Canadian soprano-conductor Barbara Hannigan wins prestigious Polar Music Prize
Barbara Hannigan, the trailblazing soprano and conductor who's already won many prestigious accolades, is now only the second Canadian to receive the Polar Music Prize. Heidi Petracek explains how Hannigan has made her mark on classical music, and is pushing boundaries in the genre.
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Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Kendrick Lamar gets two-minute ovation after ‘Not Like Us' in Drake's hometown
TORONTO - Kendrick Lamar stepped onto Drake's turf on Thursday, playing his first concert in Toronto since the rift between the music superstars went into hyperdrive last year. For the most part, the Los Angeles rapper didn't fan the flames of his feud, even if some ticketholders hoped he might douse the conflict in gasoline. Instead, Lamar mostly took the high road by focusing on the music. As the first of two nights at the Rogers Centre neared its close, Lamar pulled out his ace card with a performance of 'Not Like Us,' the chart-topping diss track that knocked Drake down a few pegs in popular culture. Immediately, phones went up, booties started shaking, and fans shouted along to the contemptuous lyrics that brought Lamar and Drake's rift to its apparent head. Once he was finished, Lamar stood centre stage in a spotlight, his face in shadow, and for the next two minutes he took in the roar of the crowd. Many of them screamed, 'One more time.' Lamar didn't deliver that pleaded encore, but he gave the crowd plenty of other hits to dance to, including 'Squabble Up' and 'TV Off' from his latest album 'GNX' and older favourites 'Humble' and 'All the Stars,' which he performed with his tour mate SZA. The duo are snaking their way across North America and Europe with their Grand National Tour this summer, but their only Canadian dates are in Toronto at a massive stadium that Drake has never played on tour. And so Lamar's moment in the spotlight could be seen as another win in the battle against his rap nemesis. Drake and Lamar have been entrenched in a highly publicized rap beef that has culminated in a legal battle between the Canadian rapper and the U.S. record label that represents both men. Drake is suing Universal Music Group for defamation for publishing and promoting 'Not Like Us.' In legal documents, Drake says the song's lyrics wrongly accuse him of being a pedophile, jeopardizing his safety and damaging his reputation. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Before the show, how Lamar might play his cards in Toronto loomed as internet forums and local barbershops buzzed with speculation of special guests and what he might say on stage. Brendan Wong flew in from Calgary for what he described as a 'monumental occasion.' 'I love the music, I love Kendrick, I love SZA, so that's why I'm here, honestly,' he said outside the venue. 'It's not like I'm a religious Drake supporter, you know what I'm saying? I like Kendrick more, so I guess I'm on his side.' Other ticket holders arrived wearing Drake's OVO gear, branded with its famous owl logo. Peter Jin's shirt featured a Canadian flag adorning the wing of the OVO owl. He said he likes the music of both rappers and was hoping for a surprise Drake appearance that might lead to a truce during the show. 'Maybe if they can go to the stage together,' he said. 'And challenge each other (in a rap battle), that would be amazing.' Jin didn't get his wish, though he said no matter how the night went, he would have fun. Outside the venue, a noticeably stronger police foot patrol roamed the premises, though the crowd appeared peaceful. Plans for some Drake fans to congregate in support of Drizzy during the show fizzled when organizers behind an Instagram account promoting the gathering said 'logistical constraints' prevented them from moving forward. Drake was also set to host a livestream Thursday night with American internet personality Kai Cenat, but the streamer later posted those plans were being delayed 'a few more days.' At least one Drake fan at the Rogers Centre came to simply to show his unwavering support, dressed head to toe in OVO memorabilia, including a hat, pants and jacket. Even though he didn't have concert tickets, the fan, who called himself Julian, said he arrived from Whitby, Ont., 'to show who runs this city.' 'I've been a Drake and OVO diehard fan, that's what I was made for,' he said. 'I'm born October the 6th in the 6 (Toronto's nickname) … so I'm just here to support through and through.' Anthony Tran and Krisha Mae came to the Lamar show without much thirst for the drama. They waited several hours in the merchandise line to purchase matching SZA shirts, in support of Lamar's Grammy-winning tour mate. But they admitted that the lingering feud between Drake and Lamar was still on their minds. 'Everyone's talking about it, so we had to get tickets because of the beef,' he said. Tran said while the hype surrounding the rappers' bad blood drove them to buy seats, it wasn't the main reason they showed up. 'I think both of them are really good songwriters, so I don't really care about the personalities,' he added, before rethinking his answer. 'Honestly, I do like Drake better. I'm sorry. Yeah, but we are from Toronto, so we got to rep Drake.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
