Monthly Archives: January 2018

Rigoletto reboot

Posted on January 28, 2018 by

I like the Canadian Opera Company’s Rigoletto, directed by Christopher Alden, starring Roland Wood, Anna Christy and Stephen Costello. Everyone I’ve talked to enthuses about the singing. Ah but I like the production, and I say this, aware (via social … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 8 Comments

Planets via Storgårds and TSO

Posted on January 27, 2018 by

There are many possible ways to interpret great pieces of music.  I was struck tonight, listening to the Toronto Symphony led by John Storgårds at Roy Thomson Hall, that sometimes there are more important considerations than the interpretation. I say that … Continue reading →

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Questions for Sara Schabas: Canadian premieres of two Jake Heggie operas

Posted on January 26, 2018 by

Canadian soprano Sara Schabas is the founder of the Electric Bond Opera Ensemble, a group that aims to present classical and operatic works that tell untold stories, reminding audiences and performers of the “electric bond of being” (Thomas Huxley) by … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | 1 Comment

Opera by Request—Salome

Posted on January 21, 2018 by

The concept is exactly as it sounds.  If you’re a singer wanting to do a role, Opera by Request is the place for you.  William Shookhoff is a busy man, the pianist & music director responsible for making those requests … Continue reading →

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Safe Haven Mackay’s best yet

Posted on January 20, 2018 by

The headline is meant to convey an enthusiastic response to something I’ll attempt to analyze.  I liked it. Alison Mackay has grown from her role playing violone & double bass with Tafelmusik into their programmer extraordinaire, creating a series of … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | 1 Comment

Extra Questions for John Allemang

Posted on January 16, 2018 by

I went to a small school where hero-worship was natural, given that we were all boys (that changed as they admitted girls for the first time in the very year I left, and yes I wish it had been sooner).  … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | 3 Comments

Nine in Concert

Posted on January 13, 2018 by

The musical Nine is a bit of a virtuoso vehicle, putting thirteen women, a man and a boy onstage together.  The music & lyrics by Maury Yeston are never easy but quite rewarding, particularly if you have an actual orchestra, … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Reviews | Leave a comment