"The basic idea of a nanosonata is a form in which different elements come together as they do in a sonata, but do not develop. Instead of developing, they are left hanging, something like the characters that frequently appear in Tolstoy, who are described in a few words in a way that makes it clear that a whole book could be written about them, but isn’t." — Frederic Rzewski (1938-2021)
The story so far: From promising mainstage opera to theatrical minefield: Ian Cusson and Royce Vavrek’s operatic adaptation of Thomas King’s novel Indians on Vacation was caught in the cultural crossfire when King’s assertion of Cherokee lineage was confirmed to be false in November 2025.
The 2026 TIFF website is wonderfully navigable and an engaging entertainment all of its own if, instead of browsing a daunting and still growing list of films (385 at last count), you filter your search.
Molly Johnson’s latest record, Talk to Me, was released mid-June at the El Mocambo on Spadina Avenue – a landmark Kensington music venue, if ever there was one. And the 11th annual Kensington Market Jazz Festival – a quintessentially Molly Johnson labour of love – is just around the corner (September 18 to 20). So what better time for a cover photo of Molly Johnson, jazz diva, in the spotlight at her own festival as it enters its second decade?
The need for connection is constant and ever present in life, and artists are particularly sensitive to that need, which is why I started “When Music Meets Mindfulness” – to have conversations with fellow artists that encourage us to learn from each other, to ground us, and to keep us anchored in a fast-paced world that often threatens to sweep us off our feet.
In this conversation with multi-talented world/fusion artist Suba Sankaran, I found myself uplifted and motivated by her warmth and nurturing presence. She emanates joy as she speaks about what she loves to do most – reaching out and connecting through honest artistic expression, as a performer, a choral director, educator and arranger. She has composed and produced music for music theatre, film, radio and dance including collaborations with Deepa Mehta, the CBC, Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, and the Barbican Theatre in London for the debut of her original music for Why Not Theatre’s Mahabarata.
Through all these career-defining moments, she remains the same deeply rooted person with an open heart and voice that I met years ago at York University, where we shared a connection: membership in the collegiate a cappella choir Wibijazzn’ (now known as WIBI). We were not in the choir at the same time; nevertheless the legacy of the group initiated a bond between us, and has opened up opportunities to collaborate, including this interview.
As always in this series, the three principle precepts of Mindfulness – Calming the Mind, Organizing Thoughts, and Flow – provided a roadmap for our exchange.
