April 2023, Toronto - The Bloor St. Culture Corridor
Happy Spring! Renewal is in the air as BCC partners host concerts, exhibitions, and much more for the month of April.
The Music Gallery
The second show in this year’s Emergents series at The Music Gallery invites us to dream together, and immerse ourselves in sound. Known for an expansive solo practice as well as his work in Polaris- and JUNO-nominated trio nêhiyawak, amiskwaciy/Edmonton’s Matthew Cardinal joins the Music Gallery with an exploratory set on modular synthesizer and other electronics. Video artist Stephanie Kuse brings the sound to life, with soft visuals inspired by Cardinal’s nighttime flash photography. Opening the evening is clarinetist, keyboardist and vocalist Yolande Laroche. Active in Ottawa-based groups Pony Girl and mal/aimé and solo project Orchidae, Laroche brings their signature experimental-chamber sound to the Music Gallery for the first time, with a new set of reflective music and projected visuals. For more information, visit their website.
VEMU Estonian Museum Canada
On April 2 will be the opening of Estonian Memory Institute's exhibition "A story about Siberia. Photographer Vello Hindreus 1930-2020" with speaker Ülle Kraft. On April 5 at 7pm, join VEMU for some laughs with a laughter yoga workshop taught by Lynn Himmelman. Following this on April 29 will be VEMU's annual fundraising evening. This year's theme, "Japan is Far" is a line of an Estonian poem that highlights their global connections. Enjoy a wonderful dinner with guest speaker Estonian professional sumo wrestler Baruto Kaito aka Kaido Höövelson. Learn about Baruto's journey further at his lecture on April 30 with their partners at The Japan Foundation. More information can be found on their website.
Alliance Française de Toronto
The Alliance Française are delighted to welcome Caroline Monnet's exhibition, SUPERNOVA April 3-29. A lecture will be held online, "The 'Jugendstil' Vienna of Gustav Klimt and His Friends," in French exclusively on April 15 at 2pm. A classical concert called "The Birds concert" will be held by Ensemble la Rêveuse on April 19 at 8pm: Through fascination for birdsong this programme brings to life a certain vision of the music of the 17th and 18th centuries focusing on science, nature and culture (music by Couperin, Rameau, Caix d’Hervelois, Henry Purcell, and Van Eyck). Two movies will also be displayed for free in their theater: "Red Soil" April 6 at 7:30pm and "Bootlegger" April 20 at 7:30pm. Finally, you'll discover "Brotipo" on April 29: A clown duo that, over the course of disputes, acrobats, and private moments, know how to move and make people laugh! Visit their website for more information.
Women's Art Association of Canada
Dignam Gallery presents Pushing Boundaries, a group exhibition by WAAC members Susan Farquhar, Marjorie Moeser, Gillian Morden, and Wendy Weaver April 5-22. Ruth Upjohn Gallery presents WAAC artist member's solo exhibition - Joanne Nelson April 5-15; Sara Petroff April 19-29. WAAC ARTS releases Artist's Voice Spring 2023 speaker series lineup: Temma Gentles, Frank Rodick and Sylvia Galbraith from April through June. Temma Gentles' artist talk, Telling Tales will take place on Zoom on April 20 at 1pm. For registration and more information, please visit their website.
The Royal Conservatory
The Royal Conservatory's April concerts feature the award-winning Italian pianist Beatrice Rana performing piano sonatas by Chopin, Beethoven, and more on April 18. Violinist Blake Pouliot, who has been described as “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime,” (Toronto Star) will perform works by Clara Schumann, Kaija Saariaho, Johannes Brahms, and more with Henry Kramer on piano on April 21. The charismatic Joshua Redman plays the music of Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Wayne Shorter with his trio on April 22. Brel! The Show, a theatrical concert celebrating the music and lyrics of the great French-language singer Jacques Brel, takes place on April 29. Additional performances this month include the ARC Ensemble (Artists of The Royal Conservatory) on April 2, celebrated conductor William Eddins with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra on April 29, and more. Head to their website to learn more.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Celebrate growth and renewal this April with Arts and Culture from the Miles Nadal JCC. On April 3, join art historian Nancy Kotz for a lecture on Passover art objects including seder plates from around the world and images from the celebrated illuminated manuscripts and paintings. Their open-to-all Daytime Choir with director Asher Farber starts on April 4, as does their popular Beginners’ Ukulele course with instructor Susan Baskin. Their Beginner Hebrew classes are open to all who wish to learn the language and start April 20 on Zoom. Also on April 20, enjoy an art lecture, Tamara de Lempicka: Art Deco Diva, with Alexandra Epps, from Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Pottery begins in their studio on April 17 and youth afterschool pottery begins on April 18. More Arts & Culture, Aquatics, Inclusive Jewish Community, LGBTQ+ programs, ECE, Camps, Fitness and Wellness is one click away at their website.
Istituo Italiano di Cultura
On April 4, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura will host a concert with classical guitarist Carlo Fierens. Opening April 12, the virtual exhibition How Does It Feel? Dante’s Emotions Today will allow the viewer to experience Dante’s journey and emotions via an original computer-generated reality experience, transported into a rendering of his Canto 1-11. On April 20, Italy celebrates its research activities and achievements worldwide during the annual Day of Italian Research in the World. For the occasion this year, the Istituto hosts a panel discussion with some of Italy’s most accomplished scientists who will discuss Women in Science. You’re still in time to register for Italian language and culture courses – the deadline is April 3. Click here to learn more about these events and others presented by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura.
ROM
Last chance to visit these popular ROM exhibitions! On now through April 23, 2023, visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Experience 100 new evocative, beautiful and unforgettable photos capturing our precious and perilous natural world. Also on now, Kent Monkman: Being Legendary is included with General Admission until April 16, 2023. Curated by Cree artist Kent Monkman, this exhibition presents an installation of new original paintings by the artist alongside cultural belongings from collections at ROM. Buy tickets now at their website.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir
Be among the first in Canada to experience the exhilarating voice of male soprano Samuel Mariño in Tafelmusik's Higher Love: Virtuoso Arias, April 28–29. Following debuts at major European opera houses and with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, 29-year-old Mariño is making a name for himself with his remarkable range, astonishing vocal technique, and electrifying, youthful stage presence. This concert offers the perfect showcase for Mariño’s powerful and agile soprano voice, capable of reaching stratospheric heights with apparent ease. “Quite simply the most extravagantly talented male soprano I have yet heard.” (Opera). Mariño joins the Tafelmusik orchestra for virtuoso baroque opera arias from Handel’s Arminio and Vivaldi’s Il Giustino, among others. For more information on this concert and its open rehearsal, visit their website.
The Japan Foundation, Toronto
Starting in April, JFT will be increasing its Gallery and Library opening hours to all Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with extended opening times on Thursdays. There will be more opportunities to visit its new exhibition, A Sense of Movement: Japanese Sports Posters, available starting on April 20. For guests who cannot visit in person, JFT’s online events continue with the start of a new semester of Japanese language classes. Learn Japanese at various levels from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Canada! Looking for a one-off event? In April, JFT’s Book Club Online will focus on the genre manga. Select a manga to read from JFT’s physical Library or ebook collection, and then share your insights about it at the book club. For more information about both in-person and virtual events, film screenings, classes, and gatherings at JFT, please visit their website.
Soundstreams
On April 13 at 8pm, the series Encounters continues with Blurred Realities at Heliconian Hall. Composers Maziar Heidari, Saman Shahi and Keyan Emami from the Iranian Composers of Toronto (ICOT) will premiere a new work for percussion quartet and electric guitar. Titled Stream of the Unconscious, this work delves into the mind of a displaced person: the ongoing identity battle of a refugee, the constant daydreaming of an immigrant, and their collective efforts to negotiate new meaning in the intersectionality of their lives. Waiting for Godot?, April 22 at 8pm at Redwood Theatre and guest curated by Arlan Vriens, celebrates the small, the immediate, and the intently observed. Like all of us, as the pandemic collapsed our lives, the circumference of Arlan’s daily travels were reduced to more intimate surroundings. Arlan’s concert reflects on this altered attentiveness as a revelatory power and hopefully a catalyst for rebuilding artistic practices in a changed and changing world. Visit their website for more information.
Toronto Reference Library
Toronto Reference Library presents a diverse range of free in-person and online literary and cultural events and conversations. On April 3, enjoy a special night of West African Griot music featuring percussionist Adama Daou from Mali and master drummer Amadou Kienou from Burkina Faso. On April 11, poet and author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai talks about her novel, “Dust Child”, a suspenseful and moving saga about family secrets, hidden trauma and the power of forgiveness. Author Neil Baldwin discusses his new book, "Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern," a biography of the legendary American dancer and choreographer, on April 17. And on April 19, author Kyo Maclear talks about her unforgettable new memoir, “Unearthing”, a captivating and propulsive story of inheritance that goes beyond heredity. Explore these and more programs at tpl.ca.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema's April program will feature a compelling selection of premieres and special events in April. Catch the Toronto premiere of the stirring documentary Judy Blume Forever, which is sure to launch a flood of memories for anyone who’s gripped one of her many paperbacks. Experience the profound cinematic and musical reflection on how rivers have shaped both the planet’s elaborate landscapes and all human existence in River, narrated by Willem Dafoe. On April 19, celebrate National Canadian Film Day with free screenings of Black Ice and Come Children. Hot Docs Festival returns to the Cinema April 27 to May 7, celebrating its landmark 30th anniversary and premiering films like The Man Who Stole Einstein’s Brain, Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella, Joan Baez I Am Noise, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Love to Love You, Donna Summer, and many more. The 2023 Festival will also present the Hot Docs Podcast Festival Showcase and many more exciting special events. Visit the Hot Docs website to view their programming schedule.
Bata Shoe Museum
Mark your calendars! The Bata Shoe Museum is excited to open their new exhibition In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear on April 20, 2023. One of fashion’s most timeless inspirations, representations of flowers have appeared throughout the centuries to symbolize an assortment of expressions. In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear will explore the inspiration that nature has provided as a source of meaning and material for shoemaking across the ages. Book your tickets in advance. Don’t forget they offer FREE admission every Sunday. Every Saturday, join them on their Community Tours, learn about their hands-on collection, try on funky footwear and so much more. Be sure to visit their website to never miss an update!
