Tales From The Opera York

Verdi in search of ...... After “Die Fledermaus” had flown the coup, having been favorably regarded as a concert instead of a full production, the search for who was going to perform in Opera York’s next spring production of Rigoletto was at hand. Not an easy task since the performing arts are trying to make a full recovery from the slow times of the pandemic. There is a copious amount of uncertainty in the field. But Opera York can always rely on some of its friends. Everyone who has worked with this company happily comes back, if possible. Thus, I heard that Andrew Tees is coming back as Rigoletto. He is a favorite of mine.

Unfortunately, I was not able to go and see the Magic Flute. Pity me because I heard it was a smash hit. Thus, I cannot tell you what I thought it was or how great the production was, what the surprises were, how different from the previous ones that Opera York did. I understand that…

MAGIC FLUTE OPERA YORK Opera York’s Magic Flute Posted on March 6, 2023 by barczablog It was worth the drive to Richmond Hill yesterday to see Opera York’s production of The Magic Flute, their first in-person return to the stage since the pandemic. While Friday night’s snow-storm likely reduced attendance, Sunday’s matinee was sold out. Opera…

…that most of the revered composers attributed their gifts to the grace of God? They felt that without divine inspiration from a higher power their work could not and would not exist. They also felt that they owed it to the Creator to work hard at it as best they could. Beethoven said: “What will…

St. Valentine has a different significance in many different countries and cultures. You can easily see that at Wikipedia if you want to know more. I am only bringing this up because Opera York produced 2 concerts around that time: One in The McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinberg, another in the famous Arts and…

In my last blog post I wrote how art inspires artists. Let us shine a light on what it is or can be. Between Aristotle and Andy Warhol, and outside of that perimeter, there are thousands of explanations and examples. Many of them speak of how it comes about, few say what they think it…

To understand Canada one has to visit the McMichael Art Gallery www.mcmichael.com or McMichael Canadian Art Collection(-as it is known now) in Kleinberg and please, bring some time. It is not only an art gallery and an education center for the subject of Canadian art, it is also an event center. Opera York is honoured…

It started as a request for a little ditty for a theatre company Mozart had become involved in . An entertaining piece was wanted that would drive audiences into the theatre and give members of the troupe an outlet for their talents. A singspiel was the ideal choice: some singing, some telling text, that would…