Author Archives: barczablog

The Drawing Room from Confluence

Posted on September 25, 2022 by barczablog

The Drawing Room is “a dialogue for three voices and a messenger,” Music by composer Ian Cusson, Text by André Alexis. Its 20 minutes of words & music concluded Confluence Concerts opener to their fifth season. It’s something like a … Continue reading →

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Handel’s London

Posted on September 24, 2022 by barczablog

The concept of Tafelmusik’s latest concert, titled “Handel’s London” channels some modern ideas through the baroque composers. It’s also a good excuse for listening to lovely baroque music. Keyboardist Avi Stein, who was both the curator and guest director, explained … Continue reading →

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Electrifying opener for Gimeno and TSO

Posted on September 22, 2022 by barczablog

Tonight’s concert by the Toronto Symphony was a fitting beginning to their centennial season, a genuinely celebratory evening. The program message from Music Director Gustavo Gimeno is very promising: “The creation of contrast is at the heart of what I … Continue reading →

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Mary Trump’s Reckoning

Posted on September 19, 2022 by barczablog

The title of the book is The Reckoning: Our Nation’s Trauma and Finding a Way to Heal. It’s to be understood as a reckoning for America, but perhaps also a personal one for the author. After watching the Royal Funeral … Continue reading →

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A Window To A Dream

Posted on September 17, 2022 by barczablog

A Window To A Dream breathes new life into opera favourites Unprecedented program brings fresh Farsi translations of opera essentials to the stage at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts September 23rd, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Richmond Hill, Ontario —  Although … Continue reading →

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The Palace Papers: forbidden pleasures with Tina Brown

Posted on September 16, 2022 by barczablog

I find myself conflicted. I am not a royalist but I do admire Elizabeth. Tina Brown’s book The Palace Papers is brilliantly timed. Don Lemon mentioned her book during CNN’s coverage of Elizabeth’s passing and Charles ascension to the throne. … Continue reading →

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Moving memoir from Molly

Posted on September 14, 2022 by barczablog

I’m re-reading Hello Molly, the memoir of Molly Shannon. It’s likely a bestseller mainly because of the fame of its author, a star on Saturday Night Live from 1995-2001. But I didn’t expect to be so moved, reading the book … Continue reading →

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$50,000 Mécénat Musica Prix 3 Femmes 2022-23

Posted on September 13, 2022 by barczablog

******* “Press releases and announcements” are presented verbatim without comment

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Uncle Vanya

Posted on September 12, 2022 by barczablog

The new version of Uncle Vanya, by Liisa Repo-Martell, directed by Crow’s Artistic Director, Chris Abraham works very well. I loved it. Chekhov can be a challenge, possibly because he’s often put on such a high pedestal, his name spoken … Continue reading →

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Philip Glass: The Complete Piano Etudes

Posted on September 9, 2022 by barczablog

Do you compartmentalize? I ask because it’s common, a given in a modern life. Whether we’re speaking of the things we do for work-life balance, as part of an artistic discipline or simply to get through a busy day, it’s … Continue reading →

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