5 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Margaret Atwood and Neil Young sign open letter urging Peterborough library to reverse staff cuts
More than 100 Canadian authors, musicians and artists have signed an open letter urging the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Public Library to reverse a decision to eliminate three unionized librarian positions, including the children's librarian. 'Children deserve safe, welcoming, and magical spaces where their imagination and creativity are encouraged and celebrated,' reads the letter , organized by a grassroots advocacy group called Our Future Peterborough. 'That the City of Peterborough is considering eliminating these essential roles is deeply disappointing. In a world that feels increasingly indifferent and even hostile toward children's wellbeing, this move is a giant step in the wrong direction.' Among the letter's signatories are novelists Margaret Atwood and Madeleine Thien , Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Neil Young , former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and many other luminaries from the arts and literature communities. Children's entertainer Fred Penner also signed the letter, and released an accompanying message: 'When children are born into this world, we have an opportunity to nurture them in every way possible so that they can live up to their potential as caring and contributing adults.' The open letter is part of a larger community response to the library's decision to restructure in the wake of budget cuts . Earlier this year, Peterborough City Council voted to reduce the library's operating budget by $120,000. In response, the library announced that it would be implementing a staffing reorganization to reduce its expenses, resulting in the elimination of three specialist roles: the adult and teen programming librarian, the librarian who manages the library's information systems (also known as the access services librarian) and the children's librarian. The decision to cut the library's operating expenses came as part of the municipal budget-setting deliberations, as council sought to make savings in all city departments to reduce property taxes. According to a statement released by the city in April, the restructuring will result in a net reduction of one position: 'There will be three positions eliminated, and two new positions will be created, for the net reduction of one position. A fourth affected position will be maintained but restructured to expand its role.' City officials also said that library services, including children's services will be maintained, but 'will be delivered in a different way to help reduce cost increases.' The news was met with swift backlash from the community. On May 16, around 200 people gathered for a rally outside the main Peterborough Public Library branch, demanding a reversal of the funding cuts, while city council and the library's leadership were inundated with hundreds of letters from concerned residents. An online petition launched in April has already racked up more than 2,300 signatures. 'There's a reason so many esteemed writers and artists signed this letter,' said Sheetal Rawal, who co-founded Our Future Peterborough with Hilary Evans and Laurel Harris. 'They remember the librarians who saw them and encouraged them. They understand what's at stake.' In a phone call with the Star, Evans said that the cuts to the library were made without any meaningful public consultation. 'It took everybody by surprise,' she said. 'Nobody was really taking ownership of the issue, and there was a lot of deflecting. So in order to bring more attention and awareness to the issue, we decided to write this open letter.' The open letter was published on Tuesday. Two days later, Evans said she had not heard back from any decision makers. Peterborough Public Library CEO Jennifer Jones told that Star that is 'wonderful' to see so many people speaking out in support of the library, but believes that the open letter is based on a 'misunderstanding' of the changes that are being made. 'At the moment, it's only the access librarian position that is not being replaced,' Jones said, emphasizing there will only be a net reduction in staff of one. 