Opera + politics + blurry lines + being kind

Editorial

At the same time, if you wear blackface in 2019, you've got to be quite stubborn indeed not to apologize for it. And if you're an opera singer who insists that opera-singing shouldn't be interrupted by a pandemic, I think that you show a really low level of humility.

A Sunday afternoon at Carnegie Hall

Review

The composite was a perceptive and refreshingly theatrical portrait of a complex and insightful woman, a musically shimmering, angry and sometimes languid conclusion to an extraordinary Sunday afternoon at Carnegie Hall.

An excellent use of camp: Only an Octave Apart

Review

Musically, Only an Octave Apart has no business being so clever. The aria/song mash-ups are the product of a lot of thought and respect for the original works, but they're also so much fun.

The new opera fan's perfect listening party

Editorial

On February 9 at 7:30pm ET, join PROTOTYPE's listening party, featuring the soon-to-be-released album by David T. Little and Royce Vavrek, Am I Born.

Edmonton Opera delivers "all-the-feels" Bohème

Review

The company has a triumphant opening night in spite of off-stage challenges.

Digital Svabda a ritualistic enigma, with some confusion

Review

I have to admit, after a while, the music did draw me in. This is an opera I suspect some people will have to sit with, but it will pull you into its language. And when it does, it does feel remarkably transformative afterwards.

Contributor Michael Pecak to make conducting debut at COT

Editorial

Next month, Pecak will make his principal conducting debut with Chicago Opera Theatre, in the world premiere of The Beekeeper. The opera is a one-act with music by Wang Lu and a libretto by Kelley Rourke that hints at mystery and a bit of spookiness.

A Merry Return to the Mainstage

Interview

Inside Calgary Opera’s preparations for The Merry Widow in spite of COVID.

Canadian pride: Boston's Svadba looks like a must-watch

Editorial

I have a special spot in my heart for this 2011 opera, often billed as Svadba-Wedding. I saw it in what I believe was it's earliest stages, in rehearsals for the first performance with Queen of Puddings Theatre in Toronto.

Opera creeps back to Canada & it reminds me of Beethoven

Editorial

In the before times, I was all for stories that had big emotions and swept me out of reality; now, it feels futile to expect that a great high note can affect us with the same ease that it did before we all lost ourselves to a public health emergency.