On his website Parterre.com , editor James Jorden argues the case for Plácido Domingo to withdraw from the Met Opera’s 2019-20 season. His first performance, as Verdi’s Macbeth opposite Anna Netrebko, is scheduled for … » Read

The Atlanta Opera has hired not one but two new development officers in the wake of Rae Weimer’s retirement as director of development last March. She had been in the job just over ten years. Stepping into the newly created post of chief … » Read

The Amsterdam Concertgebouw September 13 opening night is to be led by ever-rising conductor Elim Chan. She steps in for Franz Welser-Möst, who is reported to have a shoulder injury that needs “minor” surgery at the beginning of … » Read

Conductor Brian Stone has only been at the artistic helm of the Santa Monica College Symphony for two years. Now, for reasons at least one musician describes as “definitely a power struggle,” the school has opted not to renew his … » Read

I first heard María Dueñas in July at the Colmar International Music Festival in France. A thin pale girl in white, her straight black hair gathered in a ponytail, she looked frail and far younger than her 16 years as she stood … » Read

SALZBURG--There was a time a generation ago when Cecilia Bartoli's many U.S. fans could count on seeing her regularly in opera or in concert. The Italian mezzo-soprano noted for her warm sound, dramatic intensity, and dazzling coloratura agility … » Read

Stefani Matsuo, a member of the Cincinnati Symphony for four years, is the orchestra’s new concertmaster. She succeeds Timothy Lees, who stepped down last year due to medical issues. He had been with the orchestra for 20 years, albeit … » Read

The BBC Symphony Orchestra has a new “Creative Artist in Association.” Jules Buckley's primary function, given his track record with pop acts, will be to give the orchestra more of a mixed-genre profile, no doubt enhancing the … » Read

When Aretha Franklin died on Aug. 16, 2018, it appeared that the “Queen of Soul” had left no will . Had that been the case, under Michigan law each of her four sons would receive an equal share of an estate that could ultimately be … » Read

Tim McKeough has resigned as press director for the Metropolitan Opera; his last day is Friday, August 30. In the job since June of 2017 , McKeough, Australian by birth, is leaving to set up the New York office of WildKat PR, a London-based … » Read