Author Archives: barczablog

SFO Rheingold

Posted on March 8, 2021 by barczablog

As I ponder the future of streaming performances & concerts, I’m checking out Wagner’s Ring Cycle as produced by the San Francisco Opera in 2018 in their co-production with the Washington Opera. If you go to https://sfopera.com/opera-is-on/ you choose between … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Cinema, video & DVDs, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Techno-salvation, or a real Canadian Opera Company / National Ballet of Canada

Posted on March 7, 2021 by barczablog

The pandemic has offered a measure of clarity to the world of performing arts. Artists have been knocked for a loop by the lost pay due to gigs that couldn’t happen. Businesses are badly messed up by lost revenues, wondering … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Dance, theatre & musicals, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays | Leave a comment

Irresistible

Posted on March 6, 2021 by barczablog

I’m not sure I understand the title, but it’s a perfect description all the same. I sat through Jon Stewart’s new film Irresistible tonight, sometimes moaning sometimes laughing but unable to tear myself away. So whatever it means, the title … Continue reading →

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Seraphia in Scarborough

Posted on March 5, 2021 by barczablog

I’m ridiculously late, overdue writing about Seraphia, the gourmet shop in Scarborough that has been as essential to me as my left hand. Maybe that’s why I’ve been so slow to write, clearly taking them for granted. Peter Captsis is … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Health and Nutrition, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

We Interrupt This Program: A Conversation with Amplified Opera

Posted on March 4, 2021 by barczablog

The co-founders of Amplified Opera invite you to join them in conversation as they discuss their organization, their new appointment as Disruptor-in-Residence at the Canadian Opera Company, the complexities of the opera industry, and their views on the role the … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Press Releases and Announcements | Leave a comment

Animals in the neighbourhood

Posted on February 20, 2021 by barczablog

Some things are very consistent, the same every year. That doesn’t mean that people notice, of course. When one has nowhere else to turn, there’s always the sky & the planet we inhabit. The manifestations of our celestial journey, the … Continue reading →

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Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet of Canada to receive government support for digital infrastructure

Posted on February 18, 2021 by barczablog

Toronto – In an announcement made this morning by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canadian Opera Company will receive $644,372 in crucial funding provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund toward the Digital Infrastructure Enhancements Project at the Four … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Opera, Press Releases and Announcements | 2 Comments

Shore’s new leitmotiv

Posted on February 18, 2021 by barczablog

Erika & I watched A Dangerous Method (2011) tonight. Have you seen it? It’s a fascinating film directed by David Cronenberg starring Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender & Keira Knightley, all three in fine form portraying, respectively, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung … Continue reading →

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Two Voices juxtaposed by Opera in Concert

Posted on February 11, 2021 by barczablog

The one act play La Voix Humaine was written by Jean Cocteau in 1928. The one act opera La Voix Humaine based on that play was composed by Francis Poulenc in 1958. Each one is a monodrama, presented by a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jussi 2021

Posted on February 3, 2021 by barczablog

I’m reading Jussi, a biography of Swedish tenor Jussi Björling from his widow Anna-Lisa Björling, and a surprisingly honest look at the life of a famous singer. It’s an appropriate week to think about Jussi. He used to celebrate his … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments