Testimonials — Toronto Masque Theatre

The Legacy Project: 15 years warm and innovative programming in Toronto

Photo by Christina Marshall

“I have had the privilege of being involved in several TMT productions culminating in A Masque of Irony – the Songs of Randy Newman. Larry Beckwith's vision of TMT is the salvation for us all - energized, committed projects that cross and transcend genres, time periods, styles, emotions and audiences. He has found the secret to truly progressive, innovative music theater fusing the old and the new. Each project I was involved in made me feel part of something truly special; a unique, personal experience that was shared with fellow musicians, audience and critics alike. Anything that is truly worthwhile in this world is personality driven. Thank goodness for Larry Beckwith!”

BEnjamin Butterfield, tenoR

Steven Heighton.jpg

“Working with TMT as a librettist has been one of the best experiences of my professional life, going back twenty-five years. TMT is an organization of very accomplished and professional artists, and at the same time a group of exemplary people: encouraging, inspiring, well-organized, and generous. I really can't say enough in support of this organization.”

Steven Heighton, novelist, poet, translator, reviewer AND librettisT

Photo by Al Uehre

I love TMT, and have had the happy privilege of being involved since 2005. Every production is an adventure with its own extraordinary magic. At the same time, every production shares the same binding ingredient: a warm atmosphere which brings out everyone’s creative best. There’s no alchemy like it.

Kathleen Kajioka, violinist; host, Classical 96.3 FM

Photo by Jerry Iwanski

TMT never dwells on historical reconstruction of the music and the theatre for the sake of it. The productions, thanks to Larry Beckwith, Derek Boyes and Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière, are always as vivid as the day they were performed hundreds of years ago, and combine the best of the baroque esthetics with contemporary urgency, creating a vibrant and actual event that touches audiences and performers alike.

Noam Krieger, harpsichordist

Photo by Katy Lee

What I find most exciting about Toronto Masque Theatre is their innovative approach to a 400 year old theatrical medium. Not only are they committed to embracing the masque in its traditional form, but they endeavour to develop new and imaginative ways of presenting historical works while also commissioning new masques by some of Canada's most talented composers. As a performer it has been a pleasure to collaborate with the extremely dedicated team of artists and musicians at Toronto Masque Theatre.

Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; co-Artistic Director of Canadian Art Song Project

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It has been a fantastic journey for me working with TMT! Thank you for all your trust and support in the creation of The Lesson of Da Ji, making my dream come true to create a one-of-a-kind opera of mixed genres where rich Chinese, Baroque, and Western music traditions are blended magically into a world of music and drama. Congratulations on our Dora win and TMT’s continuation to bring new excitement in the music theatre world!

Alice Ping ye Ho, composer

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Toronto Masque Theatre commissioned me to compose companion pieces to Charpentier's Orpheus and Eurydice (2004) and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas (2007). The experiences were fantastic. It was very exciting to respond to the older works, and to breathe new life into old stories which stretch back to the roots of opera. The dialogue of the old and new pieces benefitted both, something the audiences found both surprising and very engaging. The singers and players were top-notch, as was the dancing. I'm happy to have continued my work with TMT with The Myth of Europa which was yet another memorable show.

James Rolfe, composer