Monthly Archives: December 2011

Ministers of Music

Posted on December 31, 2011 by barczablog

December 30th is a day of reflection in my family.  My father passed away on this date long ago, forever casting a shadow over this festive season.  It doesn’t mean one can’t celebrate.  If one occasionally eats & drinks oneself … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Rick Sacks

Posted on December 26, 2011 by barczablog

Richard Sacks has been a force on the Toronto creative scene for more than 25 years, as a composer & sound-designer, percussionist, mentor, and likely a few others roles i didn’t think of.  He performs with Arraymusic, Art of Time, … Continue reading →

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Super 8

Posted on December 23, 2011 by barczablog

I just saw Super 8, a film with Steven Spielberg’s name on it as producer, written and directed by JJ Abrams.  While Abrams has amassed an impressive resume (as a writer, producer, director or combination thereof for Armageddon, Regarding Henry, … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Jeanne Lamon

Posted on December 22, 2011 by barczablog

Music Director of Tafelmusik since 1981, Jeanne Lamon is praised for her virtuosity as a violinist and her strong musical leadership.  Under her direction, Tafelmusik has achieved international stature and is considered “one of the world’s top baroque orchestras” (Gramophone Magazine).  … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews | 5 Comments

Dublin Messiah

Posted on December 18, 2011 by barczablog

The second annual Dublin Messiah presented by Aradia Ensemble was not sold out.  I wish I could comfort Aradia conductor & Artistic Director Kevin Mallon, considering that the competition — Toronto Symphony who are 90 years old, and Tafelmusik more … Continue reading →

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Bed and Breakfast

Posted on December 18, 2011 by barczablog

While the audience for Puppetmongers’ Bed & Breakfast includes children, the play contains plenty of adult laughs of which the kids are blissfully unaware.  Originally a one-person show written by and for Ann Powell (if it’s accurate to call something … Continue reading →

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Christmas Messiah

Posted on December 13, 2011 by barczablog

If it’s Advent season–the time immediately preceding Christmas–then it’s time for ballet companies to erase their deficits with the help of Tschaikowsky and The Nutcracker.   It’s time to shop for presents, time to eat drink and be merry. And –in … Continue reading →

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Wyers subjectivities

Posted on December 10, 2011 by barczablog

I posted a piece about painter Brian Wyers November 29th, and knew I’d have more to say.  This is a continuation. I am again fascinated by a Wyers painting that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.  Perhaps painters or art-critics would … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Essays | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

10 Questions for Kevin Mallon

Posted on December 3, 2011 by barczablog

Kevin Mallon is the Artistic Director of Aradia Ensemble;  he will be conducting The Dublin Messiah December 17th at the Glenn Gould Studio. I ask Mallon ten questions: five about himself and five about his work. 1) Which of your … Continue reading →

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Boheme Against the Grain again

Posted on December 2, 2011 by barczablog

You can only be shocked that way once. When I attended the opening night of Against the Grain’s La bohème in June, it was thrilling to experience a modern adaptation of this well-worn opera in a downtown Toronto bar, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments