Fred Plotkin

Fred Plotkin appears in the following:

Remembering Broadcaster Peter Allen

Friday, October 14, 2016

In this personal memorial, Fred Plotkin shares his experiences with and appreciation for the WQXR and Met Opera radio broadcaster over the course of many years.
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Comments [2]

Venice: The First Capital of Opera

Monday, October 10, 2016

The importance of Venice to opera cannot be understated. Fred Plotkin visits the city and shares his thoughts on the city's place in operatic history.
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Comments [10]

In the Footsteps of Wagner: Writing 'Parsifal' in Italy

Tuesday, October 04, 2016

Fred Plotkin retraces the paths of Wagner as he was writing Parsifal leading him Villa Rufolo where the composer found his inspiration for the operas second half.
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Comments [6]

50 Years at the New Metropolitan Opera House

Thursday, September 29, 2016

The Met just celebrated its 50th season opener this week. Fred Plotkin shares his thoughts after attending performances for those fifty seasons.
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Comments [4]

Remembering the Old Metropolitan Opera House

Monday, September 26, 2016

The last Monday in September is, customarily, the opening night of the season at the Metropolitan Opera house.
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Comments [9]

How Critics Can Help Us Love Opera Even More

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Fred Plotkin discusses the changing roles of opera and art critics over the years and how they can enhance the experience of going to performances or listening.
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Comments [5]

The Operatic Ernest Hemingway

Thursday, September 15, 2016

WPSU
Fred Plotkin travels to Ketchum, Idaho, where Ernest Hemingway lived and is buried, and considers which of the great author's works would translate well in opera.
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Comments [11]

Remembering Opera Singer Johan Botha

Friday, September 09, 2016

Fred Plotkin remembers Johan Botha, a favorite heldentenor of many, who died on Sept. 8 in Vienna at the age of 51.
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Comments [7]

Fall Preview: Voices of Autumn

Wednesday, September 07, 2016

This fall, the New York area is brimming with enticements for people who love to hear the human voice in opera and recital. Fred Plotkin highlights what to look for.
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Comments [3]

The Presidential Candidates’ Silence About the Arts

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

As we get closer to the 2016 presidential election, Fred Plotkin investigates the candidates' stance — or lack thereof — on funding for the arts. 
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Comments [18]

Lenny's Legacy: An Appreciation of Bernstein on His 98th Birthday

Thursday, August 25, 2016

WQXR
'Everyone with any connection to music in New York encountered Bernstein,' writes Fred Plotkin, who shares his personal memories of the maestro in honor of his birthday.
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Remembering Italian Soprano Daniela Dessì

Monday, August 22, 2016

WQXR
The great soprano Daniela Dessi, who died on Saturday, Aug. 20, was a great example of a singer blessed with a rich 'vita interiore,' writes Fred Plotkin.
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Comments [11]

From Sayão to Saudade: Brazil's Contributions to Opera

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

WQXR
With the Olympics bringing our attention to Brazil, Fred Plotkin looks at the history of opera in the country, including its Amazonian theaters, star singers and intangible emotions.
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Singular Voices: Barbra Streisand

Friday, August 12, 2016

WQXR
Fred Plotkin begins a series honoring unique voices from opera and the stage. First up: Barbra Streisand, who is making a pair of rare appearances at the Barclays Center.
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Comments [4]

Everything Sounds Better in Yiddish

Monday, August 08, 2016

A new production at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene leads Fred Plotkin to ruminate on the roots of Yiddish theater in New York City and its connections to opera.
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Comments [8]

A Recipe for Success on the Opera Stage

Wednesday, August 03, 2016

WQXR
Julia Child once said that the key to successful cooking is buying the right ingredients; likewise in opera, the key to a great performance starts with a great cast.
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Comments [5]

Before HD, the Met Tour Brought Opera to the US and World

Friday, July 29, 2016

WQXR
Thirty years after the Metropolitan Opera staged its last national tour, Fred Plotkin looks back at its influence on opera around the country and the world.
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Comments [10]

We Love Carol Vaness

Monday, July 25, 2016

WQXR
Carol Vaness, whose birthday is this week, was 'an always exciting and engaging artist whose work was not appreciated as fully as I think it should have been,' writes Fred Plotkin.
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Comments [5]

Notes on a Week of High Drama in London

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

WQXR
Fred Plotkin experiences theater on both London's cultural and political stages during his latest visit in which he saw the opera, a Shakespearean drama and a change of prime ministers.
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Comments [3]

A Coughing Matter

Friday, July 15, 2016

WQXR
Are fragrances and overactive cooling systems driving audiences into hacking fits? Fred Plotkin muses on the state of air quality in our theaters.
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Comments [8]