Author Archives: barczablog

TSO November 14th

Posted on November 15, 2012 by barczablog

I was fortunate to attend the Toronto Symphony Orchestra concert tonight, thanks to the kindness of my friend Bill Denning.  It was the first time I’ve seen them in a few years, and my first encounter with Peter Oundjian, their … Continue reading →

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Opera Five Press Release: Nov 6, 2012

Posted on November 14, 2012 by barczablog

“Press releases and announcements” are presented verbatim without comment. For Immediate Release                                          November 6, 2012 WAKING UP THE SENSES Young Company Combines Music With Food for a Refreshing Take on Opera  (Toronto, ON) – Opera Five launches its second … Continue reading →

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Wham bam thank you SNAM

Posted on November 14, 2012 by barczablog

How important is Saturday Night at the Movies?  TV Ontario –the Ontario equivalent to PBS—has many sorts of educational programming.  SNAM is the furthest thing from a genuine curriculum, and precisely for that reason, likely one of our farthest reaching … Continue reading →

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Hannigan as Lulu

Posted on November 13, 2012 by barczablog

I have been watching Barbara Hannigan’s one-of-a-kind interpretation of Lulu in Berg’s opera from a production at La Monnaie, streamed online.  As far as I can tell it will be available until the 28th of this month.  Enjoy it while … Continue reading →

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TOC Fidelio

Posted on November 11, 2012 by barczablog

Toronto Opera Collaborative is an ensemble comprised of emerging artists.  As the pool of Canadian talent continues to grow, singers must either compete for the few available roles, or in groups such as TOC create their own opportunities to show … Continue reading →

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Campaign Catharsis

Posted on November 10, 2012 by barczablog

For months & months we’ve been inundated with American electoral discourse. Conventions & nominations Debates & speeches Polls & statistics Ads (sigh) The ironic dissection of the GOP in social media (ah yes, this has been fun…!) The drama of … Continue reading →

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Mish mash season

Posted on November 8, 2012 by barczablog

Maybe you can tell i am hungry.  I am thinking about comfort food as I write this.  Comfort food? Nothing effete or fancy, but food meant to satisfy: Goulash or stew Shepherd’s pie All-day breakfasts What farmers eat to keep … Continue reading →

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Urban myths

Posted on November 6, 2012 by barczablog

For Halloween and All Saints I blogged some lists.  It may seem that I’m in a rut.  I love lists, don’t you?  No? But I am only using a list as a kind of rhetorical smokescreen.  This time the list … Continue reading →

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5 for All Saints

Posted on November 2, 2012 by barczablog

Halloween (or “all hallows even”, on October 31st) is the day preceding All Saint’s Day (November 1st).  Depending on your faith background, the two days are understood as inter-connected celebrations.  I am no expert. But this is the other half … Continue reading →

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5 for Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2012 by barczablog

It’s October 31st, a date that, depending on your context, could mean an occasion to dress up an occasion to pig out an occasion to be outrageous Some people do that every day of the year, and I won’t deny … Continue reading →

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