Monthly Archives: April 2015

Barber @ RBA: voice trumps schtick

Posted on April 28, 2015 by barczablog

Today’s noon-hour presentation at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre was a teaser, sampling Act I of the upcoming Ensemble Studio performance of Rossini’s Barber of Seville. These concerts are usually less than an hour including announcements, but today’s was a very … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 1 Comment

Fearless Metro Youth Opera Béatrice et Bénédict

Posted on April 27, 2015 by barczablog

We live in a funny time. On the one hand it’s the era of director’s theatre, when operas can be a departure point for elaborate adventures so extreme that the composer’s work becomes mere background music for interpretations of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 1 Comment

Youtube’s revolutions, big and small

Posted on April 23, 2015 by barczablog

It’s youtube’s tenth anniversary today. Much will be written / spoken about the impact of this empowering channel and its imitators, the influence on political movements. It’s played a role in uprisings & elections, actions both democratic and violent. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture | Leave a comment

Ararat: Music of Armenia

Posted on April 22, 2015 by barczablog

That’s better! Peter Oundjian is back in the saddle leading the Toronto Symphony with his easy authority, and once again there is an intersection between political and musical spheres, but without the friction we saw last time. Those parts of … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology | Leave a comment

Oshawa Opera 2015-16

Posted on April 21, 2015 by barczablog

OSHAWA OPERA–2015-2016 SeasonCelebrating 2 Years of Opera in Oshawa Suor Angelica Septembre 27, 2015 Suor Angelica: Natalya Matyusheva Zia Principessa: Catherine CarewKristine Dandavino: music director (piano and chorus) Fidelio November 15, 2015 Leonore (Fidelio): Brigitte Bogar Florestan: Jason LamontKristine Dandavino: music director Viva Verdi! … Continue reading →

Posted in Press Releases and Announcements | Leave a comment

Ten Questions for Wendy Nielsen

Posted on April 21, 2015 by barczablog

Wendy Nielsen is one of the most influential people in Canada’s opera community. After an international career as a soprano that has included starring appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Nielsen went on to create a private voice studio. Nielsen is … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, University life | Leave a comment

#OdysseoTO: the Golden Age of The Circus

Posted on April 20, 2015 by barczablog

I saw Cavalia’s show Odysseo today at their big tent on the waterfront, in the company of my Mom & a rapturous grand-child. The world has certainly changed. I’m reminded of the Commedia dell’Arte that was featured in the Barber … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Reviews | 5 Comments

“Location location location”

Posted on April 18, 2015 by barczablog

The saying goes like this: “‘There are three things that matter in property: location, location, location.’” It’s also true in theatre. I have a subscription to the Canadian Opera Company, a pair of seats in the second row. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception | 2 Comments

A Zany COC Barber

Posted on April 18, 2015 by barczablog

The Canadian Opera Company premiered their new Barber of Seville tonight at the Four Season Centre, a colourful co-production with Houston Grand Opera, Opéra National de Bordeaux and Opera Australia directed by Joan Font, with set & costumes designed by … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 2 Comments

COC Ensemble Studio: Special Performance of The Barber of Seville

Posted on April 16, 2015 by barczablog

CANADA’S RISING OPERA STARS STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE BARBER OF SEVILLE 14/15 COC Ensemble Studio Toronto – The stage is set for opera’s next generation of stars to shine, when the young artists of the … Continue reading →

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