How to Sit Through Opera and Other Wikigems

Humour

Every once in a while I like to pretend I’m an opera newbie and Google things like “why do opera singers sing so loud” and “why is opera so long”. I was rewarded this time with a WikiHow goldmine of entertainment. Now, I know these articles can be written by anyone, so I’m not going on a snob rant. I just think these are hilarious.

In review: Die Walküre at the COC

Review

Last night I finally got the chance to satisfy my curiosity, by seeing the Canadian Opera Company’s current production of Die Walküre, directed by Atom Egoyan (and running until Feb. 22). Since the 2014/15 season was announced, I had been eager to see Egoyan’s take on Wagner, and to hear Christine Goerke as Brünnhilde.

How Much Money Makes an Artist?

Op-ed

In the last few weeks, a recurring topic has come up among my artist friends. The crux of the issue can actually be boiled down to one question: are you still an artist if you can’t survive on your artist income?

"Remember me, but ah, forget my fate"

Editorial

On February 5th, 1981, Toronto police raided four bathhouses, rounded up its LGBTQ+ patrons, and arrested them in a mass arrest that hadn't been paralleled until the G20 Summit a few years ago. So, everyone's favourite A-list mezzo, the incomparable Joyce DiDonato (#FullOnToner #PitchPerfectReference) shared a lovely gift with my people.

Greg's First Thursday at the AGO

Editorial

AGO First Thursdays is a great party series thrown by the gallery on the first Thursday of every month. After the AGO closes for regular business, the place is transformed into an events venue with DJs, Drinks, Dancing, Dashing Dudes, Dreamy Dames and some Damn Fine Art. Last night was no exception.

Advice for Young Musicians, from Young Agents

Interview

By some fortuitous chance, I had the opportunity to talk with two young agents about getting work in the opera and classical music industry. Alia Rosenstock is with Dean Artists Management, and you may have seen her earlier interview with me about her work representing opera singers. Percussionist Allison Bent was an artist representative with Andrew Kwan Artists, and is now the Orchestra Personnel Administrator for the TSO.

Allison Bent: Advice for Young Musicians

Interview

Allison Bent is Orchestra Personnel Administrator for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and was an Artist Representative for Andrew Kwan Artists. I asked her about advice she could offer young musicians entering or new to the professional world.

Michael Mori: On Contemporary Opera

Interview

Among the Artistic Directors of North America’s opera companies, it’s fair to say that Michael Mori has a unique vantage point on the industry of opera and its future. I ask him about what Tapestry does, and why historical works don’t always mean cultural relevance.

The 2015 Quilico Awards

Review

Last night the members of the COC Ensemble Studio competed in the Christine and Louis Quilico Awards, in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre. From my own experience with the 2013 Quilico Awards, I know that this intra-Ensemble competition can be tough on the singers.

In review: Jane Archibald and Liz Upchurch

Review

Out of this season’s Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Jane Archibald‘s recital with Liz Upchurch was one I was really looking forward to. I was by no means disappointed. Jane’s is a voice I’ve admired since I heard her as Zerbinetta in her COC debut in 2011.