Category Archives: Interviews

Ema Nikolovska talks about Orlando, her upcoming concert with Sean Shibe

Posted on October 27, 2026 by barczablog

A good concert program is an invitation, encouraging you to think and feel in response to the combination of materials & performances. That’s what I felt when I heard about Orlando: Ema Nikolovska with Sean Shibe, this Thursday, October 29, … Continue reading →

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Holly Chaplin talks about singing, directing and fund-raising with Benevolence Opera Project at the Redwood Theatre

Posted on October 24, 2026 by barczablog

Fast Times in Seville is a new version of Carmen, coming Friday November 13th. Cursed in Mantua adapts Rigoletto the next night, Saturday November 14th. Both shows are fundraisers in support of Benevolence Opera Project (aka “BOP”), a new organization, … Continue reading →

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Interviewing conductor Ivars Taurins

Posted on October 19, 2026 by barczablog

I bask in the reflected glory of interview subjects. If they look good I look good, and that’s especially true when they’re showing their brilliance in this space. One of the most enjoyable interviews I ever did was with George … Continue reading →

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Adanya Dunn rescuing Grande Duchesse for Toronto Operetta Theatre: an interview

Posted on October 9, 2026 by barczablog

Adanya Dunn is a singer I know from modern opera productions with companies such as Tapestry Opera, FAWN Chamber Creative or Against the Grain. I heard that the singer who was supposed to sing the title role in Toronto Operetta … Continue reading →

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Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho) talks about Prophetess: an interview

Posted on September 29, 2026 by barczablog

I am intrigued by Prophetess, a new play from Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho) to open October 7th at Tarragon Theatre, described this way on their website: Margaret, the Chair of her English Department — and the Queen of Etymology … Continue reading →

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Questions for composer Linda Catlin Smith: an interview

Posted on September 19, 2026 by barczablog

Linda Catlin Smith is a composer I’m pleased to interview, as a couple of her works are about to be premiered, including one by the Toronto Symphony next week. Her music is heard and acclaimed around the world, whether it’s … Continue reading →

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Elissa Lee talks about the upcoming BIGLAKE Festival

Posted on August 18, 2026 by barczablog

Founders and Directors Elissa Lee and Johannes Debus present BIGLAKE, an annual festival in Prince Edward County (PEC). Founded in 2018 by classical musicians Elissa Lee and Johannes Debus in Toronto, the BIGLAKE Festival has become a cornerstone of quality … Continue reading →

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Nebula Performances’ Artistic Director and co-founder, pianist Wenwen Du: an interview

Posted on August 8, 2026 by barczablog

It’s been fascinating to discover pianist Wenwen Du, who seems to be making a splash around the world as a collaborative pianist and as the artistic director of Nebula Performances. I found an amazing solo performance that she gave, playing … Continue reading →

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Gothic Girl Summer: Tyler Seguin talks about Brontë & Northanger Abbey at Guild Festival Theatre

Posted on July 14, 2026 by barczablog

I heard Guild Festival Theatre’s announcement of their 15th summer in Guild Park. Inspired by Gothic literature and the great women writers of the 19th century, GFT’s 2026 programming features a theatrical imagining of the lives of the beloved Brontë … Continue reading →

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Mark Tetreault recalls his Toronto Symphony Tuba playing days

Posted on July 12, 2026 by barczablog

Whenever I come into the concert hall for a Toronto Symphony Orchestra concert and see a tuba my heart beats a bit faster: because it means something extraordinary. I just googled the tuba. You won’t hear the instrument in a … Continue reading →

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