Looking for artistic happenings in a warm intimate atmosphere and stylish setting? Those in the know have been flocking to the west end for fulfilment but, to this day, GALLERY 345 remains one of Toronto’s best kept secrets. Between January 23 and March 1, Gallery 345 features several musical events.

And the good news is that all of these events are modestly priced. The music you can expect to find at Gallery 345 ranges from jazz, classical, contemporary, and world music by well-known and up-and-coming performers. Featured guests, in the current run, include Russian pianist Rustem Hayroudinoff in recital; Cuban born pianist/composer & Jane Bunnett protégé David Virelles; Mike Downes and his Parallel Streams Ensemble’s CD launch party; the celebrated Tokai String Quartet; young Canadian trumpet sensation Aaron Hodgson; an evening of improv with the Ugly Beauties Trio (Marilyn Lerner, Matt Brubeck, Nick Fraser); cutting edge contemporary music with the Thin Edge New Music Collective; the Don Thompson/Phil Dwyer Duo celebrating 30 years of musical friendship; and Toronto jazz pianist/composer Nancy Walker’s CD launch.

Created in 2005 by Edward Epstein, Gallery 345 has become the venue of choice for staging small ensemble musical performances, art and photo exhibitions, cd launches, special events and fund raisers. Epstein has been involved with contemporary music in the city since he arrived. He has had a long term relationship with the Music Gallery and is currently president of New Music Concerts.

Anchored by an excellent 9’ concert grand piano, Gallery 345 has held an ongoing series called ‘The Art of the Piano’ featuring excellent pianists performing classical, jazz, improvisation and contemporary performance.  “Fascinated by musical composition and improvisation all my life, I wanted to create a venue for contemporary music composition and performance”, says Epstein. Now in his fifth year of musical programming, Gallery 345 has hosted over 300 concerts. Gallery 345 is truly a small gem.

I’ve attended a few events at Gallery 345, for different musical artists, and I’ve enjoyed myself each time. I do concur that it is an intimate setting, where one can enjoy some lovely music, while supporting local talent, as well as, getting out of the ‘usual‘ venues found in downtown Toronto. For more details about Gallery 345 and its current lineup, visit gallery345.com.