The Royal Conservatory of Music has announced part of the lineup of its 16th concert season, which includes performances by Monty Alexander, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Branford Marsalis, and Yellowjackets.
More than 30 live concerts were announced to be coming to Koerner Hall in Toronto in the coming year, with the entire lineup of more than 80 events to be revealed in early June.
“What a joy it has been to bring together the artists that will visit us,” said Mervon Mehta, the Royal Conservatory’s executive director of performing arts. “None of this is conceivable without the support of our donors and our loyal subscribers. The incredible artists of our 2023-24 season brought us back from the brink and the future looks bright indeed.”
Here are the jazz concerts announced Tuesday:
Oct. 19, 2024 — Monty Alexander 80th Birthday and the Jay Douglas All-Stars
A Jamaican jazz jam in honour of Monty Alexander’s 80th birthday. The Grammy-nominated pianist is a Jamaican classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. Juno nominee Jay Douglas has performed at festivals worldwide and has worked with a vast lineup of international reggae stars.
Dec. 14, 2024 — Emilie-Claire Barlow: Winter Wonderland
Canada’s award-winning jazz songbird Emilie-Claire Barlow doles out some holiday cheer with her all-star band. The critically acclaimed artist is not only a jazz singer, but also an arranger, record producer, and voice actress. A two-time Juno Award winner, she has released 12 self-produced albums on her own label, Empress Music Group.
Feb. 8, 2025 — Branford Marsalis Quartet
NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner, and Tony Award nominee Branford Marsalis returns to Koerner Hall with his formidable quartet. From his initial recognition as a young jazz lion, Marsalis has expanded his vision as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator, crossing stylistic boundaries while maintaining an unwavering creative integrity.
April 26, 2025 — Yellowjackets and All-Star Big Band
The Grammy Award-winning quartet Yellowjackets joins forces with a hand-picked Toronto big band to blow the roof off Koerner Hall. Throughout their storied 43-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 25 albums, received 17 Grammy Award nominations — winning two — performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success.
April 30, 2024 — Sullivan Fortner Trio and Barbra Lica Quintet
Celebrate International Jazz Day with two young artists making their mark: Grammy Award-winning piano virtuoso Sullivan Fortner and Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Barbra Lica. For the past decade, Fortner has been stretching deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, bandleader, and uncompromising individualist. In addition to associations with such diverse voices as Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Diane Reeves, Etienne Charles, and John Scofield, Fortner’s frequent and longtime collaborators have included Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stefon Harris, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Fred Hersch, and the late Roy Hargrove. Toronto singer-songwriter Lica is a seasoned act on the club and festival circuit, including performances at New York’s legendary Birdland and festivals around the world. She has opened for the likes of Christian McBride, Pat Metheny, Bob Dorough, and Terence Blanchard.
The Koerner Hall lineup announced to date also includes 28 classical concerts and four performances of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.
“This upcoming year will be my first as president and CEO of the Royal Conservatory, and I am thrilled that the exceptional calibre of Koerner Hall artists to-date will continue in this 16th season,” said Alexander Brose. “I am looking forward to seeing these distinguished artists — some of whom are returning, others who are gracing our stage for the first time — perform at the Royal Conservatory. I thank our donors, sponsors, and patrons for their generosity and for their support of our mission to develop human potential.”
The presale for subscribers begins Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 8, at 10 a.m.
See the full lineup at rcmusic.com.