Steven Isserlis, cello and Connie Shih, piano

When Steven Isserlis steps onto a stage, you aren't just hearing a cello; you are witnessing a lifetime of intellectual curiosity and deeply felt emotion translated through gut strings and wood. Paired with the formidable Canadian pianist Connie Shih—a musician whose technical command is matched only by her sensitivity—this upcoming performance at the Jane Mallett Theatre is arguably the most anticipated chamber music event of the spring season. These two have developed a musical shorthand that feels almost telepathic, honed through years of touring the world’s most prestigious stages, from the hallowed halls of London’s Wigmore to the grand stages of Berlin.

A Program of Depth and Discovery

What sets an Isserlis recital apart is the curation. He is never content to simply run through the ‘greatest hits’ of the cello repertoire. While this program features the pillars of the canon—Beethoven’s *12 Variations on a Theme from The Magic Flute* and his *Sonata No. 3 in A major*—the inclusion of Vítězslava Kaprálová’s *Ritournelle* is a quintessential Isserlis touch. Kaprálová, a brilliant Czech composer whose life was tragically cut short, is a voice that deserves far more attention, and Isserlis has a knack for unearthing these hidden gems and presenting them with the same reverence he affords to Beethoven or Schumann.

Schumann’s *3 Fantasiestücke* will undoubtedly be a highlight. These pieces require a delicate balance of whimsy and melancholy, a tightrope walk that Shih and Isserlis navigate with breathtaking poise. Expect the Kabalevsky *Sonata* to provide a jolt of modern, virtuosic energy, showcasing the sheer power and agility that both performers possess. It is a program that demands the listener’s full attention, rewarding it with a profound emotional payoff.

The Venue: An Intimate Acoustic Gem

There is a reason the Jane Mallett Theatre is the preferred home for chamber music in Toronto. Tucked away within the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, the theatre’s semi-circular design and warm, wood-panelled acoustics create an environment where every nuance of the bow and every touch of the keys is audible. Unlike the cavernous halls of Roy Thomson, the Jane Mallett allows for a genuine, almost private conversation between the performers and the audience. You feel the intensity of the music in the room, making it the perfect setting for a duo as communicative as Isserlis and Shih.

Making a Night of It in St. Lawrence

The St. Lawrence neighbourhood is one of Toronto’s most charming pockets, and it offers the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated evening. Before the concert, skip the quick bites and head to one of the neighbourhood’s stalwarts. If you’re looking for something classic, the nearby restaurants along Front Street offer excellent pre-theatre menus. A short walk east brings you to the historic St. Lawrence Market area, which, while quieter in the evening, is surrounded by excellent bistros and wine bars that capture the old-world spirit of the district. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where a post-concert drink feels like a natural extension of the evening’s intellectual stimulation.

Good to Know

• **Getting There:** The Jane Mallett Theatre is exceptionally accessible by transit. It is a short walk from Union Station, making it easy to reach regardless of where you are coming from. If you are driving, there are several public parking lots in the immediate vicinity, particularly near the St. Lawrence Market, but give yourself extra time as Front Street can get congested.
• **The Experience:** Because the theatre is intimate, there truly isn't a bad seat in the house. However, if you want to observe the intricate interplay between Isserlis and Shih, try to secure a seat in the centre sections of the orchestra.
• **Etiquette:** Given the nature of the program—which includes quiet, introspective moments—this is a performance where the audience’s silence is a vital part of the music. Prepare to be fully immersed.