Category Archives: Popular music & culture

Barbara Hannigan on Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2019 by

Happy Valentine’s Day. Tonight I’ll be listening to the Toronto Symphony celebrate the day under the leadership of Barbara Hannigan, who will also be singing. Here’s the program: Debussy: Syrinx for solo flute [3′] Sibelius: Luonnotar for Soprano and Orchestra [10′] Haydn: Symphony No. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Julie Tepperman & Chris Thornborrow: Hook Up

Posted on January 18, 2019 by

How do people meet, and what’s involved in making connections? I keep asking this question about the arts because in case you haven’t noticed, you can’t do it alone. Yes there are people like Beethoven who work in solitude, people … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, Theatre & musicals, University life | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

From the Water: vivid and powerful

Posted on December 14, 2018 by

I saw the opening night performance of Will King’s From the Water, presented by Seven Siblings Theatre at Tarragon’s Extraspace. A rush of responses across several categories helps me to write. It’s wonderful to be moved, to be excited on … Continue reading →

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Questions for Will King – Seven Siblings Theatre

Posted on December 8, 2018 by

Will King is a graduate from the BFA Acting program at the University of Windsor. With training that includes the Moscow Art Theatre School, & workshops at R.A.D.A. the Stratford Festival, and the S.I.T.I. Company from New York, he is … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, Theatre & musicals | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Who do you love?

Posted on December 1, 2018 by

When the phrase popped into my head (spoken), I was thinking of Tchaikovsky. But immediately I heard Ronnie Hawkins’ song in my head. When I heard this near the start of The Last Waltz, and come to think of it, closer … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, Press Releases and Announcements | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Space Opera Zero

Posted on November 17, 2018 by

When I write about the shows I see I’m sometimes overwhelmed by envy, wishing it were me who’s up there singing or playing. We’re never more alive than when we’re dying onstage. And so I’ll often toss off these spontaneous … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Opera, Popular music & culture, Reviews, Theatre & musicals | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Recipe for Resilience: Yiddish Glory

Posted on October 30, 2018 by

Do you have any DVDs or books or CDs that you use to cheer yourself up or chase away the blues? I’ve had several I relied upon over the years. And I’ve discovered a special new one. I’m very lucky, … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Politics, Popular music & culture, Reviews, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment