Labyrinth Ontario is a vital new addition to Toronto's rich global music landscape. A festival and an intensive musical institute, it offers an exciting and diverse concert line-up and the opportunity for musicians to hone their skills alongside renowned mentors. It provides a unique opportunity to discover potent connections in a continuum of artistic expression that stretches from Central Asia across to Eastern Europe. Join us every Saturday from May 12th-June 2nd for an unprecedented series of concerts featuring esteemed international guests and acclaimed local artists!

Concerts ($30 — advance tickets available at Café Pamenar, 307 Augusta Ave.)

May 12th : This Tale of Ours Quartet: Ross Daly, Kelly Thoma, Araz Salek, and Pedram Khavarzamini

A dynamic Transatlantic ensemble including the artistic director of Labyrinth Ontario, Araz Salek and its Cretan counterpart (established 1982), Ross Daly. Traditional and original compositions drawing from the Iranian, Ottoman, and Cretan repertoires.

Facebook event : https://www.facebook.com/events/184754612120240/

May 19th : Imamyar Hasanov (Azeri kamancha) and Ali Akbar Moradi (Kurdish tanbur)

Two virtuoso soloists: head of San Francisco World Music, Imamyar Hasanov; and Ali Akbar Moradi, a legend of Kurdish music based in Iran.

Facebook event : https://www.facebook.com/events/1700702376634866/

May 26th : Quraishi (Afghan rabab) and Ahmet Ihvani (Turkish bağlama)

A rare Toronto concert of Afghan classical music by Quraishi, joining us from New York; and a performance of Turkish music by Toronto master Ahmet Ihvani.

Facebook event : https://www.facebook.com/events/353311861851804/

June 2nd : Tzvetanka Varimezova (Bulgarian singing) and Bassam Bishara (Arabic oud)

Varimezova, known worldwide for her superb voice and for her skill as a choir leader and teacher, gives a concert of Bulgarian music with local accompanists including Nikola Gaidarov; and 'oud virtuoso Bassam Bishara performs a solo set.

Facebook event : https://www.facebook.com/events/159144794884077/