A queer-friendly Figaro out of Manitoba Underground Opera

Review

As a singer transitioning out of a performing role and into the role of an audience member, board member, and now reviewer, it is surreal to watch this company grow as a spectator on the outside.

High expectations and opera + rock climbing in Gould's Wall

Review

Our artist, Louise, invokes Canadian classical music icon Glenn Gould to guide her as she climbs to the apex. Interspersed with her journey we are offered a glimpse inside Gould's mind through a series of memories.

Michael Spyres the BariTenor, difficult to compartmentalize — but a spectacular 85-minute listen

Review

The recording, a luxurious and record-setting 85 minutes of burnished virtuosity, is spread over 18 arias spanning three centuries and 15 composers. Spyres straddles the tenor and baritone repertoires so stylishly as to approach a state of operatic titillation, if there was was such a thing.

The Accommodating "Cool" of Spielberg’s West Side Story

Review

It would be unreasonable to expect these star-crossed lovers to create a more charmingly romantic balcony scene and "Tonight." They are literally heaven-sent when singing their vows in "One Hand, One Heart" amidst sunlight streaming through stained glass at the MET Museum’s Cloisters.

Fresh avant-garde: The Happenstancers film Pierrot Lunaire

Review

Pierrot Lunaire translates eerily well to film, especially in the hands of this team. Shot in black and white and with moments of harsh chiarioscuro in Adam Harris' lighting design, we're brought into the delicate world of a chamber group set-up.

The MET Orchestra reigns and Goerke sings Sieglinde

Review

The blazing orchestra doesn't so much compensate for the lack of the sword and tree but more accurately supplants the need for such paraphernalia.

A Torrent of Light: the future of opera

Review

Every part of the playing space could function as a projection screen. It was some of the most exciting tech I've ever seen in a show.

The Queen in Me: yaassss kweeeeeeen

Review

The Queen in Me at the Canadian Opera Company is the culmination of years of work by Kasahara and their creative team to create this monolith of a one-person show. A true one-person show -- not a recital, not a cabaret or salon, but a dramatically driven show that would need to be seen to be believed.

EDEN stuns and the astonishing Joyce DiDonato is out to save the world

Review

Joyce DiDonato has made a stunning recording. Since we've become accustomed to her perfect technique, rich characterizations and commitment to the message as well as the music, this is not unusual. But with Eden, her new recording on Erato, this masterful mezzo-soprano quite simply astonishes.

Vaness directs electric Tosca in Kansas City

Review

I could see Ms. Vaness' artistry in every move of the performers. While there was no groundbreaking staging, I felt a special electricity from the cast, like there was a connection to the greats, which of course Ms. Vaness provides.