Fred Plotkin

Fred Plotkin remembers his conversations with Roberta Peters and how the private lives of singers serve to fuel their public performances in surprising ways.

Fred Plotkin reflects on the warmth of both weather and character, and of compassion and sacrifice and how these forces of human nature play out in Puccini’s "La Bohème."

Look for illumination and understanding in art and music during these times of great challenge and you will find it, writes Operavore blogger Fred Plotkin.

In early 2017, New York and cities reachable by train or bus offer splendid and diverse options for lovers of the human voice. Here are Fred Plotkin's picks.

Blogger Fred Plotkin writes about the dangerous levels of noise that we experience every day and how we should protect our hearing.

Dominique Meyer, general director of the Vienna State Opera since 2010, was informed that his contract would not be renewed in 2020. 

Blogger Fred Plotkin honors and acknowledges many of the outstanding and memorable achievements in opera in 2016.

Fred Plotkin remembers his teacher, mentor and friend, Gigliola Frazzoni, the Italian opera singer who taught him about opera and Italian in Bologna.

Baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky has withdrawn from all scheduled future opera performances to dedicate himself to treatment for a brain tumor. Fred Plotkin explores his artistry.

Fred Plotkin visits Chicago and attends impressive performances of "Les Troyens" and "Don Quichotte" at Lyric Opera of Chicago. 

Sometimes one must brave uncertainty and forge ahead. Fred Plotkin shares some examples of performers that have done so under difficult circumstances.

The holidays in New York are enriched every year with a whole host of concert performances, including a mess of Messiahs and other great music experiences.

Acknowledging those people and things who contribute to the greater good makes us feel better and, yes, truly grateful, writes Fred Plotkin, especially for what is expressed in music.

Fred Plotkin on the many things opera singers must now do to launch, grow and sustain their careers outside knowledge, artistry and health.

"Most of us hear but not all of us listen," says Operavore's Fred Plotkin. Find out how the skill of active listening can transform your experience with music and much more.

Blogger Fred Plotkin takes a tour of the "stupendous" "Musical Crossroads" exhibit at the The National Museum of African American History and Culture with the exhibit curator.

Human ashes in the orchestra pit this weekend caused the Met to halt one performance and cancelled another. Fred Plotkin explains what goes on during a performance cancellation.

Conductor Gianandrea Noseda and the London Symphony Orchestra return to David Geffen Hall this weekend with the Verdi Requiem. Fred Plotkin journals about the maestro's busy fall. 

While in Italy to celebrate Verdi, Fred Plotkin muses on the man who came before him, Rossini.

Fred Plotkin continues his series called Singular Voices sharing his thoughts after a recent New York performance by French multi-lingual singer Charles Aznavour.