Summer Piano Practice: A time to recharge

Good weather has arrived, the birds are back, flowers are out, the sun is high in the sky. Human nature being what it is, new wonderful distractions present themselves. What to do?

​Here are 10 ideas to recharge enthusiasm. 

1. Mirvish Productions. Annie. Music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, book by Thomas Meehan. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St.. 416-872-1212. $29-200. Opens Apr 24, 7:30pm. Runs to May 27. Tues-Sat(7:30pm), Wed/Sat/Sun(1:30pm).
2. Canadian Opera Company. Anna Bolena. Donizetti. Sondra Radvanovsky, soprano (Anna Bolena); Eric Owens, bass-baritone (Henry VIII); Keri Alkema, soprano (Giovanna Seymour); Allyson McHardy, mezzo (Smeton); and others; Stephen Lawless, director. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W.. 416-363-8231.
3. Summer camp #1 New Orleans Traditional Jazz Camp 
   
4. Summer Camp # 2 Stanford Jazz Workshop
5. May 23 12pm: Canadian Opera Company. Jazz Series: Joy Spring. Big band favourites. JAZZ.FM Youth Big Band; Jules Estrin, conductor. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W.. 416-363-8231. Free.
6. Learn some new music
7. May 23 8:00: Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Beethoven Emperor Concerto. Saariaho: Ciel d’hiver (North American premiere); Ives: Symphony No.2; Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.5 “Emperor”. Yefim Bronfman, piano; Osmo Vänskä, conductor.
8. 21C Music Festival​ May 23-27/2018 TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY MUSIC FESTIVAL TODAY’S MOST INNOVATIVE MUSICIANS BRING US FRESH NEW SOUNDS AND IDEAS
9. Get the piano tuned
10. At Lake Field Music camp, adults of all ages and abilities come together to share their love of music-making. 

​The bottom line? Get out there and experience something new this summer. 

​Further resources for Toronto:  Whole note magazine.                       
Best, 

David