Monthly Archives: May 2015

Ann Cooper Gay says goodbye to Canadian Children’s Opera Company

Posted on May 25, 2015 by barczablog

Today the Canadian Children’s Opera Company said their goodbyes to Ann Cooper Gay, their departing Artistic & Executive Director. In last year’s interview I alluded to her importance, as one of the most influential figures in opera and music in … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 1 Comment

Toronto Consort—a new Play of Daniel

Posted on May 23, 2015 by barczablog

I saw something brand-new, from the 12th century. It’s one of the ironies of theatre or music that sometimes recent works give you comparatively little room for invention, every page stipulating how it must be interpreted. If you want real … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Festival of Early Drama June 5-7

Posted on May 22, 2015 by barczablog

An anniversary nearly 400 (and 50!) years in the making!Toronto’s Medieval and Renaissance players celebrate their 50th anniversary with the Festival of Early Drama June 5 – 7, 2015Poculi Ludique Societas (PLS) continues its year-long celebration of 50 years of … Continue reading →

Posted in Press Releases and Announcements, University life | 1 Comment

Andrew Davis – Verdi Requiem

Posted on May 22, 2015 by barczablog

The Toronto Symphony are celebrating a 40 year relationship with Sir Andrew Davis, their one-time music director (from 1975-1988) and currently their Conductor Laureate, with a series of concerts over the next couple of weeks. Tonight’s concert featured Verdi’s Requiem, … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is #AtGdeathdesire a new genre?

Posted on May 21, 2015 by barczablog

The word “new” is getting old pretty fast.  It’s used every time we encounter something a bit different. Nowadays everything is either retro, new or some combination of the two.  I am hesitant about using the word in the headline … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | 4 Comments

Brecht, Music and Culture: Hanns Eisler in Conversation

Posted on May 20, 2015 by barczablog

I have a fondness for interviews, having conducted quite a few on this blog, but I can only look on in awe when I see someone capable of asking really good questions when I see someone capable of making really … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays | 2 Comments

Four Last Songs: aging, creativity and the meaning of life

Posted on May 18, 2015 by barczablog

The cover picture shows Giuseppe Verdi sitting with a reflective expression on his face while he plays the piano. The book’s title is Four Last Songs: Aging and Creativity in Verdi, Strauss, Messiaen and Britten, the latest collaboration between Linda … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Ensemble Barber an initiation

Posted on May 16, 2015 by barczablog

This was my third look at the Canadian Opera Company Barber of Seville but through a very particular lens. Each season the COC gives over one of their performances to their Ensemble Studio, the talented young singers who are serving … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 2 Comments

MYSTERY MURDER MADNESS for Mother’s Day with Robert Lepage’s Bluebeard / Erwartung

Posted on May 11, 2015 by barczablog

When the advertising screams out “MYSTERY MURDER MADNESS” you know it’s going to be a dark afternoon at the Four Seasons Centre even if it’s Mother’s Day.  But Dr Freud would approve the use of upper case. The operas are … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Leave a comment

10 Questions for Alex Fallis

Posted on May 9, 2015 by barczablog

Alex Fallis is a Toronto native who has been a part of the Canadian professional theatre for over thirty years. He is an actor, director, singer and teacher. As a performer and director, he has experience in opera, musical theatre, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Dance, theatre & musicals, Interviews, Music and musicology, Opera | Tagged , , | Leave a comment