JOM Events
Winterberries III
Joy of Music returns to the Betty Oliphant Theatre for a third visit with our signature event, Winterberries. This two-part chamber concert brings brilliant, new-generation classical musicians – all current students or alumna of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Glenn Gould School – Chris Au (piano), Isabella Perron (violin), Anna Stube (violin), Laurence Schaufele (viola) and Sabina Sandvoss (cello) onto the stage of the Betty Oliphant Theatre where the potency of their musicianship is further elevated through the lighting design of Gabriel Cropley.
In act one the musicians are joined by dancers Sonja Boretski, Miyeko Ferguson, Katherine Semchuk and Jera Wolfe in the performance of three ravishing choreographic works – the solo Brahms Waltzes (1992) by Peggy Baker, as well as two 2026 works by resident choreographer Jera Wolfe: the quartet Vestige to music by of Ravel arranged by Chris Au, and the duet Within Reason (2026) to music by Canadian composer Toby Johnston-Stewart.
Act two is devoted the performance of a stormy masterpiece - Johannes Brahms’ F minor Piano Quintet, Op. 34.
Musicians and Dancers in Concert – New Inspirations COC Free Concert Series
Artistic catalyst, Joy of Music, offers a gorgeous array of works for piano, violin, and cello brought vividly to life through recent choreographic works by Peggy Baker and Jera Wolfe. Brilliant new generation classical musicians led by Artistic Director Chris Au are joined in performance by some of Toronto’s most compelling contemporary dancers. Be moved, uplifted and inspired by these remarkable artists!
In Motion II
Striking works for piano, violin, viola, and cello are brought vividly into action through the distinctive choreographic signatures of Jera Wolfe and Peggy Baker. Chris Au (piano), Isabella Perron (violin), Laurence Schaufele (violin, viola), and Joanne Yesol Choi (cello), join dancers Sonja Boretski, Miyeko Ferguson, Derek Souvannavong, Jera Wolfe and emerging artists from the Company Life Program of Canada’s National Ballet School in a chamber concert charged with the synergistic immediacy of extraordinary artists meeting across disciplines and generations.
In Motion II
Striking works for piano, violin, viola, and cello are brought vividly into action through the distinctive choreographic signatures of Jera Wolfe and Peggy Baker. Chris Au (piano), Isabella Perron (violin), Laurence Schaufele (violin, viola), and Joanne Yesol Choi (cello), join dancers Sonja Boretski, Miyeko Ferguson, Derek Souvannavong, Jera Wolfe and emerging artists from the Company Life Program of Canada’s National Ballet School in a chamber concert charged with the synergistic immediacy of extraordinary artists meeting across disciplines and generations.
In Motion II
Striking works for piano, violin, viola, and cello are brought vividly into action through the distinctive choreographic signatures of Jera Wolfe and Peggy Baker. Chris Au (piano), Isabella Perron (violin), Laurence Schaufele (violin, viola), and Joanne Yesol Choi (cello), join dancers Sonja Boretski, Miyeko Ferguson, Derek Souvannavong, Jera Wolfe and emerging artists from the Company Life Program of Canada’s National Ballet School in a chamber concert charged with the synergistic immediacy of extraordinary artists meeting across disciplines and generations.
Fullest Flowering
Led by pianist Chris Au, the extraordinary musicians of Joy of Music perform a gorgeous array of concert pieces brought vividly to life by dancers from the worlds of classical ballet and contemporary dance. The sumptuous White Swan pas de deux is featured alongside new and recent works by esteemed Toronto choreographers Jera Wolfe and Peggy Baker. A concert as lush and bounteous as the garden of Joy of Music’s founder, Mary Gore.
In Motion
Join us for an exhilarating and intimate evening of contemporary dance and live chamber music performed by some of Canada's youngest stars!
IN MOTION is a fresh initiative led by our beloved Peggy Baker, joined by choreographers Peggy, Robert Stephen and Jera Wolfe, dancers Robert, Jera, Miyeko Ferguson, Sonja Boretski, and members of the National Ballet School Company Life Partner Program, and with musicians Isabella Perron (violin), Joanne Yesol Choi (cello), and myself (Chris). Lighting design by the wizard Gabriel Cropley.
It offers a week of intense rehearsals and performances that explore improvisation, togetherness, and collaboration; we are bringing together musicians from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) of the highest calibre with choreographers and contemporary dancers in an intimate setting--The Citadel Ross Centre for Dance.
The addition of the National Ballet School’s Company Life Program, as well as musicians from the RCM solidifies the synergy between organisations in the artistically diverse city of Toronto.
Winterberries II
For our second winter showcase titled Winterberries II, we are featuring violinist Timothy Chooi, cellist Sophie van der Sloot, and pianist Chris Au - all musicians of international acclaim. They will be performing alongside contemporary dancers; jaw-dropping talents such as Jera Wolfe, Katherine Semchuk, Jessica Runge, Emily Spearing, as well as Derek Souvannavong. We are grateful to have Peggy Baker and Jera Wolfe choreographing something new for us this showcase, and to bring back a piece choreographed by Emily Spearing.
Summer in focus
An array of gorgeous works for piano, harp, and violin brought vividly to life by dancers from the world of classical ballet and contemporary dance. Timeless pas de deux from Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet are offered alongside new works by esteemed Toronto choreographers Jera Wolfe and Peggy Baker, and a solo by the magnificent principal dancer, Harrison James.
https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/enjoy/special-events/edwards-summer-music-series/
Winterberries
Our 2025 year at JOM begins with a culmination of our most beloved and striking performers in both dance and chamber music!
