Author Archives: barczablog

Interviewing Nicholas Rice before Another Side Of Rice

Posted on January 16, 2026 by barczablog

I wanted to interview Nicholas Rice, intrigued by the show he’s doing at Red Sandcastle Theatre, Another Side Of Rice. He’s a story-teller and an actor. A Side of Rice was on last March at the Red Sandcastle Theatre. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Dance, theatre & musicals, Interviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lawrence Wiliford shaping art song’s future

Posted on January 13, 2026 by barczablog

Tenor Lawrence Wiliford joined with pianist Steven Philcox and together founded the Canadian Art Song Project (CASP) in 2011. Someday I hope to interview pianist Steven Philcox, who has partnered Lawrence on his CASP journey. A few years ago Lawrence … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Interviews, Music and musicology, Opera, University life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toronto Operetta Theatre’s Czardas Princess starts the New Year

Posted on January 5, 2026 by barczablog

Toronto Operetta Theatre began the new year of 2026 looking over their shoulders with a romance that had its premiere over a century ago in Vienna: Imre Kálmán’s Czardas Princess. We went on the weekend sitting among a boisterously enthusiastic … Continue reading →

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

One of Joyce Wieland’s paintings

Posted on December 31, 2025 by barczablog

Zoe and I walked through the many wonderful pieces displayed in Joyce Wieland’s show Heart On, running at the AGO until Sunday January 4th. The conversations I have been having with Zoe about criticism can feel different depending on where … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Opera | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Accompanying Lepage to The Far Side of the Moon

Posted on December 24, 2025 by barczablog

Sometimes my need to explain myself leads to huge introductions that may confuse or perplex, pre-ambulations that happen both on foot and in the words of the blog. As 2025 closes I escaped into recreation at the Red Sandcastle Theatre, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Cinema, video & DVDs, Dance, theatre & musicals, My mother | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tafelmusik Messiah sounds new through the drama of live performance

Posted on December 20, 2025 by barczablog

While there’s something comforting in being able to return to a classic text year after year, I always hope to find ways to make it a fresh experience. Tafelmusik’s first 2025 Messiah on Thursday December 18th at Koerner Hall had … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Interview with William Fedkenheuer, new Artistic Director of Toronto Summer Music

Posted on December 13, 2025 by barczablog

William Fedkenheuer is a Canadian violinist, fiddler, and educator, second violinist for the Grammy-nominated Miró Quartet recognized internationally for chamber music and performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. William has begun his new role as Artistic Director of Toronto … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Music and musicology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Interviewing versatile tenor Scott Rumble

Posted on December 7, 2025 by barczablog

I have heard tenor Scott Rumble a few times, a young artist who impressed both vocally and dramatically in Toronto Operetta Theatre’s Die Fledermaus in 2022. Ah how I wish I could have seen him take on the heroic role … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Double Dixit delivers

Posted on November 29, 2025 by barczablog

This week Tafelmusik’s Chamber Choir began their season with a concert titled Double Dixit, a wonderful warm-up for the Messiah, coming in three weeks. The singers in that choir are professionals at the highest level, among the best soloists collected … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Discovering the brilliant virtuoso Tony Siqi Yun

Posted on November 24, 2025 by barczablog

“I am a lucky guy.” That’s my mantra as a person seeking to live a life of gratitude: and sometimes it has proven to be true. My friends Gary & Bill left town for a family bris, giving me tickets … Continue reading →

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