Gardiner Museum
It’s spring at the Gardiner Museum and there’s creativity blossoming around every corner. There’s only one month left to see the special exhibition Karine Giboulo: Housewarming, closing on May 7. Don’t miss the chance to experience more than 500 miniature clay figures in an immersive recreation of the artist’s home. The exhibition confronts some of society’s most urgent issues—from the pandemic to the climate crisis—with humour and compassion. In the Gardiner’s lobby, the next generation of ceramic artists take centre stage. Until April 23, see the installation Love of Strangers by local ceramic artist and Gardiner Prize winner Mel Wright, and from April 6-23, check out Until Next Time, an exhibition showcasing the work of Ceramics graduates from the Bachelor of Craft and Design program at Sheridan College. Plan your visit at their website.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor, Toronto's most diverse arts and culture district, is a true creative cluster, an arts and culture destination, and a collaboration between some of Toronto's most dynamic arts and culture organizations.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor offers the public a wide variety of arts genres, from museum experiences to films, art exhibitions to music concerts, and opportunities to experience some of Toronto's cultural diversity, including Aboriginal, French, Jewish, Italian, Japanese, Estonian, African and Caribbean arts and culture.
All Bloor St. Culture Corridor organizations present arts and cultural events for the public year-round in destination venues located in a cluster along a vibrant stretch of Bloor Street West. Each year more than three million members of the public go to Bloor St. Culture Corridor arts and culture destinations, and attend exhibitions, performances, and events. Together, the Bloor St. Culture Corridor organizations employ more than 5,500 culture workers and generate more than $629,500,000 in economic impact each year. In 2016, The Bloor St. Culture Corridor was successful in working with the City of Toronto to have the Bloor St. Culture corridor section of Bloor St. West designated an official City of Toronto cultural corridor.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor includes:
918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education: 918 Bathurst St. 918bathurst.com
Alliance Française de Toronto: 24 Spadina Road alliance-francaise.ca
Bata Shoe Museum: 327 Bloor Street West batashoemuseum.ca
A Different Booklist Cultural Centre: 777-779 Bathurst St. adbcc.org
Gardiner Museum: 111 Queen's Park gardinermuseum.com
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema: 506 Bloor Street West hotdocscinema.ca
Istituto Italiano di Cultura: 496 Huron Street iictoronto.esteri.it
The Japan Foundation, Toronto: 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 300 jftor.org
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre: 750 Spadina Ave. mnjcc.org
The Music Gallery: 918 Bathurst St. musicgallery.org
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto: 16 Spadina Road ncct.on.ca
The Randolph Centre for the Arts: 736 Bathurst St. randolphcentreforthearts.com
The Royal Conservatory of Music / Koerner Hall: 273 Bloor Street West rcmusic.com/performance
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): 100 Queen's Park (Entrance on Bloor St. W.) rom.on.ca
Soundstreams: various venues on the Bloor St. Culture Corridor soundstreams.ca
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir: 427 Bloor Street West tafelmusik.org
The Toronto Consort: 427 Bloor Street West torontoconsort.org
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library: 120 St. George St. fisher.library.utoronto.ca
Toronto Reference Library: 789 Yonge Street torontopubliclibrary.ca
University of Toronto Faculty of Music: 80 Queen's Park music.utoronto.ca
VEMU Estonian Museum Canada: 310 Bloor Street West vemu.ca
Women's Art Association of Canada: 23 Prince Arthur Ave. womensartofcanada.ca
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April 2023
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor
Happy Spring! Renewal is in the air as BCC partners host concerts, exhibitions, and much more for the month of April.
To make sure you get even more up-to-date notices, be sure to follow our social media channels - Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You never know what you'll discover next!
The Music Gallery
The second show in this year’s Emergents series at The Music Gallery invites us to dream together, and immerse ourselves in sound. Known for an expansive solo practice as well as his work in Polaris- and JUNO-nominated trio nêhiyawak, amiskwaciy/Edmonton’s Matthew Cardinal joins the Music Gallery with an exploratory set on modular synthesizer and other electronics. Video artist Stephanie Kuse brings the sound to life, with soft visuals inspired by Cardinal’s nighttime flash photography. Opening the evening is clarinetist, keyboardist and vocalist Yolande Laroche. Active in Ottawa-based groups Pony Girl and mal/aimé and solo project Orchidae, Laroche brings their signature experimental-chamber sound to the Music Gallery for the first time, with a new set of reflective music and projected visuals. For more information, visit their website.
VEMU Estonian Museum Canada
On April 2 will be the opening of Estonian Memory Institute's exhibition "A story about Siberia. Photographer Vello Hindreus 1930-2020" with speaker Ülle Kraft. On April 5 at 7pm, join VEMU for some laughs with a laughter yoga workshop taught by Lynn Himmelman. Following this on April 29 will be VEMU's annual fundraising evening. This year's theme, "Japan is Far" is a line of an Estonian poem that highlights their global connections. Enjoy a wonderful dinner with guest speaker Estonian professional sumo wrestler Baruto Kaito aka Kaido Höövelson. Learn about Baruto's journey further at his lecture on April 30 with their partners at The Japan Foundation. More information can be found on their website.
