Please say hello, particularly if you have anything you’d like to say. If you’re shy about posting, you can email me at barczablog at gmail dot com (and yes that’s a change to my email address).
If you’re an artist / company who might like to be reviewed please feel free to say hi. I don’t like negativity in my reviews, but by the same token, if i am not interested and/or intrigued i am more likely to write nothing than post a hurtful review. Any klutz can kick down a house of cards. Making something is much harder, and so I have a lot of respect for performing artists, even when i don’t think the performance worked.
Currently I’m mostly posting reviews, but from time to time I will sound off on just about anything.
barczablog 
Thank you for a comprehensive and inciteful write-up. Appreciate the recognition. Bill
This is irene like it
Thank you for this wonderful entry at the start of the new year.
I met you last year when Judy and I travelled to Toronto.
With blessings for a wonderful new year.
Kathy
Dear Leslie Barcza,
Thank you for reviewing the Seven Deadly Sins concert presented by Against the Grain Theatre, back in March. (I was the tenor soloist in the Britten piece).
I am writing to let you know about an exciting in-concert presentation of Lakme that will be presented by Opera by Request in a few weeks’ time.
We have been rehearsing heavily over the past two weeks. And it’s evident that it’s going to be a fantastic show!!
I’m also learning that there is lots of buzz in the opera singer community about this. A surprising number of my colleagues seem very excited, both because Lakme seems to be rarely done, and because the cast is… well… rather well-stacked!
I hope that you might consider joining us for an evening of beautiful music on August 10th, at 7:30pm, at College Street United Church (College & Bathurst).
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Christopher
Hi Leslie,
Just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed having you and Erika stay with us. She mentioned your blog which is very impressive and interesting. I would appreciate it if you mentioned “Be My Guest B&B”. (only if it’s good 😉 ) Hope to see you again in the near future!
Cheers,
Linda
We were joking over breakfast (Nicole & I) that the other lady –who was at her first ever B & B– would be in for a shock next time, given that you’re simply the best B & B i’ve ever been to.
I found this picture of your front door: http://images.bbcanada.com/3933a.jpg I find myself trying to invent pretexts, reasons why i might go to Brantford. I am sure we’ll be back.
Leslie,
Thanks for the excellent review of “Bohème” from last night. The CCOC and I thank you for the lovely comment about the kids. I was very proud of them — they have worked hard, but having the likes of John Caird (also Graham Cozzubbo) and Maestro Carlo Rizzi was a treat beyond description. Divine!!! BTW, I forwarded John your review.
Best,
Ann (CCOC)
Thanks Ann!
Leslie; Help your email keeps bouncing back was trying to send you info from Syrinx Concerts Toronto
Really? i’ve received other email today (“barczablog at gmail dot com”… perhaps you used “dot ca”?). I will email you directly (marketing at syrinxconcerts dot ca)
Dear Leslie,
Thank you for your review on the Israel Philharmonic’s performance in Toronto. I’m the concertmaster, David Radzynski, who performed the solo in the Strauss and I would appreciate it if you corrected this in your review.
Thank you,
David Radzynski
Thanks for the update, happy to oblige.
Hello Leslie,
I just want to thank you for your balanced and beautiful and kind review of our play, Encounters at the Edge of the Woods. I really appreciate how you honoured and celebrated all of us so equally and your review made us feel so good and happy, knowing our passion and hard work paid off.
Thabks again,
Sheilah Madonna
That’s one of the nicest comments I’ve ever read, thank you most kindly. I was indeed very moved, impressed by performers who were Indigenous, and those who might be called “settlers”. You make me believe that reconciliation might yet be possible. Thank you.
AF stands for Anishinaabe Fire (not Animal Farm). Thank you for making this correction to your article.
Pardon me! I saw Orwell mentioned in the press release, but you’re right to contact me. SORRY ABOUT THAT!