Annette-Barbara Vogel.)
You know that violinist and music director, Annette-Barbara Vogel, is brilliant- but her guest musicians are certainly no slouches!
Anya Alexeyev, born in Moscow into a family of concert pianists, trained at the prestigious Gnessin School and Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory before earning a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London, where she won major prizes. She has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Moscow State Symphony, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, and Quebec Symphony.
(Pictured: pianist Anya Alexeyev.)
She is a genuine musical explorer who has recorded widely for international labels, yet she is equally passionate about unearthing hidden gems of the piano repertoire. In Magisterra’s trio, she brings the depth of a truly global career together with a restless musical curiosity.
Three things about Belgian cellist Tom Landschoot are especially intriguing for concertgoers: he has an international solo career, is a sought‑after teacher, and he has a deep chamber‑music pedigree.
Landschoot has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across Europe, North and South America, and Asia, including the National Orchestra of Belgium, the Frankfurt Chamber Orchestra, and symphonies from Taiwan to Ecuador, with performances broadcast on radio and television worldwide.
He has held a leading professorship at Arizona State University, is on faculty at elite summer institutions such as Meadowmount, and will join the Cleveland Institute of Music as Professor of Cello in 2026
And … be still my heart … Tom Landschoot has been involved in interdisciplinary public service projects through his music, such as raising funds and awareness for the need of building an orphanage and hospital in Tamil Nadu, India. As part of this humanitarian project, Landschoot was featured in a documentary film of a cellist performing across India, integrating photography, culinary, journalism and original music compositions.
(Pictured: cellist Tom Landschoot.)
And on this day, when wars are beginning yet again, when there is so much to mistrust and fear in our world, let’s be grateful for the wonderful people who bring us music in this chaos
IF YOU GO:
What: Magisterra Soloists present Masterworks featuring the Magisterra Piano Trio.
When: Thursday, March 5, at 7:00pm.
Where: Museum London, 421 Ridout St. North, London, ON.
alvegoroot theatre presents the last tempation of cinema, sept. 20, at the hyland cinema.
Part of Doors Open London
Before the multiplexes, single-screen cinemas reigned supreme in London, Ontario. An accidental live play takes place when a documentary about the Hyland Cinema and London’s other legendary movie houses isn’t finished rendering in time for the screening. Two socially anxious filmmakers endeavour to recreate their documentary and define the golden age of movie-going.
There will also be live music from noon till 1:00 PM as Paul Stevenson and Stephen Holowitz play a Jazz set of movie themes.
Written by Kydra Ryan and Adam Corrigan Holowitz Directed by Adam Corrigan Holowitz Performed by Luis Marin and Kydra Ryan
Live Performance: Saturday, September 20 at 11:30 AM Saturday, September 20 at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 20 at 2:30 PM
Running Time: 30 Minutes
Location: Hyland Cinema, 240 Wharncliffe Road S Free Admission
doors open 2025: swing dance party, sept. 20.
Explore local history through dance! Learn basic moves in Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing, then join the dance party featuring live music by The Bettys.
September 20, 2025, 10am-2pm Queens Park (outside Western Fair Market) 925 Dundas St FREE
10am Demo & Dance History 10:30am Lindy Hop Workshop 11am Dance Party w The Bettys
12pm Demo & Dance History 12:30pm West Coast Swing Workshop 1pm Dance Party w The Bettys
Step back in time and learn some local history through the lens of Swing Dance. Join the Centre of Movement Arts and local dance artists at the Western Fair Market for the next chapter in the Audrey (Peck) Varty legacy event series.
Fun for the whole family! Watch an engaging demo showing how Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing have evolved from social dances of the 1920s and 30s, and join in a workshop to learn the basic steps. Then you can try out your new moves at a dance party with live music!
In the 1930s, Audrey Peck and her friends spent many evenings dancing the night away to the sounds of Big Bands. It was on such a night that she was swept off her feet by the dancing skills of her future husband.
It’s the first week of Music Bingo at The Morrissey House!
Join us Tuesday, Sept. 17th at 7:30 PM for our launch night, hosted by our friends at Forked River Brewing.
We’re kicking things off with an ’80s music edition — neon, big hair, and all your favorite throwback hits.
jazz nights at the peppermoon restaurant, sept. 18 & 25.
Upcoming Jazz Nights:
Uptown Affair ft. Tanya Lovell & John Brocksom
September 18, 2025 |
6 PM – 9 PM
Chris Alcantara & Don DiCarlo
September 25, 2025
Free Entry
Reservations Recommended
1100 Commissioners Rd E, London, Ontario
Come enjoy live jazz music in London, Ontario, delicious food, and the best vibes in partnership with the London Jazz Association. Perfect for music lovers, foodies, and anyone looking for a cozy night out.
this week at the library, sept. 15-20.
doors open london, sept. 20 & 21.
Get ready to step into the heart of London like never before! From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, Doors Open London invites you to explore 40+ incredible sites across the city — all for FREE! There’s something for everyone to discover.
Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21, 2025
the Jeffery concerts presents Penderecki String Quartet with Arthur Rowe, piano, sept. 19, at the wolf performance hall.
No stranger to London audiences, the ever-popular Penderecki String Quartet will be opening the 2025-26 season. This celebrated ensemble, known for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, will join forces with acclaimed pianist Arthur Rowe in Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor. Don’t miss this occasion to witness musical excellence at its finest. Repertoire:
W. Mozart: String Quartet No. 20 in D major, K.499 L. Janáček: String Quartet No. 1 “Kreutzer Sonata” Intermission D. Shostakovich: Piano Quintet in G Minor, op. 57
Steel Magnolias – Sept 18-28, 2025 By Robert Harling The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny, and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
2025 Grand Theatre High School Project presents Disney’s Newsies, sept. 17-27.
More than sixty high school students from London and area – representing seventeen different schools – make up the student company of Disney’s Newsies. Thirty-eight students make up the on-stage cast, two student musicians will be performing with the live orchestra, and twenty-one student artists are working behind the scenes in production roles, including wardrobe, props, lighting, sound, stage management, carpentry, scenic art, and marketing/photography.
