Category Archives: Reviews

Classical Quartets from a trio of teenagers

Posted on November 19, 2012 by barczablog

Windermere String Quartet (“WSQ”), an ensemble playing classical repertoire on period instruments, offered a remarkable concert this afternoon.   WSQ are comprised of Rona Goldensher– violin, Elizabeth Loewen Andrews– violin, Anthony Rapoport– viola, and Laura Jones– cello. It’s such a simple … Continue reading →

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Adès, Oakes, Lepage

Posted on November 16, 2012 by barczablog

Watching and hearing the Metropolitan Opera high definition broadcast of The Tempest, I wonder “whose” Tempest to call it. If you listen to Joseph Kerman—who says the composer is the dramatist–you’d say it belongs to Thomas Adès: the composer A … Continue reading →

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TSO November 14th

Posted on November 15, 2012 by barczablog

I was fortunate to attend the Toronto Symphony Orchestra concert tonight, thanks to the kindness of my friend Bill Denning.  It was the first time I’ve seen them in a few years, and my first encounter with Peter Oundjian, their … Continue reading →

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Hannigan as Lulu

Posted on November 13, 2012 by barczablog

I have been watching Barbara Hannigan’s one-of-a-kind interpretation of Lulu in Berg’s opera from a production at La Monnaie, streamed online.  As far as I can tell it will be available until the 28th of this month.  Enjoy it while … Continue reading →

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TOC Fidelio

Posted on November 11, 2012 by barczablog

Toronto Opera Collaborative is an ensemble comprised of emerging artists.  As the pool of Canadian talent continues to grow, singers must either compete for the few available roles, or in groups such as TOC create their own opportunities to show … Continue reading →

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Campaign Catharsis

Posted on November 10, 2012 by barczablog

For months & months we’ve been inundated with American electoral discourse. Conventions & nominations Debates & speeches Polls & statistics Ads (sigh) The ironic dissection of the GOP in social media (ah yes, this has been fun…!) The drama of … Continue reading →

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R Murray Schafer: My Life on Earth and Elsewhere

Posted on October 28, 2012 by barczablog

a handicap, if not too severe, gives one an advantage in life because it forces the handicapped to work harder. I understand autobiography as a medium associated with fame.  Books about stars sell well, whether they’re readable or not. I … Continue reading →

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First look at Freischütz

Posted on October 26, 2012 by barczablog

Tonight I attended the dress rehearsal of the Opera Atelier production of Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freischütz at the Elgin Theatre, a moment I’d been eagerly anticipating for weeks. Coming into the evening I was certain we’d have at … Continue reading →

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Gustav vs Alma

Posted on October 22, 2012 by barczablog

I’ve been listening to Julie Boulianne’s 2011 CD Mahler Lieder, in the aftermath of a week contemplating the works of Frida Kahlo at the AGO.  The show reminds us of the changing role for women in the creative world of … Continue reading →

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Frida and Diego @ the AGO

Posted on October 17, 2012 by barczablog

If you only read one sentence please read this one.  The new exhibit Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting at the Art Gallery of Ontario is the best art exhibit I’ve ever experienced. How so?  Nothing (including my statement) … Continue reading →

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