Alliance Française de Toronto
The Alliance Française are delighted to welcome Caroline Monnet's exhibition, SUPERNOVA April 3-29. A lecture will be held online, "The 'Jugendstil' Vienna of Gustav Klimt and His Friends," in French exclusively on April 15 at 2pm. A classical concert called "The Birds concert" will be held by Ensemble la Rêveuse on April 19 at 8pm: Through fascination for birdsong this programme brings to life a certain vision of the music of the 17th and 18th centuries focusing on science, nature and culture (music by Couperin, Rameau, Caix d’Hervelois, Henry Purcell, and Van Eyck). Two movies will also be displayed for free in their theater: "Red Soil" April 6 at 7:30pm and "Bootlegger" April 20 at 7:30pm. Finally, you'll discover "Brotipo" on April 29: A clown duo that, over the course of disputes, acrobats, and private moments, know how to move and make people laugh! Visit their website for more information.
Women's Art Association of Canada
Dignam Gallery presents Pushing Boundaries, a group exhibition by WAAC members Susan Farquhar, Marjorie Moeser, Gillian Morden, and Wendy Weaver April 5-22. Ruth Upjohn Gallery presents WAAC artist member's solo exhibition - Joanne Nelson April 5-15; Sara Petroff April 19-29. WAAC ARTS releases Artist's Voice Spring 2023 speaker series lineup: Temma Gentles, Frank Rodick and Sylvia Galbraith from April through June. Temma Gentles' artist talk, Telling Tales will take place on Zoom on April 20 at 1pm. For registration and more information, please visit their website.
The Royal Conservatory
The Royal Conservatory's April concerts feature the award-winning Italian pianist Beatrice Rana performing piano sonatas by Chopin, Beethoven, and more on April 18. Violinist Blake Pouliot, who has been described as “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime,” (Toronto Star) will perform works by Clara Schumann, Kaija Saariaho, Johannes Brahms, and more with Henry Kramer on piano on April 21. The charismatic Joshua Redman plays the music of Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Wayne Shorter with his trio on April 22. Brel! The Show, a theatrical concert celebrating the music and lyrics of the great French-language singer Jacques Brel, takes place on April 29. Additional performances this month include the ARC Ensemble (Artists of The Royal Conservatory) on April 2, celebrated conductor William Eddins with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra on April 29, and more. Head to their website to learn more.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Celebrate growth and renewal this April with Arts and Culture from the Miles Nadal JCC. On April 3, join art historian Nancy Kotz for a lecture on Passover art objects including seder plates from around the world and images from the celebrated illuminated manuscripts and paintings. Their open-to-all Daytime Choir with director Asher Farber starts on April 4, as does their popular Beginners’ Ukulele course with instructor Susan Baskin. Their Beginner Hebrew classes are open to all who wish to learn the language and start April 20 on Zoom. Also on April 20, enjoy an art lecture, Tamara de Lempicka: Art Deco Diva, with Alexandra Epps, from Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Pottery begins in their studio on April 17 and youth afterschool pottery begins on April 18. More Arts & Culture, Aquatics, Inclusive Jewish Community, LGBTQ+ programs, ECE, Camps, Fitness and Wellness is one click away at their website.
Istituo Italiano di Cultura
On April 4, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura will host a concert with classical guitarist Carlo Fierens. Opening April 12, the virtual exhibition How Does It Feel? Dante’s Emotions Today will allow the viewer to experience Dante’s journey and emotions via an original computer-generated reality experience, transported into a rendering of his Canto 1-11. On April 20, Italy celebrates its research activities and achievements worldwide during the annual Day of Italian Research in the World. For the occasion this year, the Istituto hosts a panel discussion with some of Italy’s most accomplished scientists who will discuss Women in Science. You’re still in time to register for Italian language and culture courses – the deadline is April 3. Click here to learn more about these events and others presented by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura.
ROM
Last chance to visit these popular ROM exhibitions! On now through April 23, 2023, visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Experience 100 new evocative, beautiful and unforgettable photos capturing our precious and perilous natural world. Also on now, Kent Monkman: Being Legendary is included with General Admission until April 16, 2023. Curated by Cree artist Kent Monkman, this exhibition presents an installation of new original paintings by the artist alongside cultural belongings from collections at ROM. Buy tickets now at their website.
IMAGE CREDIT - Treefrog pool party. Image © Brandon Güell, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir
Be among the first in Canada to experience the exhilarating voice of male soprano Samuel Mariño in Tafelmusik's Higher Love: Virtuoso Arias, April 28–29. Following debuts at major European opera houses and with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, 29-year-old Mariño is making a name for himself with his remarkable range, astonishing vocal technique, and electrifying, youthful stage presence. This concert offers the perfect showcase for Mariño’s powerful and agile soprano voice, capable of reaching stratospheric heights with apparent ease. “Quite simply the most extravagantly talented male soprano I have yet heard.” (Opera). Mariño joins the Tafelmusik orchestra for virtuoso baroque opera arias from Handel’s Arminio and Vivaldi’s Il Giustino, among others. For more information on this concert and its open rehearsal, visit their website.
The Japan Foundation, Toronto
Starting in April, JFT will be increasing its Gallery and Library opening hours to all Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with extended opening times on Thursdays. There will be more opportunities to visit its new exhibition, A Sense of Movement: Japanese Sports Posters, available starting on April 20. For guests who cannot visit in person, JFT’s online events continue with the start of a new semester of Japanese language classes. Learn Japanese at various levels from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Canada! Looking for a one-off event? In April, JFT’s Book Club Online will focus on the genre manga. Select a manga to read from JFT’s physical Library or ebook collection, and then share your insights about it at the book club. For more information about both in-person and virtual events, film screenings, classes, and gatherings at JFT, please visit their website.
