Music Toronto: Steven Isserlis and Connie Shih
Thursday, April 23, 2026
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Jane Mallett Theatre
There is a specific kind of magic that occurs when two musicians have been playing together for as long as Steven Isserlis and Connie Shih. It’s not just technical precision—though they possess that in spades—it’s a shared language, a telepathic understanding that turns a duo performance into a single, breathing entity. When they take the stage at the Jane Mallett Theatre on April 23, Toronto audiences are in for the kind of chamber music experience that reminds you why we still pack into concert halls in the digital age.
The Artists and the Atmosphere Steven Isserlis is something of a legend in the classical world, and not just for his signature shock of hair or his mastery of the gut-strung cello. He is a polymath—a broadcaster, a writer of children’s books about composers, and a fierce advocate for the 'authentic' sound, often playing with a historical sensibility that makes even the most familiar works feel like they’ve been freshly unearthed. Pairing him with Connie Shih, a pianist whose own reputation for profound musicality and technical command is global, creates a dynamic that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply emotional.
What makes this particular evening in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood so compelling is the programming. Isserlis is known for his curiosity, and he’s chosen to highlight the *Ritournelle* by Vitezslava Kaprálová. Kaprálová was a Czech prodigy whose voice was silenced far too early, and bringing her work to the forefront is a quintessential Isserlis move—he doesn’t just play the hits; he expands our collective musical memory.
A Rising Star in the Spotlight Before the main event, the evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-concert performance by Eric Guo. If you haven’t been following Guo’s trajectory, you should start now. As a top prize winner at the 2023 Chopin Competition on Period Instruments, he has been making waves internationally, moving beyond the standard concert circuit to explore the specific colours and textures of historical pianos. Being named one of CBC’s '30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30' is just the beginning for him; hearing him in the acoustic clarity of the Jane Mallett is a treat for anyone who appreciates the nuance of the piano.
The Venue The Jane Mallett Theatre is arguably one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets for chamber music. Tucked away within the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, it offers an intimacy that larger venues like Roy Thomson Hall simply cannot replicate. The sightlines are excellent, and the acoustics are warm and forgiving, making it the perfect setting for the subtle interplay between cello and piano.
Getting There and Making a Night of It Located at 27 Front Street East, the theatre is right in the heart of the historic St. Lawrence neighbourhood. If you’re arriving by transit, it’s a short walk from Union Station, making it incredibly accessible.
Since you’ll be in the area, lean into the neighbourhood’s charm. Before the show, grab a pre-concert bite at one of the many excellent spots nearby. If you’re looking for something classic, the restaurants along Front Street offer plenty of options, from upscale bistro fare to quick, high-quality bites. If you have time before the 6:30 p.m. pre-concert start, a quick stroll through the St. Lawrence Market—just a block away—is a must, though keep an eye on the clock; it’s easy to lose track of time among the cheese mongers and bakers.
