Welcome letter from TO Live

Welcome to the George Weston Recital Hall in Meridian Arts Centre.

Formed in 2018, Dream House Quartet fuses decades of musical mastery of classical and contemporary forms. Featuring world-renowned piano duo Katia and Marielle Labèque, Grammy Award-winning guitarist, composer, and founding member of rock band The National Bryce Dessner, and composer, musician, and producer David Chalmin whose collaborations range from Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry to Bruce Springsteen.

Performing radical new commissions from visionary composers and pivotal contemporary works of the last half-century, Dream House Quartet will perform a program tonight that includes the Canadian premiere of Thom Yorke’s first classical composition “Don’t Fear the Light,” world premieres by Bryce Dessner and David Chalmin, and works by Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Steve Reich, and more.

The four artists first collaborated on the 2019 album El Chan. Their new EP on Deutsche Grammophon was released on April 14 to coincide with this tour, and a full album release will follow in the fall of 2023.

Collaboration - when it succeeds - can be exciting and rewarding. Dream House Quartet is a prime example of how the process of working with others can enrich the broader music industry and push the boundaries of innovation for all to enjoy.

Over the course of the coming months and years, TO Live will be programming more incredible concerts, like the one you will see tonight, in the beautiful George Weston Recital Hall. Stay tuned for announcements of appearances by internationally renowned artists and local favourites in a variety of genres. An eclectic mix of classical, jazz, pop, and music from around the world that reflects our great city and community.

Of course, this expanding music series at the George Weston Recital Hall will complement and augment the many great partner organizations already presenting in this space. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Toronto, Sinfonia Toronto, Mandle Philharmonic, Tirgan, The Nathaniel Dett Choral, and Soundstreams, plus many throughout the season.

We welcome you to Meridian Arts Centre, the doors are open! Thank you for joining us to celebrate and enjoy the experience of live music and art in North York.

Clyde Wagner President & CEO TO Live

Josephine Ridge Vice President, Programming TO Live