Soundstreams
On April 13 at 8pm, the series Encounters continues with Blurred Realities at Heliconian Hall. Composers Maziar Heidari, Saman Shahi and Keyan Emami from the Iranian Composers of Toronto (ICOT) will premiere a new work for percussion quartet and electric guitar. Titled Stream of the Unconscious, this work delves into the mind of a displaced person: the ongoing identity battle of a refugee, the constant daydreaming of an immigrant, and their collective efforts to negotiate new meaning in the intersectionality of their lives. Waiting for Godot?, April 22 at 8pm at Redwood Theatre and guest curated by Arlan Vriens, celebrates the small, the immediate, and the intently observed. Like all of us, as the pandemic collapsed our lives, the circumference of Arlan’s daily travels were reduced to more intimate surroundings. Arlan’s concert reflects on this altered attentiveness as a revelatory power and hopefully a catalyst for rebuilding artistic practices in a changed and changing world. Visit their website for more information.
Toronto Reference Library
Toronto Reference Library presents a diverse range of free in-person and online literary and cultural events and conversations. On April 3, enjoy a special night of West African Griot music featuring percussionist Adama Daou from Mali and master drummer Amadou Kienou from Burkina Faso. On April 11, poet and author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai talks about her novel, “Dust Child”, a suspenseful and moving saga about family secrets, hidden trauma and the power of forgiveness. Author Neil Baldwin discusses his new book, "Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern," a biography of the legendary American dancer and choreographer, on April 17. And on April 19, author Kyo Maclear talks about her unforgettable new memoir, “Unearthing”, a captivating and propulsive story of inheritance that goes beyond heredity. Explore these and more programs at tpl.ca.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema's April program will feature a compelling selection of premieres and special events in April. Catch the Toronto premiere of the stirring documentary Judy Blume Forever, which is sure to launch a flood of memories for anyone who’s gripped one of her many paperbacks. Experience the profound cinematic and musical reflection on how rivers have shaped both the planet’s elaborate landscapes and all human existence in River, narrated by Willem Dafoe. On April 19, celebrate National Canadian Film Day with free screenings of Black Ice and Come Children. Hot Docs Festival returns to the Cinema April 27 to May 7, celebrating its landmark 30th anniversary and premiering films like The Man Who Stole Einstein’s Brain, Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella, Joan Baez I Am Noise, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Love to Love You, Donna Summer, and many more. The 2023 Festival will also present the Hot Docs Podcast Festival Showcase and many more exciting special events. Visit the Hot Docs website to view their programming schedule.
Bata Shoe Museum
Mark your calendars! The Bata Shoe Museum is excited to open their new exhibition In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear on April 20, 2023. One of fashion’s most timeless inspirations, representations of flowers have appeared throughout the centuries to symbolize an assortment of expressions. In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear will explore the inspiration that nature has provided as a source of meaning and material for shoemaking across the ages. Book your tickets in advance. Don’t forget they offer FREE admission every Sunday. Every Saturday, join them on their Community Tours, learn about their hands-on collection, try on funky footwear and so much more. Be sure to visit their website to never miss an update!
Gardiner Museum
It’s spring at the Gardiner Museum and there’s creativity blossoming around every corner. There’s only one month left to see the special exhibition Karine Giboulo: Housewarming, closing on May 7. Don’t miss the chance to experience more than 500 miniature clay figures in an immersive recreation of the artist’s home. The exhibition confronts some of society’s most urgent issues—from the pandemic to the climate crisis—with humour and compassion. In the Gardiner’s lobby, the next generation of ceramic artists take centre stage. Until April 23, see the installation Love of Strangers by local ceramic artist and Gardiner Prize winner Mel Wright, and from April 6-23, check out Until Next Time, an exhibition showcasing the work of Ceramics graduates from the Bachelor of Craft and Design program at Sheridan College. Plan your visit at their website.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor, Toronto's most diverse arts and culture district, is a true creative cluster, an arts and culture destination, and a collaboration between some of Toronto's most dynamic arts and culture organizations.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor offers the public a wide variety of arts genres, from museum experiences to films, art exhibitions to music concerts, and opportunities to experience some of Toronto's cultural diversity, including Aboriginal, French, Jewish, Italian, Japanese, Estonian, African and Caribbean arts and culture.
