Elza van den Heever and the MET Orchestra: A stunning all-Strauss program
Reviews
In Review: Stiffelio
ReviewOn Sunday, I attended the final show of the season by Voicebox: Opera in Concert at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. They presented Verdi's Stiffelio, one of his lesser-known opera written after Nabucco and Ernani, but before La traviata and La forza del destino. I'd certainly never heard of it, so I was curious.
In review: Albert Herring at UofT Opera
ReviewSo much celebration happened on Thursday night. Director Joel Ivany celebrated the opening night of his production of Benjamin Britten's Albert Herring in the MacMillan theatre at the University of Toronto. UofT celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first opera performance in 1964: Albert Herring. And of course, everyone celebrated Albert the Good.
In review: The Talisker Players' Bestiary
ReviewI went to a concert on Tuesday night, one of the Talisker Players' main concert series at Trinity St. Paul's United Church. I'd never been to see the Talisker Players, but I was lured both by singers Norine Burgess and Geoffrey Sirett, and by the evening's title: Creature to Creature.
In review: Opéra de Montréal's Atelier Lyrique joins the COC Ensemble Studio
ReviewEach year the COC Ensemble and the Atelier lyrique de L'Opéra de Montréal send several of their respective artists on a week-long exchange. The artists travel to Toronto or to Montréal to work with teachers, coaches and dramaturges at the opposite company, and give local concerts highlighting the visiting singers and pianists.
Album Review: Guitarias
ReviewThis week, Canadian baritone and guitarist Doug MacNaughton releases Guitarias. It's his debut recording on the guitar, fusing what's clearly been two important elements to Doug's life as a musician.
Not quite in review: Così fan tutte
ReviewLast night, I watched with a perma-grin as my friends and colleagues in the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio had their performance of Così fan tutte at the Four Seasons Centre. I was fortunate to have worked with some of the cast in the early stages of learning their roles, and it was an amazing experience to hear the final product.
In review: the COC's A Masked Ball
ReviewOn Wednesday, I braved the ridiculous snow for a much-needed Verdi fix at the Four Seasons Centre. The Canadian Opera Company's current production of A Masked Ball had piqued my interest, both for the exciting cast and for the production, of which I'd only seen a few curious photos.