Tag Archives: University of Toronto

Study Acting with Cynthia Ashperger

This is both a trip down memory lane and an attempt to promote some acting classes. When I saw that Cynthia Ashperger is offering acting classes my first impulse was to check my schedule. I’ve worked with her before as … Continue reading

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, My mother, Press Releases and Announcements, University life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Questions for Constance Adorno Barcza

Barczablog is like a public diary, a place where I reflect & offer opinions. It should be no surprise that in such a self-centred medium I should write about a Barcza occasionally. In those instances I’m more reticent, whether I’m … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Interviews | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Mahler, Berg and more at the EJB Library

Thursday Nov 23rd felt like a Thanksgiving celebration. I found a free parking spot on Bernard for one hour. The first 15 minutes were spent walking down Bedford Rd & then Philosopher’s Walk to the Edward Johnson Building for my … Continue reading

Posted in Music and musicology, Opera, University life | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

TSM Metamorphosis

Toronto Summer Music’s theme is the same as the title for last night’s concert, namely “metamorphosis”. I’m writing about it Saturday on the closing weekend of the festival. I’ve been pondering that word over and over in response to the … Continue reading

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Beethoven 250: recalling Brian Macdonald’s Diabelli Variations

As I reminisce about a piece choreographed by Brian Macdonald I hope I can be forgiven for seguing into remembrance of the man, who is known for many things. You probably saw one of the musicals he directed at Stratford, … Continue reading

Posted in Books & Literature, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, University life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brand new sound: a moving experience

I stumbled upon something quite by accident and want to share the good news. No I can’t take credit. We’re fixing some old windows, and needed to work with the contractor, who was blocked off by the way the furniture … Continue reading

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Art, Architecture & Design, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, University life | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Neighbourhood impacts

I was looking in the Canadian Opera Company’s latest publication, a shiny offering that arrived in the mail less than an hour ago, with the title “Audience Impact Report.” Speaking of impacts the mailing included the obligatory return envelope & … Continue reading

Posted in Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, University life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walking the University of Toronto Campus Guide

I shouldn’t have needed a book to wake me up to the nuances & subtleties of my many connections to the University of Toronto. But it’s a bit like a family album, these beautiful pictures of loved ones to remind … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Books & Literature, Personal ruminations & essays, Reviews, University life | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The view from here: perspectives on careers in music & the arts from Margarete von Vaight

An interview with Margarete von Vaight Careers in the arts were always a risky proposition.  Right now as companies push the pause button on their seasons there’s extra cause for concern.  Can those organizations come back? And what happens to … Continue reading

Posted in Interviews, Music and musicology, Opera, Politics, Popular music & culture, University life | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

Disturbance in the Force: a Natural Experiment with Audiences

With all the performers, musicians, artists social distancing at home, you might think that this is an opportunity, that they’d be busy singing, strumming, painting…. All that time to create, right? Yet it’s not what I hear on social media. … Continue reading

Posted in Books & Literature, Cinema, video & DVDs, Essays, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception, University life | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment