Author Archives: barczablog

2023: when Barkley beagle came into our lives

Barkley the Barcza beagle came into our lives exactly a year ago next Monday. He came home with me and Erika January 8th 2023. His birthday is May 2nd. He will be two years old in four months. The recent interview … Continue reading

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Adam Klein reflects on the beginning of his operatic career

How do we begin? It’s a good question to ask on January 1st. I am a big fan of tenor Adam Klein. I saw him play Loge in the Robert Lepage production of Das Rheingold, just about the only singer who … Continue reading

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Questions for Constance Adorno Barcza

Barczablog is like a public diary, a place where I reflect & offer opinions. It should be no surprise that in such a self-centred medium I should write about a Barcza occasionally. In those instances I’m more reticent, whether I’m … Continue reading

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William Shookhoff reflects on a recent operatic controversy

This is a guest blog from William (aka Bill) Shookhoff, the pianist and artistic director of Opera by Request. Thank you Bill! ~~~~~~~ Recently, the distinguished Metropolitan Opera of New York City announced that this holiday season would be marked … Continue reading

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Selling off opera tickets for two shows in February 2024

We’re selling a pair of tickets for each of the Canadian Opera Company‘a winter shows. We have a paid subscription but can’t go this time. That’s why we have to sell them: A pair to The Cunning Little Vixen by … Continue reading

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A Tale for Two Cities: the Battle of Alberta

It’s not the first time I’m jealous of Alberta. The Leafs never win The Cup, while Calgary and Edmonton have each had their moments. Joel Ivany has relocated out west, Miriam Khalil singing and teaching alongside him as they raise … Continue reading

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Andrew Smith: a life in motion

The book I’m writing about would make a great gift any time of the year. Do you reread books? It may sound odd but I love to reread a favorite book. I like to re-read novels. I watch favorite films … Continue reading

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From Sappho’s Lyre

Constantine Caravassilis is the composer of From Sappho’s Lyre, a recording from Orchid Classics of original music played by Tallinna Kammerorkester and Tenth Muse Ensemble and vocal soloists, setting poetry by Sappho, Jeffrey Duban and Sara Teasdale, that might make … Continue reading

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Chamber Works by Robert Müller-Hartmann from ARC Ensemble

For the fan of chamber music seeking something beautiful but unlike their usual music, for the collector who needs something new and different, this is an ideal gift. About a year ago I was thrilled to attend a concert by … Continue reading

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Mahler, Berg and more at the EJB Library

Thursday Nov 23rd felt like a Thanksgiving celebration. I found a free parking spot on Bernard for one hour. The first 15 minutes were spent walking down Bedford Rd & then Philosopher’s Walk to the Edward Johnson Building for my … Continue reading

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