Author Archives: barczablog

Four Last Songs: aging, creativity and the meaning of life

Posted on May 18, 2015 by barczablog

The cover picture shows Giuseppe Verdi sitting with a reflective expression on his face while he plays the piano. The book’s title is Four Last Songs: Aging and Creativity in Verdi, Strauss, Messiaen and Britten, the latest collaboration between Linda … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Ensemble Barber an initiation

Posted on May 16, 2015 by barczablog

This was my third look at the Canadian Opera Company Barber of Seville but through a very particular lens. Each season the COC gives over one of their performances to their Ensemble Studio, the talented young singers who are serving … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 2 Comments

MYSTERY MURDER MADNESS for Mother’s Day with Robert Lepage’s Bluebeard / Erwartung

Posted on May 11, 2015 by barczablog

When the advertising screams out “MYSTERY MURDER MADNESS” you know it’s going to be a dark afternoon at the Four Seasons Centre even if it’s Mother’s Day.  But Dr Freud would approve the use of upper case. The operas are … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 2 Comments

10 Questions for Alex Fallis

Posted on May 9, 2015 by barczablog

Alex Fallis is a Toronto native who has been a part of the Canadian professional theatre for over thirty years. He is an actor, director, singer and teacher. As a performer and director, he has experience in opera, musical theatre, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Dance, theatre & musicals, Interviews, Music and musicology, Opera | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Closer to the Barber

Posted on May 8, 2015 by barczablog

I had another look at the Canadian Opera Company’s production of The Barber of Seville, this time up close (aka my subscription seats which are in the front of the orchestra). It’s an interpretation full of clever touches. The sensibility … Continue reading →

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TSO on the road with Lau, Mendelssohn and Bruckner

Posted on May 7, 2015 by barczablog

Tonight’s Toronto Symphony concert was a kind of farewell before going on a short tour to Ottawa & Montreal. The Roy Thomson Hall audience heard the programme they’re taking on the road. Each of the three works represents a special … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | 3 Comments

Eitan Cornfield passes Music Mondays torch to Ian Grundy

Posted on May 6, 2015 by barczablog

Dear Friends of Music Mondays, Our series has served as a launching pad for the best of Toronto’s emerging talent since its inception in 1992. We continue the tradition this year with an exciting lineup of performers  both familiar and … Continue reading →

Posted in Press Releases and Announcements | Leave a comment

10 Questions for Stu and Jess

Posted on May 3, 2015 by barczablog

The time is short.  Stu &Jess Productions will be presenting Ravel’s wonderful L’Heure Espagnole in Montreal the weekend of May 7-9. Stu and Jess are Stuart Martin and Jessica Derventzis. Conductor and pianist Stuart Martin received his Bachelors of Music at University … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | Leave a comment

Questions for Augustin Hadelich

Posted on May 2, 2015 by barczablog

I’m fascinated to have recently discovered the brilliant, busy young violinist Augustin Hadelich. Augustin Hadelich’s first major orchestral recording featuring the violin concertos of Jean Sibelius and Thomas Adès (Concentric Paths) with Hannu Lintu conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Music and musicology | 1 Comment

A Musical, The Importance of Being

Posted on May 2, 2015 by barczablog

I’ve just seen & heard the Toronto Operetta Theatre’s production of Earnest, The Importance of Being, a recent adaptation of Wilde’s play of (almost) the same name.  It was premiered in 2008 by TOT, music by Victor Davies and book … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Opera, Reviews | 4 Comments