Reviews

In Review: Tap:Ex Revolutions

In Review: Tap:Ex Revolutions

I saw something beautiful on Friday night, and I'm not quite sure I can even tell you what it was. I can tell you that it was the inaugural presentation of Tapestry Explorations: Revolutions, and that it left an impression on me. The evening seemed to evolve on its own accord, beginning with understated and subtle entrances by performers Neema Bickersteth, Andrew Love, Andrea Ludwig and Adrian Kramer.

Jenna Simeonov
Go, Canada!

Go, Canada!

I went to hear some music by Canadians yesterday at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, as part of the Free Concert Series (that you should all be checking out!). It was a chance for the public to hear some of the products of the ongoing Canadian Art Song Project, headed by artistic directors Lawrence Wiliford and Steven Philcox.

Jenna Simeonov
In Review: Stiffelio

In Review: Stiffelio

On 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.

Jenna Simeonov
In review: Albert Herring at UofT Opera

In review: Albert Herring at UofT Opera

So 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.

Jenna Simeonov
In review: The Talisker Players' Bestiary

In review: The Talisker Players' Bestiary

I 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.

Jenna Simeonov
In review: Opéra de Montréal's Atelier Lyrique joins the COC Ensemble Studio

In review: Opéra de Montréal's Atelier Lyrique joins the COC Ensemble Studio

Each 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.

Jenna Simeonov
Album Review: Guitarias

Album Review: Guitarias

This 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.

Jenna Simeonov
Not quite in review: Così fan tutte

Not quite in review: Così fan tutte

Last 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.

Jenna Simeonov
In review: the COC's A Masked Ball

In review: the COC's A Masked Ball

On 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.

Jenna Simeonov

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