'The other two (positions) are changing, or repositioned, for lack of a better word. The job descriptions are changing and the tasks and responsibilities they have are changing.' Evans rejects the claim that the letter is based on a misunderstanding. 'One of the positions they are creating is purely administrative, and the other is an assistant that delivers the programming,' she said. 'This restructuring doesn't take into account the deep community ties that the three librarians have. It doesn't take into account their specialties and their years of experience.' The proposed new positions, Evans added, will be 'disconnected from the actual people who are using the programs.' In a joint statement to the Star, Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal and Councillor Matt Crowley, who is a member of the Peterborough Public Library Board, noted that the library's operating budget is increasing by eight per cent this year, from $3.8 million to $4.1 million. The two officials reiterated that library services will be maintained, adding that 'the city opened a brand new library branch in a larger community centre this year to improve access to library services for all residents.' Asked to respond to the content of the open letter, Leal and Crowley said they 'completely agree with residents and cultural figures who have expressed support for library services,' but noted that the city is in the midst of collective bargaining with the union that represents Peterborough Public Library workers. 'We want to make sure we respect that process as we move forward.' Sean McCarthy, the chief steward for CUPE Local 1833, a union representing the library workers, told the Star that no one has been laid off yet, and urged city council 'to correct this mess.' Peterborough residents are planning to assemble once again on Thursday evening outside the public budget consultations to rally support against the library cuts. The overwhelming response from the community, according to Evans, is rooted in a frustration over cuts to services that she says are not being made with adequate input from the public. 'Libraries are often described as a non-essential service, but the library has become incredibly essential and they're providing way more than just book-borrowing services,' she said. 'I think a lot of people recognize that and a lot of people are just fed up with having wonderful things being slashed and cut and disregarded.'
Buzz Feed
12 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
11 Things I Learned On A Trip To Reno And Lake Tahoe
I'm a huge traveller, and there's only a handful of destinations I won't visit. I mean, do you blame me? What 20-something wouldn't jump at the chance to visit a new place? But I gotta be honest, when I got an email asking to join a weekend getaway trip to Reno and Lake Tahoe in Nevada, I was skeptical. I've been to Nevada once before (to see Britney Spears perform in Las Vegas, duh), and I wasn't a big fan of the gambling lifestyle. And upon a quick Google search, I learned Reno was known for their casinos too. But you know what? I decided not to let my fear of casinos stop me from taking the chance. Like, how could I pass up the opportunity to cruise along the same lake Alanis Morissette, Canadian icon, owned a house on? AND explore the city Golden Bachelorette runner-up Guy Gansert is from? So I said YES! It was a three-day getaway with five other gals I'd never met before. And oh boy, did I learn a TON from the trip, including a huge surprise I wasn't expecting. Without further ado, here are some very honest thoughts and recs from my trip to Reno Tahoe — coming to you from a certified high-maintenance girlie. My very first impression of Reno Tahoe was from the plane. And it was unlike anything I've ever seen before, as someone who has basically never been in the desert. Thankfully I booked a window seat, because I was snapping pics the entire hills were ALIVE, all right. You could also see snow-covered hills in the background, which was soooooo cool. After worrying too much about it, it turns out that I surprisingly enjoyed watching the hustle and bustle of the casino and seeing so many people out and about. I'm a certified extrovert, so maybe that's why. I found it creates a cool ambiance, ya know? Even if I don't wanna gamble myself, it's honestly really fun seeing other people so engaged in it. But I have to say, I equally appreciated the quieter weekdays, especially by the I'd definitely visit during the week if that's more your vibe. We stayed at the Grand Sierra Resort, which was HUGE and really proximal to pretty much everything. And can I just say, the food and activity options were A MAJOR WOW inside the resort. Bowling? A whole cake shop? A Starbucks? An Asian restaurant, sports bar, buffet…yeah. Sign me the heck up. I very well could've never left the resort if I so desired. Although, like, I definitely did get lost making my way up to my room on the 15th floor. Yes, I'm flexing. The view was beautiful. The weather in Reno was scorching — like, 35 degrees Celsius and sunny every day — which I personally LOVED, as someone who has been the victim of constantly rainy spring weather in Toronto. I had no clue that Nevada gets so hot (clueless Canadian over here), but it was awesome! I spent every free hour I got at the pool, soaking in the sun. This is your sign to just BOOK THE TOUR, wherever you're travelling. Even if you're hesitant to really lean into the whole "tourist" thing, seriously, find a tour and book it anyway! We went on a pedicab art tour around Reno and saw so much sustainable art, which was absolutely sick as someone who loves both art and the environment. That polar bear!!! How adorable?! On the tour, I surprised myself with how much I learned, and it totally helped me appreciate the city even more. Plus, the tour was the perfect thing to do at the beginning of the trip, because from then on, I couldn't stop gawking at all the murals all over the city. OK, let's talk about Lake Tahoe. We went there in the early morning, which I highly recommend to beat the rush (and if you're jet lagged, it makes total sense). It was around 45 minutes to get there from the hotel, which flashed by. We went on a clear kayak tour with Clearly Tahoe, and I can't even begin to explain to you how STUNNING it was. By far my highlight of the trip. Truly, during the entire tour, I just kept gasping the entire time. The colour of the water is unbelievable, and being surrounded by the mountains is so unique. Seeing the bright water under my legs in the kayak was truly life changing. I swear, that two-hour kayak tour single-handedly melted all my stress away. Now I understand why so many celebs own houses on this lake. Other than the undeniably beautiful views, there's also a ton of deeper history behind Lake Tahoe that was fascinating to learn about on the tour. I'd tell you myself, but what happens in Lake Tahoe stays in Lake Tahoe. Here's my favourite fun fact from the tour that I've been sharing to everyone, like the Ravenclaw I am: Lake Tahoe is deeper than the height of the Empire State Building. Try and wrap your brain around THAT. We hit up a Banana Ball (AKA Savannah Bananas) game in the evening, because we were lucky enough that the Party Animals team was visiting. If you don't know what Banana Ball is, think of it as baseball, but a million times more entertaining and absurd. And in the spirit of honesty, I have to tell you, it was way more fun then any MLB game I've been to (sorry, Blue Jays). At the game, between innings and outs, they had the most hilarious audience interactions — like a "dad bod" relay race and an old couple make-out sesh (yes, I'm serious). Plus, there was music playing at all times, making it a huge dance party at the same time. Vibes were ON POINT. Now whenever I go to a regular baseball game I'll wonder, Why is nobody dressed as a giant frog or monkey, leaping around the field while the teams play? It just won't be the same. I gotta talk about the restaurants in Reno Tahoe for a sec, because I had some of the most unique meals of my life. Sage Leaf Tahoe had these incredible sage biscuits, and a chicken bowl I'll be dreaming of forever. Not to mention a wholesome brekkie at Great Full Gardens, and celebratory dinner at Mexican steakhouse Toro Bravo. So if you're wondering if we ate well in Reno, the answer is a thousand times YES. IMHO, Reno is definitely the place to go with friends. Our group of five girls was the perfect number, and it was soooo much fun to explore the activities with some new gal pals. There's no way to bond quite like exploring a new city — we genuinely had the greatest time all together. (If you're reading this, ladies, HI!! Your new Canadian pal misses ya!) And lastly, here's the one thing about Reno Tahoe that I TOTALLY didn't expect and truly knocked my socks off: the sheer volume of activities and events. This city is ALIVE and VIBING!!! We went to the Reno River Festival, for one, but there are countless events going on every single week — I'm talking food festivals, street parties, and world-renowned art shows. Like, just LOOK at this list! I'm a huge traveller and I've literally never seen anything like this before, so this was definitely the biggest shocker. It's worth going back to Reno for the events alone. You heard it here first: Reno Tahoe gets my gold-star stamp of approval. So what do you think? Are you adding Reno and Lake Tahoe to your bucket list? Will I maaaaaybe see you there on my next girls' trip? Tell me in the comments below! And if you're into travel, make sure to follow BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram for more!
