Author Archives: barczablog

Levesque in Leslieville

Posted on December 9, 2010 by barczablog

It’s midweek at Edward Levesque’s Kitchen with my friend Brian, catching up.  This is my second visit.  The first in 2009, was my daughter’s idea.  Zoe has an expat’s appreciation of Toronto and a great network of arty friends telling … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Health and Nutrition, Reviews | Leave a comment

Studies in Motion decidedly Electric

Posted on December 4, 2010 by barczablog

The presentation of Electric Company Theatre’s Studies in Motion is superficially important as part of the reinvention of the Canadian Stage brand in Toronto.  I’m grateful to CanStage for giving us another look at one of the important companies working … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Reviews | 2 Comments

Into the sunset: cue heroic music

Posted on December 1, 2010 by barczablog

I’ve been talking to friends about the missing cat.  The cat is not here.  Why?  she sauntered or dashed or flew through an open door.  Her name is Tara, while her sister is Scarlette.  Scarlette is still here, while Tara … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Essays | 2 Comments

Comfort ye

Posted on November 30, 2010 by barczablog

The tenor soloist in a Christian Church during Advent Season sometimes gets to be an ambassador of hope.  The text for Handel’s Messiah comes directly from the Bible: Recit: Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Essays, Spirituality & Religion | 2 Comments

Feasting and saying thanks

Posted on November 26, 2010 by barczablog

In the book Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman, we read about the psychological benefits of saying thank you.  He calls them “gratefuls”, a good daily ritual that can help make you healthier. And so, as a kind of prayer, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays, Psychology and perception, Spirituality & Religion | 4 Comments

In our closet, Freddie Mercury

Posted on November 25, 2010 by barczablog

Are Don Cherry and Ron McLean hard of hearing? When –on Hockey Night in Canada– McLean interviews Cherry in the segments known as “Coach’s Corner” the entire conversation is loud.  While they claim to be friends they seem to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays, Popular music & culture, Sports | Leave a comment

Mamma Mia! from Glee Across the Universe to Rock of Ages

Posted on November 24, 2010 by barczablog

That was not an attempt to jam as many titles into one sentence as possible.  Okay, maybe I was playing a bit but that’s not all I was attempting… I am sitting watching Glee as I write this.  When the … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Essays | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Genoveva November 17th

Posted on November 22, 2010 by barczablog

How good is Robert Schumann’s Genoveva?  It depends who you ask.  Conventional musicological wisdom from a generation ago consigns Schumann to the same kind of niche as other virtuosi such as Chopin and Liszt.  Their solo piano works are brilliant … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

COC: Aida & Death in Venice

Posted on November 20, 2010 by barczablog

Once upon a time, the key to operatic success was understood according to the prestige associated with the famous singers in the cast.  Success required star-power, at least in the viewpoint of the influential impresario Sol Hurok, who changed our … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 6 Comments

Self-promotions

Posted on November 19, 2010 by barczablog

When I have a show or some event to promote this is one place where i’d promote it. As of Autumn 2012, I am working days at the University of Toronto singing or playing the organ at Hillcrest Church living … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 4 Comments