Category Archives: Personal ruminations & essays

Ann Cooper Gay says goodbye to Canadian Children’s Opera Company

Posted on May 25, 2015 by barczablog

Today the Canadian Children’s Opera Company said their goodbyes to Ann Cooper Gay, their departing Artistic & Executive Director. In last year’s interview I alluded to her importance, as one of the most influential figures in opera and music in … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 1 Comment

Brecht, Music and Culture: Hanns Eisler in Conversation

Posted on May 20, 2015 by barczablog

I have a fondness for interviews, having conducted quite a few on this blog, but I can only look on in awe when I see someone capable of asking really good questions when I see someone capable of making really … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays | 2 Comments

Towards a new theatre vocabulary: Lepage, Cavalia and the legitimacy of aerials

Posted on May 1, 2015 by barczablog

It’s aerial week in Toronto: Robert Lepage’s pair of brief operas (Bluebeard’s Castle / Erwartung) for the Canadian Opera Company open May 6th at the Four Seasons Centre, including moments when you can’t tell which way is up Robert Lepage’s Needles … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Art, Architecture & Design, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays | 5 Comments

Youtube’s revolutions, big and small

Posted on April 23, 2015 by barczablog

It’s youtube’s tenth anniversary today.  Much will be written / spoken about the impact of this empowering channel and its imitators, the influence on political movements.  It’s played a role in uprisings & elections, actions both democratic and violent. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture | Leave a comment

Ten Questions for Wendy Nielsen

Posted on April 21, 2015 by barczablog

Wendy Nielsen is one of the most influential people in Canada’s opera community. After an international career as a soprano that has included starring appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Nielsen went on to create a private voice studio. Nielsen is … Continue reading →

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

“Location location location”

Posted on April 18, 2015 by barczablog

The saying goes like this: “‘There are three things that matter in property: location, location, location.’” It’s also true in theatre. I have a subscription to the Canadian Opera Company, a pair of seats in the second row. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception | 2 Comments

A Zany COC Barber

Posted on April 18, 2015 by barczablog

The Canadian Opera Company premiered their new Barber of Seville tonight at the Four Season Centre, a colourful co-production with Houston Grand Opera, Opéra National de Bordeaux and Opera Australia  directed by Joan Font, with set & costumes designed by … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 2 Comments

Back to music for loyal supporters of TSO

Posted on April 9, 2015 by barczablog

It’s been a difficult week. The Toronto Symphony’s players, tonight’s conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, the would-be soloists Valentina Lisitsa and Stewart Goodyear, and the audience have in various ways been through an ordeal. Arriving at the concert tonight, we walked past … Continue reading →

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Toronto Symphony: last moment program change

Posted on April 8, 2015 by barczablog

From a press release: “The TSO has taken a decision to remove Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 from this week’s programme.  The concert for Wednesday, April 8  and Thursday, April 9  will focus entirely on Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.  The concert … Continue reading →

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TSO controversy: it’s not about the music anymore

Posted on April 7, 2015 by barczablog

The similarities between Valentina Lisitsa and Justin Bieber were noted years ago. They’re self-made stars They get millions of hits on youtube Their overconfidence has led them into trouble Perhaps Lisitsa needs to have a celebrity roast, as she seeks … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 1 Comment