Tag Archives: Joel Ivany

What does this Requiem do? Ivany meets Mozart

Posted on April 2, 2015 by barczablog

The calendar reminds us of the relationship of our society and religion.  This week is one of those times of year when people may make their only annual visit to a church or synagogue, while those who are regular attendees or church … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

AtG Pelléas et Mélisande

Posted on June 22, 2014 by barczablog

Against the Grain have done it again. Their outdoor production of Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande is highly original, illuminating the opera is several unforgettable ways.  Joel Ivany’s director’s note in the program says “Upon getting to know this opera, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

AtG Messiah: without a net

Posted on December 15, 2013 by barczablog

We were promised something different, and they delivered. Against the Grain Theatre’s Messiah took a familiar piece and added something without disturbing the essential gold.  Handel, Isaiah, Revelation (etc) are well served, in a piece entirely true to the  name … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

10 Questions for Joel Ivany

Posted on November 27, 2013 by barczablog

Joel Ivany’s career seems to be taking off.  His work with Against the Grain Theatre here in Toronto is impressive enough, but in addition he directed the recent World premiere of Gavin Bryars chamber opera Marilyn Forever with the Aventa … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Interviews, Opera | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lost in the East

Posted on March 3, 2013 by barczablog

We always know our spatio-temporal co-ordinates with the help of satellite surveillance and assorted electronic devices.  When was the last time you were lost? Those of us with regular jobs go back and forth along the same streets.  From time … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

AtG-7DS = Against the Grain Theatre-Seven Deadly Sins

Posted on March 17, 2012 by barczablog

Against The Grain (“AtG”) Theatre’s production The 7 Deadly Sins (and Holier Fare) resists easy categorization.  As I ponder this question (what is this show?), and try to stifle the impulse to classify, I can’t help noticing that the question … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

10 Questions for Lindsay Sutherland Boal

Posted on March 11, 2012 by barczablog

Trained as an operatic soprano, Lindsay Sutherland Boal began her career on Canadian and international stages singing the roles of the Countess in La Nozze di Figaro, Papagena in Die Zauberflöte, Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos and Madame Silkberklang in … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Boheme Against the Grain again

Posted on December 2, 2011 by barczablog

You can only be shocked that way once. When I attended the opening night of Against the Grain’s La bohème in June, it was thrilling to experience a modern adaptation of this well-worn opera in a downtown Toronto bar, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bohème against the grain

Posted on June 3, 2011 by barczablog

It’s been attempted before: taking that well-known and perhaps overly-familiar opera, Puccini’s La bohème, and reinventing it. Baz Luhrmann tried it with some success. So did Jonathan Larson, with Rent (another success). You can’t blame people for wanting to attempt … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment