Operavore
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Notes on a Week of High Drama in London
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. Jul 20, 2016
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A Coughing Matter
Are fragrances and overactive cooling systems driving audiences into hacking fits? Fred Plotkin muses on the state of air quality in our theaters. Jul 15, 2016
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Review: 'Paradise Interrupted' Fuses Eastern Manners with Western Narrative
A striking production of Huang Ruo's "installation opera" was presented with the Chinese opera star, Qian Yi. Critic David Patrick Stearns weighs in. Jul 14, 2016
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Finding Opera and Freedom in Cincinnati
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. Jul 11, 2016
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Entrance Interview: Matthew Shilvock, SF Opera's Next General Director
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. Jul 7, 2016
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How 'Brexit' Affects Opera and the Arts
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. Jul 1, 2016
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When Is an Unfinished Work of Art Incomplete? Part 2
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. Jun 27, 2016
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New York City Opera Spreads Its Wings with 'Florencia'
'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. Jun 23, 2016
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When Is an Unfinished Work Incomplete?
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. Jun 22, 2016
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Sketches from the Opera House
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." Jun 17, 2016