Monthly Archives: September 2026

Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho) talks about Prophetess: an interview

Posted on September 29, 2026 by barczablog

I am intrigued by Prophetess, a new play from Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho) to open October 7th at Tarragon Theatre, described this way on their website: Margaret, the Chair of her English Department — and the Queen of Etymology … Continue reading →

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Irresistible Traviata from Canadian Opera Company learning the lessons of Avis.

Posted on September 28, 2026 by barczablog

I feel fortunate that I had the privilege of seeing Verdi’s La Traviata today through the eyes of someone discovering the work for the first time, the Canadian Opera Company matinee at the Four Seasons Centre. When I arrived Erika … Continue reading →

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Tafelmusik and Jakob Lehmann introduce us to Sophie Gail, Louise Farrenc and also Beethoven

Posted on September 26, 2026 by barczablog

The Tafelmusik concert I heard Friday night at Koerner Hall makes an interesting chaser to the Toronto Symphony Concert I saw Thursday, my previous lengthy rapturous review. Yes there’s a lot going on in Toronto, and these two concerts on … Continue reading →

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Yuja Wang plays Prokofiev: a study in contrasts to open the Toronto Symphony season

Posted on September 25, 2026 by barczablog

“Yuja Wang Plays Prokofiev” might be the title of the Toronto Symphony’s opening concert of the 2026-27 season Thursday September 24th, but we heard a great deal more last night. Yuja also played four brilliant encores in a breath-taking display … Continue reading →

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Having it both ways with Measure for Measure at Crow’s Theatre

Posted on September 21, 2026 by barczablog

Measure for Measure is one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays”. It straddles genre boundaries, enigmatic & challenging, darkly funny. Yes it’s still considered a comedy even though we hear a lot about executions & life in prison, offering glimpses of a … Continue reading →

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Questions for composer Linda Catlin Smith: an interview

Posted on September 19, 2026 by barczablog

Linda Catlin Smith is a composer I’m pleased to interview, as a couple of her works are about to be premiered, including one by the Toronto Symphony next week. Her music is heard and acclaimed around the world, whether it’s … Continue reading →

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Jennifer King’s suffragist pianism comes to Toronto

Posted on September 15, 2026 by barczablog

I think it’s the first time I was at a concert program like this, consisting entirely of classical music composed by women. To begin English composer Ethel Smyth (1858–1944) greeted us from the stage, introducing each piece that she played … Continue reading →

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Triumphant premiere of new adaptation of A Fine Balance at Crow’s Theatre

Posted on September 10, 2026 by barczablog

I loved it and the audience were vocal in their adoration. In reviewing the September 9th premiere performance of A Fine Balance at Crow’s Theatre, I want to look at what’s so special about Anosh Irani’s new adaptation & the … Continue reading →

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