Newsies invites audiences to step into turn-of-the-century New York City, a time of skyscrapers and money makers. This year’s Grand Theatre High School Project production tells the story of charismatic Jack Kelly and his gritty band of newsies, united in the fight against newspaper giants. When greedy publishers decide to raise distribution prices at the newsies’ expense, it’s up to Jack and his pals to be stronger together and fight for what’s right.
Single tickets range from $26-$55 and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.
Port Stanley Festival Theatre Presents Simon Joynes Playwrights’ Festival 2025: A Celebration of Canadian Stories, sept. 18-20.
The Festival is free, but PSFT does accept donations, which help the theatre to continue to support Canadian Playwrights and Canadian stories. We are a nation overflowing with talent, and providing an opportunity to showcase such talent is a strong part of PSFT’s mandate.
Please reserve your seats by clicking on the show below, or call the box office at 519-782-4353.
Thursday, September 18, at 7:30pm, Deadly Memories by Steven Gallagher.
Friday, September 19, at 7:30pm, Hart’s Crossing by Tracey Hoyt.
Saturday, September 20, at 7:30pm Ship To Shore by Norm Foster.
Ticket purchases are final sale. No refunds will be issued.
Once your ticket is purchased, the purchaser’s name will be on the list at the door, and you will be required to provide it to gain entry. No physical tickets are necessary. You will be asked to show ID at the door.
Food, beverages, and Salthaven merch will be available for purchase at the event, along with a silent auction to help support wildlife.
All profits from this event will go to Salthaven!
Salthaven’s Founder and Director, Brian Salt, is the heartbeat of the band as their drummer and vocalist! The other members include the incredibly talented Doug Varty on lead vocals and guitar, and the electrifying Ted Floyd on vocals and bass. Together, they lit up the ’80s with a string of chart-topping hits. Not only that, but they shared the stage with legends like John Mellencamp, Frankie Valli, and the Beach Boys. Special guests for the evening include Jim Chapman & The ’60s All-Star Band.
friends of fiddler’s green, sept. 21, chaucer’s pub.
This is our traditional season opening concert is with Friends of Fiddler’s Green. This is our 32nd season at Chaucer’s Pub, and we have a fantastic lineup of concerts planned for you. Visit www.folk.on.ca
The “Friends” boast six versatile musicians, five fine singers, three songwriters, brilliant joke tellers, the occasional fiery dragon, one Order of Canada, one Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and one of the longest track records in Canadian Folk Music. The Friends were recipients of the 2003 Estelle Klein Award, given by the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (FMO) for service to folk music in Ontario. The current band members are Ian Bell, Alistair Brown, Grit Laskin, Jeff McClintock, Ian Robb, and James Stephens.
This totally uncategorizable collection of Friends has been together, with a few personnel changes, since their inauguration at Toronto’s Fiddler’s Green coffeehouse in 1971. Nobody, not even the Friends themselves, can predict what might happen during one of their concerts, but it always includes humour, powerful vocal harmony, great musicianship, social commentary, and an irresistible urge to tap your feet or sing along.
122 Carling Street, London, Ontario.
carly Thomas, sept. 20, palasad socialbowl.
Special 3-set showcase! Licensed – All Ages – Free.
learn the time warp dance night, sept. 21, poacher’s arms.
Don’t dream it, dance it Join us at Poachers Arms for a Pub night of absolute pleasure as we teach you the Time Warp step by step.
Instruction by our incredibly talented Director extraordinaire herself, Melanie Stewart. This is your chance to learn the jumps to the left, AND the steps to the right- So you are PREPARED to dance the time warp AGAIN October 23rd-November 2nd @ The Palace Theatre! This is OUR time warp- unique to our show’s choreography.
Come for a dance class! Come to have fun! Come to watch! Dress up in your best Transylvanian look!
PWYC cash @ door with 50/50 proceeds to our production, and QI. Contact Poacher’s directly by phone for access to the elevator. (519) 432-7888.
laura gagnon, sept. 19, the windjammer inn.
Call ahead to reserve your seat! $30 includes music by Laura Gagnon and Food by Chef Kim! Last time, the food never stopped coming!!! Melt in your mouth goodness YUM!! Come hang with the locals and get to know your neighbour!
forest city film festival public launch, sept. 18, museum london.
The wait is over! The 2025 Forest City Film Festival Public Launch is happening this Thursday (Sept 18) at Museum London, and it’s FREE!
Join us as we unveil the full lineup of films, celebrate local creators, and start the countdown to our 10th anniversary. This is the start of an epic festival season, and we want YOU there!
This Thursday | 5PM – 7:30PM
@museumlondon | 421 Ridout St N
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone moment. Come for the films, stay for the excitement, and celebrate a decade of storytelling with us!
green day tribute, sept. 20, roxbury pub & grill.
GREEN DAY TRIBUTE SAT, SEPT 20. St Jimmy’s Army and their tribute to the legendary pop-punk band, Green Day! Also playing best of the 90s.
Back by popular demand, the return of Motown Gold Live. This epic multimedia extravaganza will leave you wanting more. A musical celebration of the legendary record label. Saturday, September 20. Aeolian Hall. London ON.
The Beat Magazine 2025 