Author Archives: barczablog

#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 →

Posted in Press Releases and Announcements | Comments Off on COC Ensemble Studio: Special Performance of The Barber of Seville

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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Toronto Symphony: last moment program change

Posted on April 8, 2015 by barczablog

From a press release: “The TSO has taken a decision to remove Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 from this week’s programme.  The concert for Wednesday, April 8  and Thursday, April 9  will focus entirely on Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.  The concert … Continue reading →

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TSO controversy: it’s not about the music anymore

Posted on April 7, 2015 by barczablog

The similarities between Valentina Lisitsa and Justin Bieber were noted years ago. They’re self-made stars They get millions of hits on youtube Their overconfidence has led them into trouble Perhaps Lisitsa needs to have a celebrity roast, as she seeks … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 1 Comment