Monthly Archives: November 2017

Tafelmusik Complete Beethoven Symphonies

Tafelmusik have released their recording of the nine Beethoven Symphonies. Before I start going into detail, getting philosophical, getting all mushy about Beethoven, let me say that if you’re looking for a gift for the music-lover in your life, this … Continue reading

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Venus ascending

I keep hearing about Venus lately. There’s the novel by Sacher-Masoch, namely Venus in Furs. Yes that’s the Sacher-Masoch whose name has been immortalized in the word masochism, a reminder that sometimes fame isn’t always desirable.  You write a novel … Continue reading

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Runnicles’ Mahler 6

Tonight’s Toronto Symphony concert led by guest conductor Donald Runnicles was an affirmation of the value of live music. There are things you do in person that you simply can’t capture on video let alone on CDs.  Tonight we heard Mahler’s … Continue reading

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Angela Hewitt’s Keyboard Workout

That was quite a workout tonight, watching Angela Hewitt leading the orchestra while playing four different concerti on one concert programme with the Toronto Symphony at Roy Thomson Hall. She had a very busy evening, playing note-perfect as far as … Continue reading

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Blade Runner 2049 and the first film

I have a good memory. The first Blade Runner (1982 ) was not a big success, at least not at first.  I remember the review in the Toronto Star by Ron Base. He didn’t like it.  At one point (perhaps … Continue reading

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Haus Musik: lavender love letter

I am always inclined to appreciate artists who choose the ambitious path. Tonight’s Haus Musik in The Great Hall directed by Jennifer Nichols aimed to make some challenging connections. This multi-disciplinary work (live music, a DJ, video, painting, poetry in … Continue reading

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Tremendous Triptyque

We’re in the twilight of Matthew Jocelyn’s time at Canadian Stage, a near- decade of unprecedented multi-disciplinarity.  We’ve had dance, we’ve had opera, and yes, theatre that combines disciplines.  We’ve had several offerings from Crystal Pite, from Robert Lepage, and … Continue reading

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Putnam County: nerds rule

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (PCSB) is not just a musical but also an irresistible evocation of youth, concealed erections and performance anxiety.  A spelling contest is the microcosm, and in this world the nerds rule: not unlike … Continue reading

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Jennifer Nichols talks about Haus Musik Crossing / Traversée

I invited Jennifer Nichols to talk about Haus Musik. If I understand the concept Haus Musik aims to do what every classical music company seeks: re-packaging and re-inventing their content in new ways in the quest for that elusive younger … Continue reading

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Sofia Coppola Retrospective at TIFF

Sofia Coppola: A Name of Her Own — Retrospective revisits the works of the American auteur following her recent Cannes Best Director win December 8 — December 17 TIFF Bell Lightbox   The Virgin Suicides (1999) The Beguiled (2017) Marie Antoinette (2006) “The … Continue reading

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