Author Archives: barczablog

Toronto celebrates Jessye Norman: Glenn Gould Prize

Posted on January 16, 2019 by barczablog

NEWS RELEASE: Toronto celebrates the artistry of Jessye Norman, Winner of the Twelfth Glenn Gould Prize,  with a series of events starting February 11th  January 16, 2019 – TORONTO – Toronto celebrates the life, art and works of Twelfth Glenn Gould … Continue reading →

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Kiviuq Returns: truly an Inuit Epic

Posted on January 14, 2019 by barczablog

I came out of the matinee of Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic in an altered state of reality. It’s new but it’s old, it soothes you even as it challenges you. They set the bar very high for what’s to come … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Pollyanna and the lessons of 2018

Posted on January 5, 2019 by barczablog

In past years my annual review was out in December, but this time it’s later than usual: because I’ve had a real holiday this year, more sleep and more silence than usual, dodging the viruses & germs pursuing other members … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Cinema, video & DVDs, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Politics, Reviews, University life | 3 Comments

Sing-Along Messiah 2018

Posted on December 23, 2018 by barczablog

You can change the location but the song remains the same. Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir led by Herr Handel himself gave us their annual sing-along Messiah. The previous 37 have been at Massey Hall, but this time renovation … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Reviews, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Verbotenlieder subculture

Posted on December 20, 2018 by barczablog

This is not a review. I had the exquisite pleasure of going to Lula Lounge tonight for Verbotenlieder, Tongue in Cheek Productions’s latest extravaganza. The premise as I understood it from my recent interview with TiC co-founders Aaron Durand & … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Toronto Symphony–Mendelssohn Choir Messiah

Posted on December 19, 2018 by barczablog

Toronto is Messiah town, as I’ve joked before. Handel’s most popular Biblical oratorio is everywhere at this time of year. Tonight I took in the second of six offered this week by the Toronto Symphony, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and … Continue reading →

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From the Water: vivid and powerful

Posted on December 14, 2018 by barczablog

I saw the opening night performance of Will King’s From the Water, presented by Seven Siblings Theatre at Tarragon’s Extraspace. A rush of responses across several categories helps me to write. It’s wonderful to be moved, to be excited on … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Questions for Will King – Seven Siblings Theatre

Posted on December 8, 2018 by barczablog

Will King is a graduate from the BFA Acting program at the University of Windsor. With training that includes the Moscow Art Theatre School, & workshops at R.A.D.A. the Stratford Festival, and the S.I.T.I. Company from New York, he is … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Interviews, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

No Forbidden Questions as Aaron & Michael talk about Verbotenlieder

Posted on December 6, 2018 by barczablog

Aaron Durand + Michael Nyby = Tongue in Cheek Productions. No that’s not a formula but come to think of it there is a curious creative chemistry, a tendency to energize. I find it exciting to talk to them, and … Continue reading →

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Who do you love?

Posted on December 1, 2018 by barczablog

When the phrase popped into my head (spoken), I was thinking of Tchaikovsky. But immediately I heard Ronnie Hawkins’ song in my head. When I heard this near the start of The Last Waltz, and come to think of it, closer … Continue reading →

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