Tag Archives: Canadian Opera Company

10 Questions for Stephen Costello

Posted on April 10, 2013 by barczablog

The fast-rising young tenor Stephen Costello has firmly established himself as one of the current generation’s most impressive artists.  He came to national attention in 2007 when, at age 26, he debuted at the Met’s season-opening night and was quickly … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Ambur Braid

Posted on March 9, 2013 by barczablog

Ambur Braid may have a catchy name, but the reason you remember it is because of what she does with her opportunities. The voice gets mentioned almost in passing (a secure dramatic coloratura that allows her to undertake challenging roles … Continue reading →

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Fledermaus: just like our century

Posted on October 5, 2012 by barczablog

No matter how well they may sing, Johann Strauss Jr’s operetta Die Fledermaus requires its singers to act.  Although the music may be irresistible, I haven’t fully surrendered to any of the Fledermice I’ve seen.  No wonder it was usually … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Tamara Wilson

Posted on August 31, 2012 by barczablog

Tamara Wilson is a soprano who’s going places, a major talent with the voice to be a star. An alumna of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, Wilson’s awards include the George London Award from the George London Foundation, as well … Continue reading →

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COC Podcast

Posted on August 25, 2012 by barczablog

The conversation about the arts is as much about the audience as it is about the art.  If you’re marketing the question can be one of identification (who’s coming to see/hear) as much as how to find, connect with and … Continue reading →

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Contracts renewed

Posted on August 7, 2012 by barczablog

My Canadian Opera Company ticket subscription arrived in the mail today.  I was never in doubt about renewing the tickets, still starry eyed by the new building and the overall quality of what we’ve been getting. Even so—I tell myself—it’s … Continue reading →

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Carsen’s Tosca

Posted on July 31, 2012 by barczablog

Toronto is belatedly getting to know one of its own.  Opera Director Robert Carsen, who’s made a name for himself worldwide has only recently directed productions in Toronto. And how romantic is it that—as if to make up for lost … Continue reading →

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Jean Cox

Posted on June 27, 2012 by barczablog

I’ve been thinking about Jean Cox. Cox was a great American heldentenor, who died on Sunday.  By coincidence it’s the same day that Franz Crass passed, and not many weeks after the death of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. I am pondering the … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Mireille Asselin

Posted on May 19, 2012 by barczablog

A singer deemed “Superb” by the Los Angeles Times, praised by Opera Canada for her “vivacious stage presence” and “soprano that charms and brightens a room”, the grateful recipient of Opera Hamilton’s Sheila Zack Scholarship for Emerging Artists, Mireille Asselin … Continue reading →

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Jane Archibald as Semele

Posted on May 12, 2012 by barczablog

You never can tell.  I would never have predicted which opera would be my favourite of the seven operas programmed this season by the Canadian Opera Company.  Both the adventurous staging and the consistently brilliant singing make Handel’s Semele by … Continue reading →

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