Author Archives: barczablog

2021 TSO Messiah

As Kevin Bazzana observes in his Toronto Symphony Orchestra program note, “there is no one definitive Messiah.” It’s an ironic turn of phrase considering the religious implications one might give that phrase. Indeed when I look at the bizarre mockeries … Continue reading

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Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun

This is more appreciation than review. If you’ve never seen a Wes Anderson film this will read differently than to those familiar with his style. The title, subject and structure of Wes Anderson’s film The French Dispatch of the Liberty, … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Cinema, video & DVDs, Popular music & culture, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Confronting mortality: AtG /COC Mozart Requiem

The pandemic is simultaneously new in its requirements and yet old in once again reminding us of our ultimate destiny. Modern science may blind us to history’s lessons. The images on the tray in this picture come from Täby kyrka, … Continue reading

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Dogs are right about winter

This morning I had that magical experience of taking my dog outside after the first snowfall last night. I remember my home room teacher (sorry can’t recall his name) chewed me out in grade 7 when I blurted out “it’s … Continue reading

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Food, Health and Nutrition, Personal ruminations & essays | 2 Comments

A Tafelmusik Christmas

Do you remember how, at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life (that great film encouraging us to be grateful, to appreciate what we have): George Bailey celebrates and appreciates a return to normalcy after the end of his nightmare? … Continue reading

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TSO Winds, Brass & Percussion Spotlight

We’re still in the earliest days of Gustavo Gimeno’s tenure as music director of the Toronto Symphony, enjoying the pandemic protocol of smaller groups onstage playing for smaller groups in Roy Thomson Hall, in 60 minute concerts. That’s why we … Continue reading

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TSO String showcase and what’s to come

In this the second week of Gustavo Gimeno’s tenure as music director of the Toronto Symphony, we’re already seeing some exciting programming choices. Someone thought to limit the number of players onstage to around 50 as a safety measure, affording … Continue reading

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Oakville Chamber Orchestra: A Baroque Festival

It’s so exciting to enjoy live music again. Last week I saw the Toronto Symphony. This afternoon I went with friends to see & hear the Oakville Chamber Orchestra in a baroque program featuring Vivaldi, Lully, JS Bach and Domenico … Continue reading

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MixTape

I was among the ecstatic audience for the opening of Zorana Sadiq’s MixTape tonight at Crow’s Guloien Theatre. Yes we’re thrilled to be back in a theatre, delighted to be looking at one another, guessing identities behind the masks. Was … Continue reading

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Popular music & culture, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

TSO and Gimeno return

This Toronto Symphony Orchestra concert was a happening. They’re back! The audience clapped when the players appeared. And we clapped when Gustavo Gimeno came out for his first appearance as our New Music Director. The occasion was special for several … Continue reading

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