JANUARY 23 Spencer Wells, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and director of the Genographic Project, has spent the last seven years collecting DNA samples from people around the globe in order to create a genetically based map of human migration. See him present the project’s latest findings, and discover how scientific tools are helping to answer the [...]

JANUARY 11 TO 22 The Toronto Symphony Orchestra continues its 90th season by commemorating an even older anniversary—that of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birth. The ensemble’s annual series of Mozart programming this year highlights two of the composer’s late-period masterworks—his Jupiter Symphony and Requiem—in separate concerts, along with other exemplary pieces and even a “Mozart’s Magnificent [...]

Have you noticed more and more places selling calendars these days? Maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with the imminent arrival of 2012. Hang on though, your 2011 calendar can be put to use one last time to jot down your plans for December 31st. Consider the following to fill up that final [...]

DECEMBER 14, 16, 17, 18 & 19 Lift your spirits with two performances of the Messiah. At Roy Thomson Hall, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s oratorio with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, $38 to $107. And for one show only, join in Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir’s joyous Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall, $26 [...]

Friday, December 9 Follow along with the melodies made by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, the actor-musicians behind the hit comedy Two Pianos Four Hands, a hilarious and poignant story about two lives transformed by piano teachers, lessons and competitions. The show’s recently extended run continues at the Panasonic Theatre. Listen to a Latin take [...]

NOVEMBER 1 & DECEMBER 6 Photographer and filmmaker Mattias Klum guides you through some of the Earth’s natural wonders in Being There: On Expedition with National Geographic. Marvel at Klum’s still images and high-definition video from Botswana’s Okavango Delta and the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Then dive into the blue at Ocean Soul: Photographing the [...]

Friday, October 28 Immerse yourself in everything artistic at the Toronto International Art Fair, a.k.a. Art Toronto. See Andy Warhol’s 1979 BMW Art Car, a new site-specific installation by Kent Monkman, plus numerous other exhibiting galleries, presentations and discussions with artists, curators, and collectors. The show runs through to Monday at the Metro Toronto Convention [...]

OCTOBER 28 The fabulous Liza Minnelli brings her theatrical élan to Toronto for a one-night-only exclusive. Her lively show and memorable voice is guaranteed to dazzle. Roy Thomson Hall, 8 p.m., $59.50 to $199.50; call 416-872-4255 or visit here to buy.

OCTOBER 29 & 30 Follow the yellow brick road to the Entertainment District, as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, under the conductorship of Emil de Cou, performs and augments the soundtrack to The Wizard of Oz while the timeless film plays on screen. In the spirit of the beloved movie, audience members are encouraged to dress [...]

OCTOBER 23 Call your banners, fifes and drums and commemorate an important part of Canada’s proud history at the 22nd annual Massed Military Band Spectacular. Produced by the Royal Canadian Military Institute, this tribute concert features “sounds triumphant”—the timbres of horns and pipes resonate in rousing tunes like The Dambusters and Braes of Mar. The [...]