Author Archives: barczablog

Beethoven 250: 2020 vision

Posted on December 15, 2020 by barczablog

It’s an oxymoron of a year, this 2020 that is a little over two weeks from its conclusion. Social butterflies (those of us who self-identify as extroverts & are therefore energized by other people) have no choice but to go … Continue reading →

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Mad Pupparazzo

Posted on December 15, 2020 by barczablog

I follow her around with my phone, taking pictures not so much a paparazzo as a pupparazzo. Samantha (SAM for short) seems to like the attention. The pictures? It’s simply that she’s irresistible. I want to capture those beautiful moments. … Continue reading →

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Beethoven 250: Immortal Beloved

Posted on December 15, 2020 by barczablog

Immortal Beloved (1994)  is one of my favorite films.  While I’ve been told by a Beethoven scholar that the facts aren’t correct in the film, that doesn’t stop me from liking it. How could it be otherwise? Spoiler alert #1: … Continue reading →

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Allied Music Centre — Massey Hall

Posted on December 9, 2020 by barczablog

Allied Properties makes a transformative contribution to the Massey Hall Revitalization expanding the scope of the project. Featuring an additional performance venue and new dedicated spaces for artist development and community education initiatives (TORONTO – December 8, 2020) – With enormous … Continue reading →

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Masterful Rituaels film-concert from collectif9

Posted on December 8, 2020 by barczablog

After seeing a preview, I recommend Rituaels, a new film-concert from collectif9 especially to anyone who is missing live performance, wanting the experience of live music in their home setting, and especially to any artists intrigued by the challenges and … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Cinema, video & DVDs, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, Reviews, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Beethoven 250: recalling Brian Macdonald’s Diabelli Variations

Posted on December 7, 2020 by barczablog

As I reminisce about a piece choreographed by Brian Macdonald I hope I can be forgiven for seguing into remembrance of the man, who is known for many things. You probably saw one of the musicals he directed at Stratford, … Continue reading →

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Rapt and unwrapped

Posted on December 6, 2020 by barczablog

There are days when I’m sure the powers that be are trying to tell me something. Anything can be an omen, but some creatures are especially portentous. I didn’t take Sam the dog outside right away, when I got home … Continue reading →

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Beethoven 250: ethnic music

Posted on December 2, 2020 by barczablog

This blog expands on something I proposed November 20th when I talked about Beethoven’s multiple incarnations. Everyone has dimensions or facets to their personality. I hope that’s not a radical idea. There are things we proudly show off, other things … Continue reading →

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RITUÆLS (film-concert)

Posted on December 1, 2020 by barczablog

collectif9 announce the online release of the film-concert Rituæls on December 11, 2020 at 8pm. A 60-minute feature-length film, this production brings together works dating from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, launching a series of films that create … Continue reading →

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Canadian Opera Company announces new General Director

Posted on November 30, 2020 by barczablog

As a subscriber I received an email late this morning from Jonathan Morgan, Chair of the Canadian Opera Company Board of Directors, addressed to COC community members, announcing the new General Director Perryn Leech who we’re told “will step into … Continue reading →

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