Author Archives: barczablog

Oshawa Opera 2015-16

Posted on April 21, 2015 by barczablog

  OSHAWA OPERA–2015-2016 SeasonCelebrating 2 Years of Opera in Oshawa Suor Angelica Septembre 27, 2015 Suor Angelica: Natalya Matyusheva Zia Principessa: Catherine CarewKristine Dandavino: music director (piano and chorus) Fidelio November 15, 2015 Leonore (Fidelio): Brigitte Bogar Florestan: Jason LamontKristine Dandavino: music director Viva Verdi!  … Continue reading →

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Ten Questions for Wendy Nielsen

Posted on April 21, 2015 by barczablog

Wendy Nielsen is one of the most influential people in Canada’s opera community. After an international career as a soprano that has included starring appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Nielsen went on to create a private voice studio. Nielsen is … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, University life | Leave a comment

#OdysseoTO: the Golden Age of The Circus

Posted on April 20, 2015 by barczablog

I saw Cavalia’s show Odysseo today at their big tent on the waterfront, in the company of my Mom & a rapturous grand-child.  The world has certainly changed. I’m reminded of the Commedia dell’Arte that was featured in the Barber … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Reviews | 5 Comments

“Location location location”

Posted on April 18, 2015 by barczablog

The saying goes like this: “‘There are three things that matter in property: location, location, location.’” It’s also true in theatre. I have a subscription to the Canadian Opera Company, a pair of seats in the second row. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception | 2 Comments

A Zany COC Barber

Posted on April 18, 2015 by barczablog

The Canadian Opera Company premiered their new Barber of Seville tonight at the Four Season Centre, a colourful co-production with Houston Grand Opera, Opéra National de Bordeaux and Opera Australia  directed by Joan Font, with set & costumes designed by … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 2 Comments

COC Ensemble Studio: Special Performance of The Barber of Seville

Posted on April 16, 2015 by barczablog

CANADA’S RISING OPERA STARS STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE BARBER OF SEVILLE 14/15 COC Ensemble Studio Toronto – The stage is set for opera’s next generation of stars to shine, when the young artists of the … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Krisztina Szabó

Posted on April 13, 2015 by barczablog

My stereotype of Krisztina Szabó is inaccurate of course. My questions may have made her laugh, even though she’s too polite to send me packing. In cobbling together a few questions –concerning a pair of 20th century compositions—I was far … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Music and musicology, Opera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Graceful Orpheus will move you

Posted on April 12, 2015 by barczablog

I can’t think of a performing arts troupe with a more recognizable style than Opera Atelier. For the first twenty years of their existence (give or take a few seasons), they straight-jacketed themselves with the idea of authenticity, portraying themselves … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

10 Questions for Alek Shrader

Posted on April 9, 2015 by barczablog

It can be embarrassing when you don’t realize you’ve already seen / heard an artist before.  I didn’t realize I’d seen Alek Shrader before, in his impressive turn as Ferdinand in Adès’s Tempest at the Metropolitan Opera. So in other … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | 1 Comment

Back to music for loyal supporters of TSO

Posted on April 9, 2015 by barczablog

It’s been a difficult week. The Toronto Symphony’s players, tonight’s conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, the would-be soloists Valentina Lisitsa and Stewart Goodyear, and the audience have in various ways been through an ordeal. Arriving at the concert tonight, we walked past … Continue reading →

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