Winter in Kingston means different things to different people. If you prefer the warmer months, you might be hunkering down to hibernate at home. If you’re a winter-lover, the snowfall and sub-zero temperatures mean the start of skiing, snowshoeing, and skating in Market Square with the backdrop of our beautiful downtown. One thing winter means for all of Kingston—regardless of personal bias—is lots of cosmopolitan arts and culture events to satisfy your inner sophisticate.
Here are 20 events this winter that are sure to dazzle you:
(Photo by Bernard Clark via: Agnes Etherington Art Centre)
The Art of African Ivory
Until April 12 at Agnes
If you like beautiful artifacts and understanding their socio-political implications, you won’t want to miss this! This exhibit showcases donated works from across Africa that tell the complex story of how Africans have used ivory to teach morality, convey social standing, heal wounds, safeguard communities, and commercially profit.
National Ballet Theatre of Odessa presents: The Nutcracker
December 4–5 at The Grand
The internationally acclaimed National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Ukraine take you on an unforgettable journey filled with magic. The Nutcracker is brought to new heights with elegant sets, intricate costumes, exceptional choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s astonishing musical score. Celebrate the holiday season with a world-class rendition of this classic tale.
(Photo via: The Isabel)
To Gini With Love: Gryphon Trio
December 6 at The Isabel
Enjoy an evening of masterful chamber music with Canada’s foremost piano trio and multiple Juno award-winners—the Gryphon Trio. Back by popular demand, their performances of Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvořák is sure to be full of musical emotion brought to life by the trio’s incredible skill and attention to detail.
Classic Albums Live: The Beatles—Abbey Road
December 6 at The Grand
Even though the days are getting darker, Here Comes the Sun! Classic Albums Live will dazzle you with their perfect cover-to-cover performance of the Beatles’ eleventh studio album. The second half of the show features even more of the Beatles’ greatest hits — a true celebration of their illustrious music anthology.
A Folk Christmas: David Archibald
December 10 at The Isabel
Brilliant singer-songwriter and multi-talented Kingston artist, David Archibald, will warm your heart just in time for the holidays. Joined by Duncan Holt, Jesse MacMillan, Doug Raensbury, and Anna Sudac, this evening of local folk music is certain to be a real treat from one of Kingston’s local favourites.
Kingston Symphony Candlelight Christmas
December 16–18 at The Isabel
An early Christmas gift the whole family will enjoy, come sing along to your favourite carols with the Kingston Symphony and Kingston Choral Society. If you’re after a night of classical holiday jubilation, be sure to book soon because these concerts sell out every year!
(Photo by Bernard Clark via: Agnes)
From Tudor to Hanover: British Portraits, 1590–1800
Starting January 11 at Agnes
Fashion, status, and fame have appealed to British citizens since the early modern era. This show explores these fundamental issues of identity through portraits by Peter Lely, Godfrey Kneller and others in the context of the ongoing evolution of national and cultural boundaries.
Kingston Symphony: Beethoven 5 & Tchaikovsky
January 12 at The Isabel
Enjoy an afternoon of music showcasing great surprise and originality, from three outstanding composers: Tchaikovsky’s remarkable Pezzo Capriccioso, the premiere of a brand new symphony from Ryan Trew, and finally, Beethoven’s immortal 5th symphony. The Kingston Symphony is—as always—in full form and will not disappoint!
To Kill a Mockingbird
January 16 to February 1st (Thursday–Saturday) at Domino Theatre
A drama adapted from the classic novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird will immerse you in a bygone era while exploring themes of prejudice, compassion, and the courage to do what is right. Multiple dates are available for what is sure to be an impactful performance of a timeless story.
(Image via: The Grand Theatre)
Crash Test Dummies
January 24 at The Grand
Brad Roberts’ distinctive bass-baritone will fill you with 90s rock nostalgia as he’s joined by original band members Dan Roberts, Ellen Reid, and Mitch Dorge for a concert of fan favourites from this iconic Canadian band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new one, this performance will be one to remember!
Safe Haven: Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
January 29 at The Isabel
Safe Haven explores the influence of refugee populations on the cultures of their adopted countries during the baroque era through powerful multimedia and music performance. Renowned the world over, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra will amaze you with their skill and unique baroque era instrumentation.
Comfortably Numb—The Great Gig In The Sky Tour
January 31 at The Grand
If you’re a Pink Floyd fan, you won’t want to miss this. Since 1993, Comfortably Numb has been heralded as the leading Pink Floyd tribute in the world. Watch in amazement as they perform Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and Animals back to back to back in front of an interactive multimedia laser, video, and light show.
(Photo via: The Grand)
Africville Stories
February 1 at The Grand
Hear the story of Canada’s oldest black community, Africville, which was destroyed in the 1960s for urban improvement. Through a fusion of sound, narration, and music spanning jazz, R&B, and gospel, Joe Sealy, Jackie Richardson, and Paul Novotny take you on a soulful journey based on Sealy’s Juno award-winning Africville Suite.
The Magic of Music: Blake Pouliot
February 4 at The Isabel
24-year-old superstar violinist and winner of the 2016 Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) Manulife Competition, Blake Pouliot showcases the breadth and depth of his musical talent with a repertoire from the 18th to the early 20th century — a truly prodigious performance!
Meghan Patrick
February 7 at The Grand
Two-time winner of the CCMA Female Artist of the Year award and Canadian country sensation Meghan Patrick has a distinct sound that’s full of energy—think the free spirit of Emmylou Harris combined with the spark and sensuality of Tanya Tucker. The Bowmanville native returns to Kingston for what can only be yet another memorable show.
Kingston Symphony: Beethoven 6 & Stravinsky
February 9 at The Isabel
This concert features two radical and remarkably contrasting views on the love of nature. Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring is a raw, unfiltered worship and sacrifice to the earth while Beethoven’s sixth symphony, The Pastoral, is a sublime love letter to the countryside. This interesting pairing will make for an unforgettable music experience.
(Image via: The Grand)
National Ballet Theatre of Odessa presents: Romeo & Juliet
February 13 at The Grand
Another large-scale performance by the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Romeo and Juliet is set to the music of Sergey Prokofiev based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy of star crossed lovers. With a talented company of 55, this is certain to be a grand demonstration of classical ballet.
Tribute to Miles Davis: Kind of Blue—Ron Di Lauro Sextet
February 15 at The Isabel
Miles Davis is credited as one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz, and Kind of Blue, as one of the best albums of all time. Join Ron Di Lauro and his six-piece band for a set of Miles’ classics from the late 50s for a full re-creation of the legendary album.
(Image via: The Grand)
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
February 22 at The Grand
Do you like music that swings? The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s performance of Allen Toussaint’s original Big Band arrangements of hits including Southern Nights, With You In Mind, It’s Raining, Ruler of My Heart, Java, and Working in the Coal Mine will have you dreaming of the Bayou and dancing in your seat!
The Kingston Canadian Film Festival
March 11–15 at various locations
If you’re a film buff, this one’s for you! The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is the world’s largest festival dedicated exclusively to Canadian Film. The 2020 schedule is still in development, so stay tuned for more details on this celebration of Canadian talent.
This winter, Kingston has concerts, plays, dance performances, and laughs galore to warm your soul. Conveniently accessible along the 401 corridor, by train, or by plane—book your own sophisticated winter getaway and join in on the festivities!
