In The Impossible Art: Adventures in Opera , Matthew Aucoin argues that three “strict, unwritten, irrational laws” of gravity govern the art form. “These laws,” he continues, “are best articulated as … » Read

The Cardiff-based Streetwise Opera has named Martin Constantine as artistic director, beginning in January. His appointment results from an organizational overhaul that has combined two co-executive director positions into that of a CEO and … » Read

The annual Ojai Music Festival, held this year from June 9 to 12, has chosen the American Modern Opera Company (AMOC) as music director, a position that changes from year to year as that of Artistic and Executive Director—Ara … » Read

MILAN--La Scala’s opening night ought to be the artistic high point of the season. After all, the “Prima” is the theater’s chance to shine, with weeks of advance hype in the Italian media and live broadcasts of the … » Read

In the first decade of the 21 st century, no male opera singer had a more dramatic ascent than Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón. A star turn as Alfredo opposite Anna Netrebko at the 2005 Salzburg Festival in La Traviata (later recorded) won … » Read

Arlene Shuler has said she will exit as president and CEO of the New York City Center at the end of the current, 2021-22 season, after a transformative tenure just one year shy of two decades. Shuler's 19-year run has seen the venerable arts … » Read

Seven of the most dreaded words in the English language—“Your call is very important to us”— means you have been condemned to the electronic hell of a telephone hold. Often the same annoying audio loop is repeated ad … » Read

The English Touring Opera is defending its  much-criticized plan to overhaul its recruitment policy for its orchestra starting in 2022. The immediate impact of the decision was notification to 13 freelance musicians, some veterans of over 20 … » Read

Citing “an abundance of caution,” the Los Angeles Master Chorale has cancelled the 40 th edition of its annual Messiah singalong on Dec. 20. “Since the pandemic… we have routinely checked in with the department of health … » Read

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has looked within to find the successor to Anne Parsons and her 18-year legendary tenure as president and CEO. It is current VP and General Manager Erik Rönmark, who has been with the orchestra since 2005 … » Read