MUSIC: Acquired in 1929 by then Governor General Vincent Massey, the magnificent Hart House viols make up a collection of six late sixteenth-, seventeenth-, and eighteenth-century instruments widely considered not only to be valuable cultural and historic relics, but objects of great beauty. Tonight and tomorrow, you can experience these instruments as they were meant to be—played by extraordinary musicians. The incomparable Montreal-based viola da gamba ensemble, Les Voix humaines, returns to the Toronto Consort series to perform on these rare instruments. Together, the musicians and viols will bring to life Henry Purcell's genius and inspirational Fantasias, written as a young man of twenty in 1680. This concert marks the first time all six viols have been played together in public in more than thirty years and promises to be a magical experience. Trinity St. Paul’s Centre (427 Bloor Street West), 8 p.m., $19–$46 (tickets available online or by calling 416-964-6337).

Newsstand: November 27, 2009