Author Archives: barczablog

Worth Waiting for Julie

Posted on September 15, 2012 by barczablog

There is much to admire in Louis Dufort’s opera Julie Sits Waiting.  It’s conservative to suggest an opera “belongs” in any sense to the composer, particularly a work that’s clearly a collaborative work across several disciplines.  Call me old-fashioned. But … Continue reading →

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September Buzz

Posted on September 13, 2012 by barczablog

In the circles I share in person or online I am thinking about the question of buzz, to which I alluded recently. I’m excited to be going to a brand-new opera tomorrow night, namely Julie Sits Waiting.  It’s hard for … Continue reading →

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Backbone and the moral high-ground

Posted on September 11, 2012 by barczablog

As a Canadian I am sitting back, wondering whether Barack Obama will be re-elected or not, and what impact if any, we’ll see from these events north of the border in Canada. It makes great television, a dramatic pageant ritualistically … Continue reading →

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Once is not enough

Posted on September 6, 2012 by barczablog

We know that technology is changing rapidly.  Can you imagine that human perception would somehow remain unchanged, or is it more likely that with all the new platforms, applications, and media, that our brains might work in new ways? Such … Continue reading →

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Crossover Kaffe

Posted on September 3, 2012 by barczablog

“Crossover” is a word used to describe artists venturing into a new discipline.  It’s not always a complimentary epithet, considering that What some will celebrate as a new arrival others may perceive as an invasion Expectations aren’t necessarily very high, … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Fides Krucker

Posted on August 31, 2012 by barczablog

Fides Krucker is an inter-disciplinary vocalist, a performer, creator and teacher specializing in contemporary vocal repertoire: prolific, versatile & regularly involved in new creations here and abroad. Krucker is known for her performances of Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer’s works … Continue reading →

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Buzz

Posted on August 31, 2012 by barczablog

At the first COC podcast, we discussed the implications of a post from John Terauds, when he speculated about Toronto audiences. In passing it was observed by one of us (perhaps Wayne Gooding, perhaps John Gilks, perhaps Gianmarco Segato; all … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays | 2 Comments

10 Questions for Tamara Wilson

Posted on August 31, 2012 by barczablog

Tamara Wilson is a soprano who’s going places, a major talent with the voice to be a star. An alumna of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, Wilson’s awards include the George London Award from the George London Foundation, as well … Continue reading →

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Contrasting Butterflies

Posted on August 29, 2012 by barczablog

Classrooms can be amazing places for discovery, especially for the teacher.  Sometimes we can’t anticipate what develops right in front of us. Not long ago I showed two contrasting DVD versions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly to my opera class. Having … Continue reading →

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COC Podcast

Posted on August 25, 2012 by barczablog

The conversation about the arts is as much about the audience as it is about the art.  If you’re marketing the question can be one of identification (who’s coming to see/hear) as much as how to find, connect with and … Continue reading →

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