The Royal Conservatory of Music has released its complete lineup of its 16th concert season, which includes performances by jazz acts such as Monty Alexander, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Branford Marsalis, and Yellowjackets.
The Royal Conservatory previously released a preview of the season back in February. Now, they’ve released their full schedule featuring over 80 live concerts coming to Koerner Hall starting this fall.
This season marks the debut of Alexander Brose, the newly minted Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO Designate of The Royal Conservatory.
“As I embark upon my first year as the new Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory, it is an absolute joy to present our newest calendar of thrilling concerts,” said Brose. “From established artists to rising stars representing Canada and the world, the year ahead will surely see memorable performances in all three of our spectacular venues. I hope you will join us at the RCM, one of the world’s great music institutions, for an unforgettable artistic journey this year.”
Take a look at the jazz concerts taking place this season:
October 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.
December 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.
February 8, 2025 — An Evening with Branford Marsalis
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.
February 20, 2025 – ¡Viva la música cubana! Harold López-Nussa with Grégoire Maret and Hilario Durán with His Latin Jazz Big Band
A mid-winter Latin excursion on February 20 highlights Cuban artists with the Harold López-Nussa Quartet
featuring harmonica player Grégoire Maret, and celebrated Juno Award-winning, Grammy nominated pianist and
composer Hilario Durán with his 19-piece Latin jazz big band. This will be Durán’s ninth appearance in Koerner Hall.
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, 2025 — 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 lineup also includes performances by Aaron Davis with Margaret Atwood, Sheku Kanneh-Mason with Isata Kanneh-Mason, Valerie Coleman; debuts by Rufus Wainwright, the Cesária Évora Orchestra,Thandiswa Mazwai and Benjamin Grosvenor; and a special concert to commemorate National Day of Truth and Reconciliation featuring Tanya Tagaq and Emma Pennell.
To purchase tickets, subscriptions or see the full lineup, visit Performance | The Royal Conservatory of Music (rcmusic.com).