Category Archives: Personal ruminations & essays

Mother Sorrow: workshop December 9th

Posted on December 11, 2022 by barczablog

I was privileged to observe an open rehearsal of a new creation titled “Mother Sorrow.” The creative team is large, but I should mention director & choreographer Jennifer Nichols, Composer and music director Adam Scime and librettist (combining new words … Continue reading →

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Another look at Alden’s Dutchman, a first look at Harold Wilson

Posted on October 24, 2022 by barczablog

Today’s matinee was the Canadian Opera Company’s closing performance of The Flying Dutchman, complete with a singer making his debut. The American bass Harold Wilson stepped in for an indisposed Franz-Josef Selig in the role of Daland. When I looked … Continue reading →

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Gimeno prepares the taste-buds for Bronfman’s Beethoven

Posted on October 13, 2022 by barczablog

It was a unique Toronto Symphony concert. Conductor Gustavo Gimeno said he had never conducted six items on a program before. It was pretty radical for me too, although I was fortunate. I noticed the unorthodox program and wrote about … Continue reading →

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Handel’s London

Posted on September 24, 2022 by barczablog

The concept of Tafelmusik’s latest concert, titled “Handel’s London” channels some modern ideas through the baroque composers. It’s also a good excuse for listening to lovely baroque music. Keyboardist Avi Stein, who was both the curator and guest director, explained … Continue reading →

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A Window To A Dream

Posted on September 17, 2022 by barczablog

A Window To A Dream breathes new life into opera favourites Unprecedented program brings fresh Farsi translations of opera essentials to the stage at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts September 23rd, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Richmond Hill, Ontario —  Although … Continue reading →

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Philip Glass: The Complete Piano Etudes

Posted on September 9, 2022 by barczablog

Do you compartmentalize? I ask because it’s common, a given in a modern life. Whether we’re speaking of the things we do for work-life balance, as part of an artistic discipline or simply to get through a busy day, it’s … Continue reading →

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Rebuilding Janise: Andrew Smith’s labour of love

Posted on July 24, 2022 by barczablog

The cover picture is a disturbing metaphor for its subject. In 1992 Andrew and Janise were married. This poem “What Once Was”, is by Andrew Smith, posted in July 2022 on Facebook. what once was; is so long ago.two fools, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Food, Health and Nutrition, My mother, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception, Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

To rewild

Posted on June 5, 2022 by barczablog

“No mow May” is over. It’s June which means the back-lawn has had its first complete trim. In front I’ve been able to dodge this question – between protecting pollinators by letting dandelions & weeds grow vs trimming and cutting—by … Continue reading →

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No words

Posted on April 10, 2022 by barczablog

I need to properly acknowledge a beautiful moment in my life, even as I struggle to find the words. As I glance at the time, I immediately think about Sam’s schedule. At 5:28 my viscera know automatically whether she should … Continue reading →

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Brian Cox: Putting the Rabbit In the Hat

Posted on March 19, 2022 by barczablog

We had been hearing a lot about the tv series Succession from friends. Tom Power on CBC called it the greatest series ever on an episode of Q, the show he always watches as soon as it’s available. Power’s interviews … Continue reading →

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