Review: Long Dormant, Mascagni's 'Iris' Opens at Bard
Monday, July 25, 2016
WQXR
Bard SummerScape stages the first North American revival of Mascagni's symbolist opera, 'Iris,' in almost a century. Critic David Patrick Stearns weighs in on the production.
Notes on a Week of High Drama in London
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
WQXR
Fred Plotkin experiences theater on both London's cultural and political stages during his latest visit in which he saw the opera, a Shakespearean drama and a change of prime ministers.
A Coughing Matter
Friday, July 15, 2016
WQXR
Are fragrances and overactive cooling systems driving audiences into hacking fits? Fred Plotkin muses on the state of air quality in our theaters.
Review: 'Paradise Interrupted' Fuses Eastern Manners with Western Narrative
Thursday, July 14, 2016
WQXR
A striking production of Huang Ruo's "installation opera" was presented with the Chinese opera star, Qian Yi. Critic David Patrick Stearns weighs in.
Finding Opera and Freedom in Cincinnati
Monday, July 11, 2016
WQXR
A trip to Cincinnati to see productions of Beethoven's 'Fidelio' and Gregory Spears's 'Fellow Travelers' spurs a meditation on opera's relevance to real life.
Entrance Interview: Matthew Shilvock, SF Opera's Next General Director
Thursday, July 07, 2016
WQXR
Before he becomes the general director of San Francisco Opera on Aug. 1, Matthew Shilvock spoke to Fred Plotkin about his vision for the company.
How 'Brexit' Affects Opera and the Arts
Friday, July 01, 2016
WQXR
From artist contracts to work visas, Fred Plotkin looks at the implications of Britain's vote to leave the European Union in the opera world and beyond.
When Is an Unfinished Work of Art Incomplete? Part 2
Monday, June 27, 2016
WQXR
Fred Plotkin continues his investigation into the nature of unfinished works of arts, including a show at the Met Breuer and two musicals that open this question.
New York City Opera Spreads Its Wings with 'Florencia'
Thursday, June 23, 2016
WQXR
'Florencia en el Amazonas,' kicks off New York City Opera's Spanish-language series, with a butterfly-themed production. David Patrick Stearns reviews the performance.
When Is an Unfinished Work Incomplete?
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
WQXR
Are works left unfinished, such as Gaudí's Sagrada Familia or Schubert's Eighth Symphony, still complete in other ways? Fred Plotkin investigates this question.
Sketches from the Opera House
Friday, June 17, 2016
WQXR
A new book featuring drawings of opera singers and houses inspires Fred Plotkin to think about draughtsman, photographers and other artists who've depicted "our favorite art form."
How to Make Opera Hot and Cool? LoftOpera Has the Recipe
Monday, June 13, 2016
WQXR
Startup classical music and opera companies are attracting younger audiences with daring programs in unconventional spaces. Fred Plotkin explores the not-so-new keys to their success.
In Dresden Cultural Riches Abound Throughout This 'Florence on the Elbe'
Wednesday, June 08, 2016
WQXR
Fred Plotkin visits Dresden, Germany, where he is impressed by a production of 'Lohengrin,' as well as museums, architecture and other musical offerings around the city.
A Wish List for Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Metropolitan Opera
Friday, June 03, 2016
WQXR
As the Metropolitan Opera welcomes its future music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Fred Plotkin offers a few suggestions for both the maestro and the organization.
Review: 'The Importance of Being Earnest' Crashes into the NY Phil Biennial
Friday, June 03, 2016
Gerald Barry's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' received its U.S. stage premiere in a plate-smashing and somewhat confounding production by the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center.
How Deborah Rutter Manages: A Conversation with the Kennedy Center President
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Fred Plotkin sits down with Deborah Rutter for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center.
An Opera Lover's Guide to Summer Productions in North America
Monday, May 23, 2016
WQXR
In his second column highlighting opera festivals and productions around the world, Fred Plotkin chronologically combs through the top events in North America.
An Opera Lover's Guide to Europe's Leading Festivals
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
WQXR
In the first of two columns highlighting summer festivals abroad and at home, Fred Plotkin goes through the calendar to find Europe's best opera productions of the season and beyond.
A Commencement Address to Vocal Arts Graduates, Class of 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
If Operavore blogger Fred Plotkin were to give a graduation commencement address, this is what he might say.
In Arthur Miller's Plays, Subjects Are Operatic in Scope
Monday, May 09, 2016
WQXR
Though playwright Arthur Miller wasn't an opera fan, his plays are well suited to operatic adaptations, writes Fred Plotkin.
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Operavore is WQXR's digital 24/7 audio stream and devoted to Opera. The Operavore blog features breaking news, expert commentary and reviews by writers Fred Plotkin, David Patrick Stearns, Amanda Angel and others. The music stream features a continuous, carefully programmed mix of classic and contemporary opera recordings.
