Anna Netrebko Supports Theater in Ukrainian Separatist Region
Tuesday, December 09, 2014
Anna Netrebko is responding to critics of a controversial donation she gave to a theater in Ukraine's breakaway Donetsk region, asserting that the gift was "not a political act."
Review: With Luxury Casting, Turin Opera Rehabilitates William Tell at Carnegie Hall
Monday, December 08, 2014
Sunday's four-hour performance by the Teatro Regio Torino at Carnegie Hall offered many rewards, writes David Patrick Stearns.
For Irish Opera, Funding Troubles and Signs of Revival
Monday, December 08, 2014
Surveying Ireland's opera scene, Fred Plotkin writes, "I have found many reasons to hope for an operatic revival and a couple of causes for concern."
Barenboim Bids La Scala Farewell Amid Violent Protests
Sunday, December 07, 2014
The gala mood for "Fidelio" contrasted with protests outside that turned violent as the curtain rose on one of the most glittering events on Europe's culture calendar.
'Sleeping' with Classical Musicians: Around the World in 69 Clicks
Monday, December 01, 2014
Hotels must meet a few requirements for blogger Fred Plotkin, including a clean room and a comfortable bed. He recently discovered one hotel with dozens of classical radio stations.
Barenboim Leaving La Scala after 9 Years
Saturday, November 29, 2014
The outgoing La Scala music director says he will be opening an academy for the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra of Israeli and Palestinian musicians in Berlin.
The Message of Jessye Norman
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
On November 21, soprano Jessye Norman was honored at the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s 80th luncheon in the grand ballroom of New York’s Waldorf-Astoria hotel.
Sale of New York City Opera's Remaining Assets Expected in Early 2015
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
A sale of New York City Opera's remaining assets is expected take place as soon as January, after a bankruptcy court gave the company a Dec. 18 deadline.
Bayreuth Festival Opts for a Less Provocative Parsifal
Monday, November 24, 2014
Days after the Bayreuth Festival parted ways with the theatrical provocateur Jonathan Meese over his planned production of Parsifal, the festival announced a replacement.
Arias at 34,000 feet
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Flyers often take refuge in inflight entertainment to pass the time when sleeping proves impossible. But blogger Fred Plotkin finds the classical music offerings variable.
Met Opera Ends Season with $22 Million Deficit
Friday, November 21, 2014
But the opera company said Thursday that steps including new labor contracts are expected to bring in enough savings to balance the budgets in 2015 and 2016.
Smartphone App, Tweet Seats Add Interactivity to Philadelphia Concert Halls
Thursday, November 20, 2014
The technological barbarians are at the gate – and are being welcomed graciously.
The Spirit of Martin Waldron
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Blogger Fred Plotkin looks at the legacy of Martin Waldron, an only-in-New York character whose stately Brooklyn townhouse was a haven for opera stars and noble actors.
Special Webcast: The Death of Klinghoffer
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Tune in to the Operavore stream Thursday at 7 pm and Friday at 5 pm for a full webcast of "The Death of Klinghoffer" by composer John Adams and librettist Alice Goodman.
Michaela Martens, Who Plays Marilyn Klinghoffer, Spreads Her Musical Wings
Thursday, November 13, 2014
If you need to take anyone's word about the unorthodox performing challenges faced by the cast of the Metropolitan Opera's The Death of Klinghoffer, let it be Michaela Martens.
Putting a Lid on Over-the-Top Rossini Productions
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Rossini productions have suffered—especially the comedies—because the performance style, has become overemphatic, writes Fred Plotkin. Here's how to fix them.
After Anna Netrebko Quits Munich Manon, Company Brings Her Back in Eugene Onegin
Monday, November 10, 2014
Since Anna Netrebko's 11th-hour withdrawal from the title role of Puccini's Manon Lescaut at the Bavarian State Opera, the production has become the object of much speculation.
Berlin in Mind
Friday, November 07, 2014
"When I think of Berlin, it is often as a place from which New York can learn a lot," writes Fred Plotkin. "Its better traits stand as models for things we might try to emulate."
Opera Singer Montserrat Caballé Reaches Deal to Avoid Jail for Tax Evasion
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Opera singer Montserrat Caballé has reached a deal with the Spanish tax authorities that will have her pay a fine but avoid jail time over tax evasion charges.
Weaving South African Magic into Mozart
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
A production of Mozart's Magic Flute is being staged in New York by the South African theater troupe Isango Ensemble. Operavore's Fred Plotkin gives his reaction.
Follow WQXR
About Operavore
LISTEN TO THE OPERAVORE 24/7 STREAM
Operavore is WQXR's digital 24/7 audio stream, blog and weekly radio show devoted to Opera. The Operavore blog features breaking news, expert commentary and reviews by writers Fred Plotkin, David Patrick Stearns and Amanda Angel. The stream features a continuous, carefully programmed mix of classic and contemporary opera recordings. The Operavore radio show on WQXR, features opera news bulletins from the around the globe, previews of new recordings, and interviews with the players and personalities on the scene.
