Among the recent events marking the centenary of the end of World War I, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate speech at the base of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris warning against the current rise of nationalism in the world. Speaking in French, Macron likened this trend to […]
Tag: music
A Musical Microcosm of the World
[Editor’s note: Musician, writer, and broadcaster Rick Phillips returns to Toronto Pursuits with A Symphonic Symposium. What does the symphony mean to you? Reflect on this and other questions as you learn about the history of this musical form and listen to and discuss symphonies from across the centuries.] The […]
GUEST BLOG—Discovering the Art of Schubert’s Lieder
I’m Rick Phillips and I’ve been leading music seminars at Toronto Pursuits for ten years. I can’t imagine a summer without Toronto Pursuits—it is always a stimulating experience. For July 2015, I’ll be leading the seminar Follow the Lieder: The Songs of Franz Schubert on German lieder and, in particular, […]
ON THE ROAD WITH ANN — Po’boys + Naughty Girls in N’Awlins
I have been back from New Orleans for two weeks now and have been musing, pretty much nonstop, about what to say about the place and our trip. Off the top, let me say the trip was great. Our readings gave a broad sweep of New Orleans society and the […]
Ventanas in Concert at Toronto Pursuits
We had an amazing concert from Ventanas tonight. Ventanas incorporates upbeat Bulgarian dance tunes, Greek, Lebanese, Turkish, Ukrainian and Sephardic love songs with heart-wrenching Flamenco palos, giving the rapt audience a glimpse into other lands and cultures. The performance offered moving dance and no shortage of passion. It was a real treat. See for yourself. Post by […]
TORONTO PURSUITS – Have it YOUR way
Who remembers that little ditty? Here’s a hint…”Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us.” Since our dad was a Burger King, this tune became an earworm around our house for a number of years. While we are putting the finishing touches on Toronto Pursuits 2014, we are […]
GUEST POST — Exploring the Sounds of a Shared Style with Tom Jones
Dear Friends, My impulse in creating this seminar was to share with others the type of experience I had when first reading the poetry of Du Fu, an experience that stayed with me through my career as a composer and conductor. One of the greatest ways to be exposed to […]
GUEST BLOG – Ear of the Beholder with Rick Phillips
After a Viennese music critic died, some of his friends made the rounds of local musicians to raise money for the funeral. “How much is my share?” asked one musician. “Thirty shillings,” was the reply. “Here are sixty shillings,” said the musician. “Bury two music critics.” Criticism has always had […]
TRAVEL PURSUITS – Sachertorte and Paprikash, Sept. 27 – Oct. 7, 2011
Heaven, Vienna mine I’m in the spell of your charms divine Dressed like a queen, with life so gay You are the love of my heart today Heaven, Vienna mine Laughter and music and stars that shine Wonderful city where I belong Of her I sing my song Dear Friends, […]