All Bloor St. Culture Corridor organizations present arts and cultural events for the public year-round in destination venues located in a cluster along a vibrant stretch of Bloor Street West. Each year more than three million members of the public go to Bloor St. Culture Corridor arts and culture destinations, and attend exhibitions, performances, and events. Together, the Bloor St. Culture Corridor organizations employ more than 5,500 culture workers and generate more than $629,500,000 in economic impact each year. In 2016, The Bloor St. Culture Corridor was successful in working with the City of Toronto to have the Bloor St. Culture corridor section of Bloor St. West designated an official City of Toronto cultural corridor.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor includes:
918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education: 918 Bathurst St. 918bathurst.com
Alliance Française de Toronto: 24 Spadina Road alliance-francaise.ca
Bata Shoe Museum: 327 Bloor Street West batashoemuseum.ca
A Different Booklist Cultural Centre: 777-779 Bathurst St. adbcc.org
Gardiner Museum: 111 Queen's Park gardinermuseum.com
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema: 506 Bloor Street West hotdocscinema.ca
Istituto Italiano di Cultura: 496 Huron Street iictoronto.esteri.it
The Japan Foundation, Toronto: 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 300 jftor.org
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre: 750 Spadina Ave. mnjcc.org
The Music Gallery: 918 Bathurst St. musicgallery.org
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto: 16 Spadina Road ncct.on.ca
The Randolph Centre for the Arts: 736 Bathurst St. randolphcentreforthearts.com
The Royal Conservatory of Music / Koerner Hall: 273 Bloor Street West rcmusic.com/performance
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): 100 Queen's Park (Entrance on Bloor St. W.) rom.on.ca
Soundstreams: various venues on the Bloor St. Culture Corridor soundstreams.ca
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir: 427 Bloor Street West tafelmusik.org
The Toronto Consort: 427 Bloor Street West torontoconsort.org
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library: 120 St. George St. fisher.library.utoronto.ca
Toronto Reference Library: 789 Yonge Street torontopubliclibrary.ca
University of Toronto Faculty of Music: 80 Queen's Park music.utoronto.ca
VEMU Estonian Museum Canada: 310 Bloor Street West vemu.ca
Women's Art Association of Canada: 23 Prince Arthur Ave. womensartofcanada.ca
Bloor St. Culture Corridor
273 Bloor Street West,
Toronto, ON M5S 1W2
(416) 879 0283
Contact Us
April 2023
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor
Happy Spring! Renewal is in the air as BCC partners host concerts, exhibitions, and much more for the month of April.
To make sure you get even more up-to-date notices, be sure to follow our social media channels - Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You never know what you'll discover next!
The Music Gallery
The second show in this year’s Emergents series at The Music Gallery invites us to dream together, and immerse ourselves in sound. Known for an expansive solo practice as well as his work in Polaris- and JUNO-nominated trio nêhiyawak, amiskwaciy/Edmonton’s Matthew Cardinal joins the Music Gallery with an exploratory set on modular synthesizer and other electronics. Video artist Stephanie Kuse brings the sound to life, with soft visuals inspired by Cardinal’s nighttime flash photography. Opening the evening is clarinetist, keyboardist and vocalist Yolande Laroche. Active in Ottawa-based groups Pony Girl and mal/aimé and solo project Orchidae, Laroche brings their signature experimental-chamber sound to the Music Gallery for the first time, with a new set of reflective music and projected visuals. For more information, visit their website.
VEMU Estonian Museum Canada
On April 2 will be the opening of Estonian Memory Institute's exhibition "A story about Siberia. Photographer Vello Hindreus 1930-2020" with speaker Ülle Kraft. On April 5 at 7pm, join VEMU for some laughs with a laughter yoga workshop taught by Lynn Himmelman. Following this on April 29 will be VEMU's annual fundraising evening. This year's theme, "Japan is Far" is a line of an Estonian poem that highlights their global connections. Enjoy a wonderful dinner with guest speaker Estonian professional sumo wrestler Baruto Kaito aka Kaido Höövelson. Learn about Baruto's journey further at his lecture on April 30 with their partners at The Japan Foundation. More information can be found on their website.
Alliance Française de Toronto
The Alliance Française are delighted to welcome Caroline Monnet's exhibition, SUPERNOVA April 3-29. A lecture will be held online, "The 'Jugendstil' Vienna of Gustav Klimt and His Friends," in French exclusively on April 15 at 2pm. A classical concert called "The Birds concert" will be held by Ensemble la Rêveuse on April 19 at 8pm: Through fascination for birdsong this programme brings to life a certain vision of the music of the 17th and 18th centuries focusing on science, nature and culture (music by Couperin, Rameau, Caix d’Hervelois, Henry Purcell, and Van Eyck). Two movies will also be displayed for free in their theater: "Red Soil" April 6 at 7:30pm and "Bootlegger" April 20 at 7:30pm. Finally, you'll discover "Brotipo" on April 29: A clown duo that, over the course of disputes, acrobats, and private moments, know how to move and make people laugh! Visit their website for more information.
Women's Art Association of Canada
Dignam Gallery presents Pushing Boundaries, a group exhibition by WAAC members Susan Farquhar, Marjorie Moeser, Gillian Morden, and Wendy Weaver April 5-22. Ruth Upjohn Gallery presents WAAC artist member's solo exhibition - Joanne Nelson April 5-15; Sara Petroff April 19-29. WAAC ARTS releases Artist's Voice Spring 2023 speaker series lineup: Temma Gentles, Frank Rodick and Sylvia Galbraith from April through June. Temma Gentles' artist talk, Telling Tales will take place on Zoom on April 20 at 1pm. For registration and more information, please visit their website.
The Royal Conservatory
The Royal Conservatory's April concerts feature the award-winning Italian pianist Beatrice Rana performing piano sonatas by Chopin, Beethoven, and more on April 18. Violinist Blake Pouliot, who has been described as “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime,” (Toronto Star) will perform works by Clara Schumann, Kaija Saariaho, Johannes Brahms, and more with Henry Kramer on piano on April 21. The charismatic Joshua Redman plays the music of Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Wayne Shorter with his trio on April 22. Brel! The Show, a theatrical concert celebrating the music and lyrics of the great French-language singer Jacques Brel, takes place on April 29. Additional performances this month include the ARC Ensemble (Artists of The Royal Conservatory) on April 2, celebrated conductor William Eddins with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra on April 29, and more. Head to their website to learn more.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Celebrate growth and renewal this April with Arts and Culture from the Miles Nadal JCC. On April 3, join art historian Nancy Kotz for a lecture on Passover art objects including seder plates from around the world and images from the celebrated illuminated manuscripts and paintings. Their open-to-all Daytime Choir with director Asher Farber starts on April 4, as does their popular Beginners’ Ukulele course with instructor Susan Baskin. Their Beginner Hebrew classes are open to all who wish to learn the language and start April 20 on Zoom. Also on April 20, enjoy an art lecture, Tamara de Lempicka: Art Deco Diva, with Alexandra Epps, from Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Pottery begins in their studio on April 17 and youth afterschool pottery begins on April 18. More Arts & Culture, Aquatics, Inclusive Jewish Community, LGBTQ+ programs, ECE, Camps, Fitness and Wellness is one click away at their website.
Istituo Italiano di Cultura
On April 4, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura will host a concert with classical guitarist Carlo Fierens. Opening April 12, the virtual exhibition How Does It Feel? Dante’s Emotions Today will allow the viewer to experience Dante’s journey and emotions via an original computer-generated reality experience, transported into a rendering of his Canto 1-11. On April 20, Italy celebrates its research activities and achievements worldwide during the annual Day of Italian Research in the World. For the occasion this year, the Istituto hosts a panel discussion with some of Italy’s most accomplished scientists who will discuss Women in Science. You’re still in time to register for Italian language and culture courses – the deadline is April 3. Click here to learn more about these events and others presented by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura.
ROM
Last chance to visit these popular ROM exhibitions! On now through April 23, 2023, visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Experience 100 new evocative, beautiful and unforgettable photos capturing our precious and perilous natural world. Also on now, Kent Monkman: Being Legendary is included with General Admission until April 16, 2023. Curated by Cree artist Kent Monkman, this exhibition presents an installation of new original paintings by the artist alongside cultural belongings from collections at ROM. Buy tickets now at their website.
IMAGE CREDIT - Treefrog pool party. Image © Brandon Güell, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir
Be among the first in Canada to experience the exhilarating voice of male soprano Samuel Mariño in Tafelmusik's Higher Love: Virtuoso Arias, April 28–29. Following debuts at major European opera houses and with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, 29-year-old Mariño is making a name for himself with his remarkable range, astonishing vocal technique, and electrifying, youthful stage presence. This concert offers the perfect showcase for Mariño’s powerful and agile soprano voice, capable of reaching stratospheric heights with apparent ease. “Quite simply the most extravagantly talented male soprano I have yet heard.” (Opera). Mariño joins the Tafelmusik orchestra for virtuoso baroque opera arias from Handel’s Arminio and Vivaldi’s Il Giustino, among others. For more information on this concert and its open rehearsal, visit their website.
The Japan Foundation, Toronto
Starting in April, JFT will be increasing its Gallery and Library opening hours to all Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with extended opening times on Thursdays. There will be more opportunities to visit its new exhibition, A Sense of Movement: Japanese Sports Posters, available starting on April 20. For guests who cannot visit in person, JFT’s online events continue with the start of a new semester of Japanese language classes. Learn Japanese at various levels from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Canada! Looking for a one-off event? In April, JFT’s Book Club Online will focus on the genre manga. Select a manga to read from JFT’s physical Library or ebook collection, and then share your insights about it at the book club. For more information about both in-person and virtual events, film screenings, classes, and gatherings at JFT, please visit their website.
Soundstreams
On April 13 at 8pm, the series Encounters continues with Blurred Realities at Heliconian Hall. Composers Maziar Heidari, Saman Shahi and Keyan Emami from the Iranian Composers of Toronto (ICOT) will premiere a new work for percussion quartet and electric guitar. Titled Stream of the Unconscious, this work delves into the mind of a displaced person: the ongoing identity battle of a refugee, the constant daydreaming of an immigrant, and their collective efforts to negotiate new meaning in the intersectionality of their lives. Waiting for Godot?, April 22 at 8pm at Redwood Theatre and guest curated by Arlan Vriens, celebrates the small, the immediate, and the intently observed. Like all of us, as the pandemic collapsed our lives, the circumference of Arlan’s daily travels were reduced to more intimate surroundings. Arlan’s concert reflects on this altered attentiveness as a revelatory power and hopefully a catalyst for rebuilding artistic practices in a changed and changing world. Visit their website for more information.
Toronto Reference Library
Toronto Reference Library presents a diverse range of free in-person and online literary and cultural events and conversations. On April 3, enjoy a special night of West African Griot music featuring percussionist Adama Daou from Mali and master drummer Amadou Kienou from Burkina Faso. On April 11, poet and author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai talks about her novel, “Dust Child”, a suspenseful and moving saga about family secrets, hidden trauma and the power of forgiveness. Author Neil Baldwin discusses his new book, "Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern," a biography of the legendary American dancer and choreographer, on April 17. And on April 19, author Kyo Maclear talks about her unforgettable new memoir, “Unearthing”, a captivating and propulsive story of inheritance that goes beyond heredity. Explore these and more programs at tpl.ca.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema's April program will feature a compelling selection of premieres and special events in April. Catch the Toronto premiere of the stirring documentary Judy Blume Forever, which is sure to launch a flood of memories for anyone who’s gripped one of her many paperbacks. Experience the profound cinematic and musical reflection on how rivers have shaped both the planet’s elaborate landscapes and all human existence in River, narrated by Willem Dafoe. On April 19, celebrate National Canadian Film Day with free screenings of Black Ice and Come Children. Hot Docs Festival returns to the Cinema April 27 to May 7, celebrating its landmark 30th anniversary and premiering films like The Man Who Stole Einstein’s Brain, Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella, Joan Baez I Am Noise, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Love to Love You, Donna Summer, and many more. The 2023 Festival will also present the Hot Docs Podcast Festival Showcase and many more exciting special events. Visit the Hot Docs website to view their programming schedule.
Bata Shoe Museum
Mark your calendars! The Bata Shoe Museum is excited to open their new exhibition In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear on April 20, 2023. One of fashion’s most timeless inspirations, representations of flowers have appeared throughout the centuries to symbolize an assortment of expressions. In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear will explore the inspiration that nature has provided as a source of meaning and material for shoemaking across the ages. Book your tickets in advance. Don’t forget they offer FREE admission every Sunday. Every Saturday, join them on their Community Tours, learn about their hands-on collection, try on funky footwear and so much more. Be sure to visit their website to never miss an update!
Gardiner Museum
It’s spring at the Gardiner Museum and there’s creativity blossoming around every corner. There’s only one month left to see the special exhibition Karine Giboulo: Housewarming, closing on May 7. Don’t miss the chance to experience more than 500 miniature clay figures in an immersive recreation of the artist’s home. The exhibition confronts some of society’s most urgent issues—from the pandemic to the climate crisis—with humour and compassion. In the Gardiner’s lobby, the next generation of ceramic artists take centre stage. Until April 23, see the installation Love of Strangers by local ceramic artist and Gardiner Prize winner Mel Wright, and from April 6-23, check out Until Next Time, an exhibition showcasing the work of Ceramics graduates from the Bachelor of Craft and Design program at Sheridan College. Plan your visit at their website.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor, Toronto's most diverse arts and culture district, is a true creative cluster, an arts and culture destination, and a collaboration between some of Toronto's most dynamic arts and culture organizations.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor offers the public a wide variety of arts genres, from museum experiences to films, art exhibitions to music concerts, and opportunities to experience some of Toronto's cultural diversity, including Aboriginal, French, Jewish, Italian, Japanese, Estonian, African and Caribbean arts and culture.
All Bloor St. Culture Corridor organizations present arts and cultural events for the public year-round in destination venues located in a cluster along a vibrant stretch of Bloor Street West. Each year more than three million members of the public go to Bloor St. Culture Corridor arts and culture destinations, and attend exhibitions, performances, and events. Together, the Bloor St. Culture Corridor organizations employ more than 5,500 culture workers and generate more than $629,500,000 in economic impact each year. In 2016, The Bloor St. Culture Corridor was successful in working with the City of Toronto to have the Bloor St. Culture corridor section of Bloor St. West designated an official City of Toronto cultural corridor.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor includes:
918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education: 918 Bathurst St. 918bathurst.com
Alliance Française de Toronto: 24 Spadina Road alliance-francaise.ca
Bata Shoe Museum: 327 Bloor Street West batashoemuseum.ca
A Different Booklist Cultural Centre: 777-779 Bathurst St. adbcc.org
Gardiner Museum: 111 Queen's Park gardinermuseum.com
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema: 506 Bloor Street West hotdocscinema.ca
Istituto Italiano di Cultura: 496 Huron Street iictoronto.esteri.it
The Japan Foundation, Toronto: 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 300 jftor.org
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre: 750 Spadina Ave. mnjcc.org
The Music Gallery: 918 Bathurst St. musicgallery.org
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto: 16 Spadina Road ncct.on.ca
The Randolph Centre for the Arts: 736 Bathurst St. randolphcentreforthearts.com
The Royal Conservatory of Music / Koerner Hall: 273 Bloor Street West rcmusic.com/performance
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): 100 Queen's Park (Entrance on Bloor St. W.) rom.on.ca
Soundstreams: various venues on the Bloor St. Culture Corridor soundstreams.ca
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir: 427 Bloor Street West tafelmusik.org
The Toronto Consort: 427 Bloor Street West torontoconsort.org
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library: 120 St. George St. fisher.library.utoronto.ca
Toronto Reference Library: 789 Yonge Street torontopubliclibrary.ca
University of Toronto Faculty of Music: 80 Queen's Park music.utoronto.ca
VEMU Estonian Museum Canada: 310 Bloor Street West vemu.ca
Women's Art Association of Canada: 23 Prince Arthur Ave. womensartofcanada.ca
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Sandra P. 4/1/2023 |
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