Sarah Kane was one of the brightest of comets, a blazing talent who set the British theatrical firmament ablaze with five extraordinary and visceral plays written between 1995 and 1999. Though her debut, the scabrous and uncompromising Blasted , … » Read

As many may surmise, the title of Conrad L. Osborne’s massive tome-- Opera as Opera: The State of the Art --was prompted by Joseph Kerman’s Opera as Drama , a work first published in 1956 that, among other things, influenced certain … » Read

The Metropolitan Opera introduced its fourth and last new production of the current season on New Year’s Eve with Francesco Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur , an opera many will associate with critical scorn of long standing. Indeed, half a … » Read

Julia Bullock’s residency at The Met Museum is turning out to be one of the year’s most stimulating arts projects. Not only is she providing opportunities to hear thrilling voices and committed interpretations, she’s engaging … » Read

LONDON— Königskinder had been flagged as Covent Garden’s seasonal offering until, for reasons still unshared, it was supplanted late in the day by Humperdinck’s other, more celebrated fairy tale opera. While it’s a … » Read

It has been 14 years since Gustavo Dudamel burst on the scene with a spectacular showing at the 2004 Bamberg Symphony Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition. Since then he has honed his skills in a wide range of repertoire, including opera. In … » Read

It must be quite a thrill for a student orchestra to be conducted by America’s best-known living composer, and in a substantial piece of his own music to boot. Kudos then to the Juilliard School and John Adams for making this December 10 … » Read

NEW YORK—Raw rage and political engagement were the driving forces behind Mark-Anthony Turnage’s debut opera Greek . Familiar enough for a young artist just setting out, such motivations can make a powerful initial impact but tend to … » Read

MILAN--Arguably Europe’s most important cultural event, opening night at La Scala always falls on December 7, the feast day of the city’s patron saint, St. Ambrose. The usual gathering of Italian politicians, second-tier celebrities, … » Read

Did you know that the first shot from a member of the British forces in the First World War was fired by an African? And in Africa? The man was part of the British West African Frontier Force, which was in the process of invading the German … » Read