Tag Archives: Christopher Alden

Pageants of Power

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

Whenever a new pair of presenters come out onto the stage at the Academy Awards, the pit band begins to play something suitable. Nobody does that when I walk into a room. I was thinking about this after reading some … Continue reading →

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Inclemenza

Posted on February 7, 2013 by

We’re expecting snow here in Toronto, but it’s already somewhat inclement, if we think chilly or unmerciful. I am expanding on the experience of La Clemenza di Tito Sunday in Toronto.  I was enraptured, as were the audience: until the … Continue reading →

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Clemenza: Apollo’s Turn

Posted on February 4, 2013 by

After a week of thinking about Tristan und Isolde –at the COC, in the Opera Exchange, at the piano and rattling around inside my head—I was ready for something different.  Tristan is many things.  It’s humongous, it’s conceptual & symbolic, … Continue reading →

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Mish mash season

Posted on November 8, 2012 by

Maybe you can tell i am hungry.  I am thinking about comfort food as I write this.  Comfort food? Nothing effete or fancy, but food meant to satisfy: Goulash or stew Shepherd’s pie All-day breakfasts What farmers eat to keep … Continue reading →

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The bat came back

Posted on October 8, 2012 by

The bat came back: from the dead that is. Forgive me for invoking one of my very favorite animated cartoons (and Richard Condie). I said BAT not CAT.   After many mediocre bats –productions of Die Fledermaus from the Canadian Opera … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Tamara Wilson

Posted on August 31, 2012 by

Tamara Wilson is a soprano who’s going places, a major talent with the voice to be a star. An alumna of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, Wilson’s awards include the George London Award from the George London Foundation, as well … Continue reading →

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Operatic alchemy

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

The Canadian Opera Company announced its 2012-2013 season today, January 18th, a combination of works old and new.  I don’t pretend to understand how an opera company chooses their repertoire, although I think I understand some of the issues involved.  … Continue reading →

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Rigoletto, second cast

Posted on October 18, 2011 by

I had another look/listen to the Canadian Opera Company’s Rigoletto Oct 17th in a performance that was substantially different from the cast that opened earlier this autumn: a different tenor a different soprano a different baritone a different conductor Christopher … Continue reading →

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A Man’s World

Posted on September 30, 2011 by

I saw the new Canadian Opera Company production of Rigoletto directed by Christopher Alden tonight.  It makes a nice companion to the Robert Carsen Iphigenia in Tauris that premiered last week to such acclaim.  Both productions are like close analyses … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Simone Osborne

Posted on August 20, 2011 by

Simone Osborne  will be taking the lead role of Gilda in the Canadian Opera Company’s new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto in September 2011.  I ask her ten questions: five about her and five about her upcoming role. 1) Which … Continue reading →

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