Category Archives: Opera

Old review of Egoyan’s Die Walküre

Posted on January 27, 2015 by barczablog

I posted this –a review of the current production in a different theatre from a decade ago– on a different website.  I am re-posting it because i won’t be able to see the opening of the new production at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Personal ruminations & essays | Leave a comment

Some resist seduction by Tcherniakov’s Don Giovanni

Posted on January 25, 2015 by barczablog

Today’s opening of the Canadian Opera co-production of Don Giovanni directed by Dmitri Tcherniakov met with a mixed reception at the Four Seasons Centre. I heard a few boos, saw some empty seats at the end and heard an earful … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | 10 Comments

Opera 5: Modern (Family) Opera

Posted on January 24, 2015 by barczablog

I was invited to think and feel at tonight’s first performance of the Opera 5 program “Modern (Family) Opera”. I laughed a lot, I felt a lot, and my mind’s awhirl. The family theme is approached from two very different … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Kyle Ketelsen

Posted on January 20, 2015 by barczablog

Kyle Ketelsen is a special talent, a wonderful voice with extraordinary dramatic presence. I’ve seen him twice. The first time he was in the Canadian Opera Company’s La Cenerentola, when I said that he “brought a majestic sound to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | 1 Comment

10 Questions for Jennifer Holloway

Posted on January 19, 2015 by barczablog

Lauded for her “nuanced dramatic impulses” and “voice that is liquid, lambent, and lit from within”, American singer Jennifer Holloway gives new life to the characters she plays and the music she sings at leading opera houses and concert halls … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | Tagged , | 1 Comment

10 Questions for Heidi Melton

Posted on January 17, 2015 by barczablog

If a list of engagements on a website is anything to go by, Heidi Melton is coming into her own. Toronto audiences are lucky to be able to see the young soprano at a time when she’s taking on all … Continue reading →

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COC Season launch #coc1516: come back, all is forgiven

Posted on January 15, 2015 by barczablog

The launch of the Canadian Opera Company’s 2015-2016 season felt like a genuine celebration, a special occasion because of the performances, and a moment when the COC appears to be looking boldly forward. Speaking as a subscriber, though, I feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera | 2 Comments

10 Questions for Christine Goerke

Posted on January 6, 2015 by barczablog

It’s a coup when a great international artist comes to your city. But when the artist in question is one of the most talked-about singers of the year? AND she’s choosing to make her most important role-debut here in this … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

10 Questions for Darren Russo

Posted on December 30, 2014 by barczablog

Darren Russo is a composer born in 1984 in Montreal, Quebec.  In 2006 he began his bachelor’s degree in music composition at McGill, including studies with Chris Paul Harman, and Jean Lesage. He was awarded positions as composer-in-residence for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Toronto Operetta Theatre’s Mikado

Posted on December 28, 2014 by barczablog

Although I haven’t seen many shows from Toronto Operetta Theatre, tonight’s is timely, after the social media debates between armchair Artistic Directors concerning management strategies. In the years to come we’re likely to see a scaling back of the boldest … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | 2 Comments