Dear Alexander, Bravissimo for Trovatore - MUSICALLY. Fine conducting, great performers. It was wonderful to hear Vargas in this role (heard him many times in Vienna and New York); great artist. Elena Manistina was outstanding as well, a fantastic Azucena. What a voice, what acting. Elza van den Heever as Leonore was a big suprise. Who said this nonsense that Sondra Radvanovsky was the present Verdi queen?? But Elza has to work on her acting (or the director should). This was musically the best COC performance I have seen in a long, long time ( they are getting better and better - thanks for that and bringing in great singers). Russel Brown was the wrong choice for Trovatore; his voice is lovely, but not big enough for this opera. Great chorus, and secondary singers too. What a delight. BUT what a shameful production - this day and age to put on such drab sets and costumes is a CRIME. Not made to attract younger people, compete with the MET and TV - I am sure you agree. Still, thank you for this Trovatore - musically. We look forward to Fledermaus (which I have seen at least 2 dozen of times in Vienna, where I used to live, always at New Years though). Sounds like this one will be different! Your Argentine trip sounds lovely! Best wishes, Karin Karin

Dear Director Neef, On Wednesday and Thursday of last week I attended the two excellent presentations of Mahler’s Sixth under the direction of Thomas Dausgaard and I was looking forward to hearing Ben Heppner in Tristan. Since I am a volunteer I obtained a dress rehearsal ticket. I left before the end of Act I after experiencing the striptease and naked bathing scenes projected on the screen - filled with disgust. I will be returning the two tickets that I have for Tristan performances in February. As a volunteer I offered to phone patrons about the earlier starting times for the performances but I cannot encourage anyone to attend this abomination and have asked that my name be taken off the list. I also do not plan on renewing my subscription – you have again invited Peter Sellars - why didn’t you just get a porno DVD and play it during the Tristan performances – much cheaper and just as disgusting. Viva Marc Hervieux !!! Yours truly, Neil Moran cc. Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, New York Times,