Ridiculously short notice I know but VOICEBOX/Opera in Concert’ are closing their season with Verdi’s Stiffelio this afternoon at the St. Lawrence Centre. This 1850 workconcerns an adultery in the house of a Protestant minister and was so severely censored by the Italian authorities that Verdi withdrew it in 1856 and it’s rarely seen. VOICEBOX will present the scholarly edition prepared from the Carrara family MS in the early 90’s. It’s a concert performance with piano accompaniment featuring Ernesto Ramirez, Laura Albino and Geoffrey Sirett.
On Wednesday there’s a rare performance of Gagliano’s La Dafne by Capella Intima and the Toronto Continuo Collective. An ensemble of dramatic voices accompanied by lutes, theorbos, harpsichord and viola da gamba will present Ovid’s tale of Apollo and Daphne. It’s at noon and forms part of the COC’s free concert series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre.
Finally, on March 3rd Toronto Masque Theatre is presenting a soirée on the history of the masque form. There will be panel discussions and performances by soprano Patricia O’Callaghan, guitarist Ken Whiteley and others. It’s at 7.30pm at 21 Shaftesbury Avenue, Toronto. Tickets are by donation ($20 suggested) and seating is limited so registration is required either online at torontomasquetheatre.com or by calling 416-410-4561.