Tafelmusik: The Art Of Playing Without A Conductor
Immerse yourself in a world of passion & beauty for Tafelmusik’s 2025/26 concerts and events.
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra is redefining the orchestral experience, bringing together a unique blend of historical accuracy, artistic innovation and visceral emotion. In a recent interview Brandon Chui, a viola player and one of the artistic co- directors of the group, shared insights into what makes Tafelmusik stand out in the world of classical music. “When you come to watch Tafelmusik, you really get the sense that people are playing like they’re playing the last concert of their lives,” Chui says, describing the passion that defines the ensemble’s performances.
Tafelmusik’s concerts are marked by their intimate connection with their audience. Performances at their home venue, the Trinity St. Paul Centre in downtown Toronto, invite audiences into close proximity with the musicians, creating a powerful shared experience. As Chui puts it, “You can see up [our] nose[s].” This closeness fosters an emotional feedback loop between the orchestra and the audience, with each performance feeling uniquely personal.
What truly sets Tafelmusik apart, however, is their unconventional approach to conducting. Unlike most orchestras, Tafelmusik performs without a conductor, relying on the group’s ability to communicate and make collective artistic decisions. “It raises your listening skills,” Chui notes, highlighting how this collaboration elevates the intensity and excitement of their performances. “It’s just easier if you and I talk together one-on-one,” he adds, likening the experience to a conversation without a moderator, where every participant is fully engaged.
The group’s resilience was also tested during the pandemic, when COVID-19 forced many arts organizations to halt performances. Tafelmusik’s smaller size allowed them to adapt quickly, launching a digital series that kept them connected to their audience. “We were able to recoup in the summer and start doing recordings,” Chui says. Today the digital series remains a part of Tafelmusik’s ongoing outreach, showing their ability to innovate and evolve in challenging times.
Photo By Dahlia Katz“THE MUSIC WE PLAY EXPLORES A DEEPER EMOTIONAL PALETTE”
– Brandon Chui
For Chui, Tafelmusik’s commitment to historical authenticity and musical exploration is what truly defines the group. “The music we play explores a deeper emotional palette,” he explains, encouraging listeners to embrace the profound connection that Tafelmusik offers. Their concerts are more than just performances; they are journeys into the heart of music itself.
INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO
