#TheStories, part 2

Editorial

"After the incident, I was cold and distant toward him for the rest of the program, and I believe that affected my chances of getting cast in any of the school's opera productions. I also decided to avoid summer programs for almost 10 years after this, and only really felt comfortable with female teachers."

A Lucretia rich in symbolism from Journey North Opera

Review

The Male Chorus (sung fiercely and with crystal clear diction by tenor Wesley Frye) was dressed as half man half stag. The Female Chorus, played by lyric soprano Amy Wolf was a more feminine version and also had antlers. The head pieces were quite ornate.

An audible huff of awe and amusement: Maria Callas in Concert

Review

Coming into this concert, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Coming out of it, however, I felt a rekindled appreciation for Callas as a stage artist.

#TheStories, part I

Editorial

"This isn't my only story of being on the other side of predatory behavior in professional settings, but it is an experience I think of regularly and one which has had a profound negative impact on my life."

#TheStories are coming out, and here's why

Editorial

Honestly, I wasn't even sure what I meant to do with these stories even as I was receiving them by the hour. What was to be gained by telling more stories of horrid behaviour? More cynicism? Even a boycott of opera?

The Beast steals the show in world premiere of Beauty's Beast

Review

In this version, the Beast only has a year to earn the love of a woman, or his heart will stop. It's an interesting twist on the tale, that adds a sense of immediacy to the love story.

Stars of Lyric Opera: a cheery season preview at Millennium Park

Review

The night's program veered amiably from operatic hits and season teasers to some truly deep cuts of the repertoire, like Fernand's aria from Donizetti's rarely-performed La favorite, gamely sung by the always-appealing, always spot-on Lawrence Brownlee.

Imagine a day: Mysterious Barricades

Editorial

In 15 cities across Canada, roughly 400 musicians are offering free live concerts, "for the purpose of providing healing and connection to those who are affected by suicide, either in surviving a loss or in dealing with their own mental health issues."

5 items to make touring life more fun

Op-Ed

We were away for six weeks in the fall and four in the spring, touring our opera in remote parts of Québec and Ontario. It may not have been France, but I have had some of the best moments in my professional life.

Projecting on opera: Oper Frankfurt's Radamisto in revival

Review

Then the production succumbs to another tired trope in an attempt to solve the problem of too little too late. Tiridate slits everyone's throat in the midst of their celebratory epilogue as if to ask: is it still opera if no one dies?