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Sublime Delights: Music of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Sibelius, Programme Notes

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  by Trevor Rines Musician and actor Trevor Rines shares stories and thoughts about OT's Sublime Delights programme. Listening Landmarks (special spots to listen for in the music) are in boldface. Johannes Brahms, Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80, 1880 Johannes Brahms, 1887 This concert begins with a joke.   Almost exactly 140 years ago, Johannes Brahms himself mounted the podium (likely wearing a mischievous smirk), to conduct the premiere of his brand new composition, the Academic Festival Overture. He’d already sent the University of Breslau, in Poland, a nice thank-you postcard, for the lovely Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy they’d given him the previous year. But apparently that just wasn’t enough for them. They’d insisted that he compose a musical thank you and requested that he write them “a fine symphony.”   Brahms was known to be a bit of a joker. For this new piece, he had assembled the largest orchestra he ever employed. There were even a bass drum and cymbals, whic

Orchestra Toronto Presents its First Concert Video with Classic Delights

  Toronto, Ontario – December 16, 2020 – After having practiced and prepared and then having performances cancelled, Orchestra Toronto is excited to be able to bring its Sublime Delights concert, with special guest David Jalbert, to the Internet. Beginning December 17, 2020, for one month, Orchestra Toronto is posting a recorded performance, featuring pieces from Beethoven, Mozart, Sibelius and Brahms. Tickets are available now through the Orchestra Toronto website ( www.orchestratoronto.ca ) or Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/OrchestraToronto ) with the recording being available from December 17, 2020 to January 17, 2021 at midnight. Not being able to share their music has been difficult for the musicians. Having carefully consulted all the available public health guidelines and the most current research and recommendations, as well as putting myriad precautions in place, the musicians and guest artists assembled to record their very first concert video.   With the safety o