North York's arts scene offers a free inter-varsity gospel concert Saturday, Amicus Productions continues its presentation of Nunsense at the library theatre and there's a classical music concert Sunday featuring a family friendly event as well as a Tafelmusik concert at George Weston Recital Hall Tuesday.
G.I.V.E. Gospel Inter-Varsity Explosion takes the stage Saturday, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. York University's Music Department presents the third annual gospel event featuring the 100-voice York University Gospel Choir and the University of Toronto Gospel Choir. At the concert, the choirs will perform individually and as a massed choir backed by a rhythm section directed by Corey Butler. For the grande finale, special guest artist Nordene Simon-Fogah takes the stage to perform tracks from her debut album. The concert is free and takes place at the Accolade East Building, York University, 4700 Keele St. Call 416-736-2100, extension 22926 for more details.
Nunsense
Amicus Productions opens its 30th season with Dan Goggin's musical comedy Nunsense. Most of the Little Sisters of Hoboken have been accidentally killed off by a deadly batch of soup prepared by convent cook Sister Julia, Child of God. The surviving sisters find themselves short of the cash needed to bury the final four "blue nuns," and the New Jersey Board of Health is sniffing around. In time-honored showbiz tradition, Reverend Mother commands the order to put on a talent show to raise the funeral money. Veteran director Michael Hiller has added a few surprises to the production so even those familiar with the show will find it fresh. Convent cookbooks, with recipes collected by the fictional Sister Julia will be available for purchase. Performances take place Friday and Saturday and from Oct. 22 to 25 at 8 p.m., with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for students and seniors. The event takes place at Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr.
Celebrating Creative Lives
Orchestra Toronto celebrates its 55th consecutive season of classical music entertainment with a family friendly event. It opens its 2008-09 program Sunday at 3 p.m. Among the acts featured: Ethel Smyth, Overture to The Wreckers; Lars-Erik Larsson, Concertino for Horn and Strings; soloist: Erin Cooper-Gay, horn; Benjamin Britten, Young Person's Guide; narrator: Erin Cooper-Gay; Giacomo Puccini, I crisantemi; Ralph Vaughan Williams, Symphony #3 ("Pastoral"); soprano soloist: Erin Cooper-Gay. Pre-concert talk by Catherine Manoukian at 2:15 p.m. Instrument petting zoo before and after the concert. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for students and seniors; $10 for children and youth (up to 18 years). George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts, 5040 Yonge St. Call 416-733-9388.
A Musical Banquet
Tafelmusik celebrates its 30th anniversary season with A Musical Banquet with Dame Emma Kirkby Tuesday at 8 p.m. For this occasion, Kirby has chosen a selection of her favourite baroque gems to perform with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir. Features works from Handel, Rameau and Monteverdi. Tickets are $29, $49 and $69 and the event takes place at the George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. Box office at 416-964-6337.