THE VOICE | Christine Goerke: This Valkyrie Rocks! (Profile)

By Neil Crory on February 6, 2015

Those who have met and/or worked with the American dramatic soprano, Christine Goerke describe her as "fun to be with", "unassuming", "down to earth", "hard working", "a real charmer" - the furthest one can get from your stereotypical, card-carrying Valkyrie...

THE SCOOP | Ben Heppner Accepts Academic Appointment at McGill’s Schulich School of Music

By Michael Vincent on January 31, 2015

Since announcing his retirement from the stage last April, (due to an "unreliability" in his voice), Canadian tenor, Ben Heppner seemed content with maintaining his role as announcer for CBC II's radio program “Backstage with Ben Happner”. But the question remained – what of his singing? Is that really it?

THE VOICE | The Cult of Magda

By Neil Crory on January 31, 2015

Born in 1910, Olivero made her professional operatic debut in Turin in 1933, at the age of 23. Within a few years, she had established herself as one of Italy's hottest new talents, securing her reputation over the next few years by singing everything from Lauretta (her debut role), to heavier roles such as Cio-Cio San, Mimi, Manon Lescaut, and even Elsa. In the 1939/40 season, she also added Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur to her repertoire – a role which was to play an important part in her career...

CONCERT REVIEW | The King’s Singers Offer a Strict Regime of Poise and Delicacy

By Colin Eatock on December 15, 2014

The King’s Singers aren’t just an ensemble – they’re an institution. Founded at King’s College Cambridge in 1968, the vocal sextet now contains none of its original members. However, with about 150 recordings to their credit and countless tours around the globe, they’ve built a strong brand-name and a devoted fan-base. Evidently, more than a few of those fans live in Toronto: Koerner Hall was filled to capacity on Sunday afternoon for a Christmas program by the ensemble. It was also evident from the enthusiastic applause in the hall that their fans weren’t disappointed. I wish I shared their unbridled enthusiasm – but I came away with a somewhat different impression...

REVIEW | The Unforgettable Tanya Tagaq

By Robin Elliott on November 7, 2014

“Live Music is Best.” That is the motto of the musicians’ union, and it could well be the motto of Tanya Tagaq as well. No amount of familiarity with Tagaq’s recordings and videos can prepare one for the impact of witnessing her in live performance.

COFFEE BREAK | A polyphonic overtone singing video that will absolutely blow your mind

By Michael Vincent on October 3, 2014

THE SCOOP | Ottawa Opera company fires American singer over Facebook posts

By Michael Vincent on August 31, 2014

Carlo Bergonzi (1924 - 2014)

By Michael Vincent on July 26, 2014

CD review: Bernarda Fink sings Mahler Lieder

By John Terauds on June 18, 2014

JOHN TERAUDS | An opera singer's treasure trove

By John Terauds on June 17, 2014