artistic truth itself is an ethical and
human good.
of Historical Performance.
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Historical Performance enters into a conversation with the past as we honour the memory, accomplishments and lives of all those who came before us. Our interpretations of music from all periods strive to recreate true and accurate performances of choral literature in the most authentic way possible, in the belief that historical performance practice and an understanding of the old world may give birth to the new. We take the time to reflect on what was as we imagine what could be.
We are the discoverers of rhetorical conventions, of instruments and techniques, we are the artists that shed light on magnificent yet neglected masterpieces. We embrace our shared values of equal access to opportunity and genuine inclusion through voices heard anew and historical works presented with varied perspectives.
We continue our collaborations with renowned scholars such as Dame Emma Kirkby, Nancy Argenta, Charles Daniels, Adrian Butterfield, Peter Phillips and The Tallis Scholars, Paul Agnew and Les Arts Florissants, Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort, Steven Fox and Clarion and Voces8 alongside sought after diverse international guest performers such as Conductor Jordan de Souza, Lynne Dawson, Rihab Chaeib, Deepa Johnny as well hosting the first online masterclasses of Barbara Hannigan and Angela Hewitt. The Historical Performance Area was the first Area in the history of the Faculty of Music to invite Indigenous Artists in Residence Jonathan Adams and Andrew Balfour as we continue to seek to share our music love in thoughtful engagement with the community and world around us.
The U of T Historical Performance training program offers study in an Artist Certificate, Masters or Doctoral degree. With an average of 20 students, U of T Historical Performance is closely associated with the finest ensembles and soloists from all over the world. Limited enrolment ensures that every student benefits from the exceptional training offered by our honoured faculty and guest instructors. The intensive curriculum includes lessons, musical coaching, repertoire preparation, audition techniques, stagecraft, workshops and masterclasses. We welcome students from all backgrounds and are committed to providing the best opportunities for learning and career development.
The Historical Performance Area is directed by the
Head of Historical Performance, Professor of Opera, Voice and Early Music, Daniel Taylor, O.C.
BESPOKE PARTNERSHIPS
Visiting Artist-in-Residence
First Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
A place of inspiration and unparalleled collaborative opportunities. Our Apprentice Concerts offer students the chance to play and sing side by side with the finest artists in the world.
From The Tallis Scholars, Les Arts Florissants, Kammerchor Stuttgart, NY Clarion, the Gabrieli Consort to Voces8, from Dame Emma Kirkby, Joyce DiDonato, Nancy Argenta, Barbara Hannigan, Andrea Haines, Ingrid Attrot, Ambur Braid, Dominique Labelle, Tracy Dahl, Mary Morrison, Avery Amereau, Stephanie Blythe, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Monica Huisman, Wallis Guinta, Rihab Chaieb, Jean MacPhail, Robin Blaze, Michael Chance, to Charles Daniels, Paul Agnew, Michael Schade, Isaiah Bell, Mel Braun, Daniel Lichti, John Relyea, Peter Harvey and Jonathon Adams, Angela Hewitt, Julie Wedman, Cristina Zacharias, Patrick Jordan, Alison Melville, Joëlle Morton, David Fallis, Dominic Teresi, Patricia Ahearn, Howard Dyck, Martin Haselboeck, Kent Trittle, Jordan De Souza, Braynerd-Blyden Taylor, Nic McGegan and Ben Heppner, we have you covered with sought-after solo artists, educators and leading ensembles.
All of this is anchored by the leadership of Daniel Taylor, John Abberger, Christopher Bagan, Lucas Harris, Patrick Jordan, Kevin Komisaruk, Jean MacPhail, Alison Melville, Mary Morrison, Joëlle Morton, Julie Wedman, Cristina Zacharias and the musicians from our Ensembles in Residence: the Choir and Orchestra of the Theatre of Early Music, the Toronto Consort and Tafelmusik.
CREATING A NEW
ORDER OF HISTORICAL MUSICIANS
Through inspired concerts, committed academic research and the production of award-winning recordings, our mission is to challenge the tired common and accepted perceptions of classical music, and create a new order to sustain the relevance of these brilliant and diverse pieces of art in the twenty-first century.
FREEDOM + ARTISTRY
The Historical Performance Area of the University of Toronto is the largest and most respected early music program in Canada and rivals other leading institutions from all over the world. Visionary leadership, Distinguished Professors and starry Visiting Scholars and Ensembles set us apart from the others. The Early Music movement began as a revolution in music by changing the way we listen to the sounds of the world around us. We are that change.
Change begins with the study of Historical Performance. Change begins here and now with you. Here we have an inclusive place where we can collaborate and create with friends and colleagues. Here we can go into the unknown with courage. Here we have a place where we all can feel empowered. Together we have built this place so that every voice will be heard. Inspire. Explore. Express. Discover. Create History.
Nietzsche said the person who has a ‘why’ can bear any ‘how’. It is the individual calling that compels us to embark on this journey.
In the Historical Performance Area, the individual voice and instrument are guided in their development as a means to engage with our local and global communities through a truthful and inspiring exchange of thoughts and ideas. The search for the meaning of spirituality in this life is the foundation – the cornerstone – on which artistic expression is built. Everything we do matters and to become artists, good citizens and better humans requires discipline, vulnerability, honesty and stillness.
We create countless pathways for students to explore and in the Historical Performance Area, our student to staff ratio guarantees thoughtful and caring instruction. These artists know that we are their allies, friends and companions. Truth and possibility remain before us.
We are a community of artists who believe in the power of music to tell stories, to improve and inspire the lives of others around us, and to promote a culture and climate of empathy, love and kindness in the world.
Daniel Taylor, O.C.
Director of Musical Studies
Head of Historical Performance
Associate Professor
Our Faculty
At the heart of the Historical Performance Area, our distinguished faculty is an ensemble of sought-after performers, scholars and educators. We welcome leading international artists as we record and tour nationally and across the world. Preliminary Auditions take place in North America and in Europe.
AREAS OF STUDY
Our ACP, MMus and DMA programmes combine vocal and instrumental study with a significant focus on apprenticeship with professional ensembles and vigorous performance-related academic research. We offer the unique opportunity to study and perform alongside world-class performer-scholars in a climate that supports and encourages you, to record and to tour nationally and internationally. We introduce you to professionals that can advance your career in this competitive industry.
