Fred Plotkin

Fred Plotkin honors and acknowledges many of the outstanding and memorable achievements in opera in 2017.

Fred Plotkin sees the new "Norma" at The Metropolitan Opera, and muses on why the gorgeous opera exerts such an immense power over audiences, still.

Fred Plotkin looks back on Finland's 100-year-long history and muses on the country's great musical contributions.

Fred Plotkin speaks to British countertenor Iestyn Davies about performing on Broadway in Claire van Kampen's play, “Farinelli and the King.”

Opera lovers know what they like — and lucky for you, Fred Plotkin knows what opera lovers like. He'll help you pick out the perfect holiday gift for the opera fans in your life. 

Fred Plotkin continues his Singular Voices series with an examination of the art and music of pop singer and songwriter Billy Joel.

Fred Plotkin tours the opera treasures of the Lombardy region in Italy.

Fred Plotkin looks at how Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” David Henry Hwang’s “M. Butterfly” and the musical “Miss Saigon” resonate today.

Fred Plotkin reports from London on the exhibit “Opera: Passion, Power and Politics” now at the Sainsbury Gallery of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Fred Plotkin reports from London on the state of applause at performances and how audiences still differ across the pond.

Fred Plotkin takes in the O17 Festival in the City of Brotherly Love and finds excitement.

Fred Plotkin writes of the subjectivity of opera, which like a taste in food, is developed over time after varied experiences.

Fred Plotkin reflects on how theater is adapted for the opera house.

Fred Plotkin reflects on the singular voice of Maria Callas.

Fred Plotkin makes an appeal for more opera in the Miss America pageant and as a winning strategy for contestants.

Luciano Pavarotti died on Sept. 6, 2007, and is much missed even though, 10 years on, he still seems to be with us in so many ways.

Fred Plotkin sits down with librettist Mark Campbell about the slew of new operas he has hitting opera houses this year.

Fred Plotkin visits "the other Metropolitan," the museum, and explores the historical relationship between art, opera and courtesans.

Fred Plotkin knows that nothing fits the high drama of a solar eclipse better than opera and musical theater. Here's your ideal soundtrack for this astral event.

Fred Plotkin looks at genre-bending singers and composers that have spanned classical, opera and jazz.