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Category Archives: Personal ruminations & essays
Macho mystery: Till Havs
I’ve been listening to a song since childhood even though I still don’t really know what it means. Imagine if the most impressive song you had ever heard was in a foreign language. So please picture the most impressive song … Continue reading
The miraculous simplicity of Hearing Beethoven
I’m very grateful for the serendipity that led to Robin Wallace’s book even if the fate governing its creation is cruel indeed. A shy and short-sighted musicologist named Robin married a nurse named Barbara. She was losing her hearing. I … Continue reading
New beginnings in snakeskin
It has been a week of new beginnings. Today was Benjamin Kidd’s ordination. As of Saturday July 27th he is no longer a student. I wonder if we’re now supposed to call him “Reverend Ben”? Perhaps that comes out as … Continue reading
Remembering Larry Earlix
It’s a day for sentimentality. My mom’s had her birthday, which is of course a wonderful occasion: but I won’t talk about that here as it’s a bit too private for the blog. Yes Virginia there are things I don’t … Continue reading
Posted in Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Politics, Theatre & musicals, University life
Tagged Animal House, Derek Walcott, Friends House, Galt MacDermot, Hart House Theatre, Jane Jacobs, Larry Earlix, Perseids, Pete Thomas, Quaker, SDS, Students for a Democratic Society, The Varsity
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Operatic thought for Canada Day
Is it true that Alexander Neef, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company is headed back to Paris? Today I read Michael Vincent’s news report via Ludwig-van.com that was a natural segue from the conversation I had with my companion … Continue reading
TSO & Gimeno: a question of leadership
Tonight was the first concert in the Toronto Symphony’s last weekend of the season, giving us a glimpse of their new music director Gustavo Gimeno. Will he come to be known as GG? While last week’s concert with Donald Runnicles … Continue reading
Boheme to close the deal
It’s that time of year when one considers renewing the opera subscription. Oh don’t get me wrong, I was going to renew it anyway. But the comment from the Mrs today was electric. She’s so glad to know that we’re … Continue reading
