Hearing Her Voice

When Amanda Forsythe steps onto the stage at Trinity-St. Paul’s, you aren’t just hearing a soprano; you are witnessing a masterclass in vocal agility. Known for her "jaw-dropping" technical precision and an ability to imbue even the most complex Baroque ornamentation with raw, human emotion, Forsythe has become a favourite among Toronto’s early music aficionados. Her return to Tafelmusik for *Hearing Her Voice* is a major event, not only because of her star power but because of the radical, long-overdue curation of the program itself.

Unearthing the Baroque Masters

For too long, the history of classical music has been presented as a boys' club. *Hearing Her Voice* dismantles that narrative by turning the spotlight on women who were, in their own time, formidable forces. You’ll hear the music of Barbara Strozzi, a Venetian composer who was arguably more prolific than many of her male contemporaries, and Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, a child prodigy who dazzled the court of Louis XIV.

What makes this program particularly special is the inclusion of figures like the enigmatic Mrs. Philarmonica and the aristocratic Maria Teresa Agnesi. These aren't just historical footnotes; they are composers who navigated restrictive societal structures to create music that is dramatic, intellectually rigorous, and deeply moving. Hearing these works performed on period instruments by the Tafelmusik orchestra—an ensemble that has spent decades perfecting the art of historical performance—will provide a level of textural clarity and colour that modern instruments simply cannot replicate.

A Bridge to the Present

The true brilliance of this program lies in its refusal to treat female composition as a relic of the past. By commissioning a new work from Métis composer Karen Sunabacka, Tafelmusik is making a bold statement: the lineage of female creativity is unbroken. Sunabacka, whose work is frequently praised for its evocative, spacious quality, is collaborating with her mother, the Métis writer Joyce Clouston, for this piece. It promises to be a deeply personal, resonant addition to the repertoire, grounding the historical brilliance of the Baroque era in the lived experience of contemporary Canadian artistry.

The Venue: A Toronto Institution

Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church, located right on the edge of the Annex, is more than just a concert hall; it is a spiritual and cultural anchor for the neighbourhood. Its acoustics are legendary in Toronto’s classical scene—warm, resonant, and forgiving, which is essential for the gut-string violins and harpsichords that Tafelmusik employs. The space itself, with its soaring ceilings and historic architecture, forces you to slow down and listen with intent. It’s a rare, quiet sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city.

Getting There & Making a Night of It

Trinity-St. Paul’s is incredibly accessible, located just steps from Spadina subway station. If you’re heading there for an evening performance, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Annex.

Before the show, skip the chain restaurants and head to one of the neighbourhood’s long-standing gems. For a pre-concert bite, grab a casual, hearty meal at one of the many spots along Bloor Street West. If you have time for a post-show drink to process the music, the area is packed with cozy pubs and wine bars that offer a more intimate atmosphere than the downtown core. Given the popularity of Tafelmusik’s guest-artist programs, I highly recommend booking your tickets well in advance—this is the kind of show that sells out once word gets out about Forsythe’s performance.

Good to Know

• **Acoustics**: The church is large, but the sound carries beautifully. If you want to see the musicians' expressions, aim for the centre-aisle seats in the first ten rows.
• **Accessibility**: The venue has made strides in accessibility, but it is an older building; check the Tafelmusik website for specific seating requirements if you have mobility concerns.
• **The Vibe**: This is a sophisticated crowd, but it’s a welcoming one. Don’t feel intimidated if you aren’t a classical music expert—the program notes provided by Tafelmusik are always top-tier and will give you all the context you need to appreciate the history behind the notes.