Author Archives: barczablog

Gay for Pay with Blake and Clay

Posted on November 17, 2022 by barczablog

It’s a funny week, even if nobody seems to remember what “funny” means anymore. I didn’t laugh at Dave Chappelle’s SNL monologue. I walked out of the room during the big announcement the other night (one too many lies) even … Continue reading →

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ARC Ensemble plays The Music of Robert Müller-Hartmann

Posted on November 14, 2022 by barczablog

Today I had the exquisite pleasure of a live encounter with the music of Robert Müller-Hartmann, through the ARC Ensemble at the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Mazzoleni Concert Hall, playing a program to be broadcast by CBC Radio 2. I’ve … Continue reading →

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Peter Oundjian warmly welcomed back to TSO

Posted on November 10, 2022 by barczablog

How could it be otherwise? Peter Oundjian, the Toronto Symphony’s Conductor Emeritus, was greeted with a huge ovation when he came out at Roy Thomson Hall to begin tonight’s concert. We brought his wit to the microphone, cleverly mangling Shakespeare … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tahara, Royer and SPO play Schubert and Saint-Saëns

Posted on November 6, 2022 by barczablog

Tonight’s Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra was my first live experience of the ensemble, a return to live in person appearances featuring pianist Lisa Tahara conducted by music director Ronald Royer. It’s a pleasant change of pace to have a concert relatively … Continue reading →

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Holst’s Neptune and Wagner’s Lohengrin Prelude

Posted on November 5, 2022 by barczablog

I’ve just noticed something concerning Gustav Holst’s Planets suite. You’ve probably heard that Holst did not mean planets in the sense of astronomy but rather to be more of a meditation on the astrological significance of each planet. His seven … Continue reading →

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ARC Ensemble: Chamber works by Alberto Hemsi

Posted on November 4, 2022 by barczablog

ARC Ensemble are the Artists of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. They are superb players but they’re also important because of the work they do. For example, their new recording Chamber Works by Alberto Hemsi, that was just … Continue reading →

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ARC Ensemble: music of Robert Müller-Hartmann

Posted on November 4, 2022 by barczablog

The ARC Ensemble will be playing on November 13th at Mazzoleni Hall at the Royal Conservatory, in a program featuring the music of Robert Müller-Hartmann, Sunday 13 November 2022 at 2:00 pm. This text is from the RCM website for … Continue reading →

Posted in Press Releases and Announcements | 1 Comment

Pieces we’re eager to hear #2: Schubert’s 9th and Saint-Saën’s Piano Concerto #2

Posted on November 3, 2022 by barczablog

SCHUBERT’S GREAT SYMPHONY – Saturday, November 5, 2022 | 7:30 pm The Salvation Army Scarborough Citadel 2021 Lawrence Ave. E. (at Warden) Scarborough Philharmonic OrchestraRonald Royer, ConductorLisa Tahara, piano This performance features Schubert’s masterpiece and a virtuosic piano concerto by … Continue reading →

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Pieces we’re eager to hear #1: Alpine Symphony in North York

Posted on November 3, 2022 by barczablog

Richard Strauss–An Alpine Symphony Rafael Luz Conductor Saturday November 5, 2022 8:00pm Prince BallroomPan Pacific Toronto900 York Mills RoadNorth York (Leslie & Don Mills) Through mist and fog, atop a glacier, across green meadows and babbling brooks: Richard Strauss’ An … Continue reading →

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Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—In Concert with the TSO

Posted on October 29, 2022 by barczablog

Tonight Erika and I watched The Nightmare Before Christmas shown with the Toronto Symphony playing the score live, conducted by Sarah Hicks at Roy Thomson Hall. As with the 100 Years of Film Music concert we attended earlier this week, … Continue reading →

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