Author Archives: barczablog

Filet of Carmen

Posted on September 7, 2013 by barczablog

Considering that the heroine of Bizet’s opera usually ends up stabbed, I want to make clear that the headline refers to Peter Brook’s La Tragédie de Carmen, a much shorter version of the original, and not the violence meted out … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Histories

Posted on September 5, 2013 by barczablog

As I revised the outline for “The Most Popular Operas” (a course I teach here at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, beginning September 18th), I was asked as usual to recommend books. I used to suggest Roger … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

After Mansouri

Posted on September 2, 2013 by barczablog

Lotfi Mansouri’s death earlier this week is not the end of an era.  His time had already passed long ago.  But his death is still a fit time to ask “how important was Lotfi Mansouri”? One answers that question differently … Continue reading →

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Lotfi Mansouri: COC’s announcement

Posted on September 1, 2013 by barczablog

“Press releases and announcements” are presented verbatim without comment. August 31, 2013 Toronto, ON – The Canadian Opera Company is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former general director Lotfi Mansouri, who guided the company from 1976 … Continue reading →

Posted in Press Releases and Announcements | Leave a comment

Adam Klein – Winterreise

Posted on August 26, 2013 by barczablog

On his Vimeo webpage Eric Solstein says  “This amazing performance by Adam Klein & Craig Ketter of the Schubert song cycle will be the soundtrack to a film I’m just finishing. It’s too powerful not to be available on its … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Dark Blue Jasmine

Posted on August 25, 2013 by barczablog

I went into a theatre expecting brilliance from Cate Blanchett, and was blind-sided by Woody Allen’s politics.  But maybe that was to be expected. I keep finding politics everywhere I turn.  Maybe it’s me (and the political focus of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

10 questions for Alaina Viau

Posted on August 23, 2013 by barczablog

Alaina Viau works at the Glenn Gould School at the RCM as the Opera and Royal Conservatory Orchestra Manager.  What makes her tick? Real performances where there is natural movement and real emotions on stage, with singing that will make … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Loose Tea Music Theatre: La Tragédie de Carmen

Posted on August 23, 2013 by barczablog

“Press releases and announcements” are presented verbatim without comment. LOOSE TEA Music Theatre proudly announces its inaugural opera, La Tragédie de Carmen. Presented at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, this opera is a powerful, raw and visceral adaptation of Bizet’s … Continue reading →

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Christian Jeffries: Songs From The Couch

Posted on August 22, 2013 by barczablog

I first encountered Christian Jeffries in the Soup Can Theatre cabaret show Love is a Poverty You Can Sell 2 at the Fringe in July, the most memorable performer we encountered for two brief numbers. CJ was back last night, … Continue reading →

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Trajectory to Elysium

Posted on August 20, 2013 by barczablog

I try not to give away the plots of films I review.  As I write my second piece within a week of seeing Elysium, I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone who has not yet seen it. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Personal ruminations & essays, Politics, Psychology and perception | Leave a comment