Fred Plotkin

Fred Plotkin appears in the following:

Finding Opera and Freedom in Cincinnati

Monday, July 11, 2016

WQXR
A trip to Cincinnati to see productions of Beethoven's 'Fidelio' and Gregory Spears's 'Fellow Travelers' spurs a meditation on opera's relevance to real life. 
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Comments [4]

Entrance Interview: Matthew Shilvock, SF Opera's Next General Director

Thursday, July 07, 2016

WQXR
Before he becomes the general director of San Francisco Opera on Aug. 1, Matthew Shilvock spoke to Fred Plotkin about his vision for the company.
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How 'Brexit' Affects Opera and the Arts

Friday, July 01, 2016

WQXR
From artist contracts to work visas, Fred Plotkin looks at the implications of Britain's vote to leave the European Union in the opera world and beyond.
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Comments [14]

When Is an Unfinished Work of Art Incomplete? Part 2

Monday, June 27, 2016

WQXR
Fred Plotkin continues his investigation into the nature of unfinished works of arts, including a show at the Met Breuer and two musicals that open this question.
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Comments [1]

When Is an Unfinished Work Incomplete?

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

WQXR
Are works left unfinished, such as Gaudí's Sagrada Familia or Schubert's Eighth Symphony, still complete in other ways? Fred Plotkin investigates this question.
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Comments [9]

Sketches from the Opera House

Friday, June 17, 2016

WQXR
A new book featuring drawings of opera singers and houses inspires Fred Plotkin to think about draughtsman, photographers and other artists who've depicted "our favorite art form."
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Comments [2]

How to Make Opera Hot and Cool? LoftOpera Has the Recipe

Monday, June 13, 2016

WQXR
Startup classical music and opera companies are attracting younger audiences with daring programs in unconventional spaces. Fred Plotkin explores the not-so-new keys to their success.
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Comments [5]

In Dresden Cultural Riches Abound Throughout This 'Florence on the Elbe'

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

WQXR
Fred Plotkin visits Dresden, Germany, where he is impressed by a production of 'Lohengrin,' as well as museums, architecture and other musical offerings around the city.
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Comments [2]

A Wish List for Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Metropolitan Opera

Friday, June 03, 2016

WQXR
As the Metropolitan Opera welcomes its future music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Fred Plotkin offers a few suggestions for both the maestro and the organization.
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Comments [27]

How Deborah Rutter Manages: A Conversation with the Kennedy Center President

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Fred Plotkin sits down with Deborah Rutter for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center.
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Comments [1]

An Opera Lover's Guide to Summer Productions in North America

Monday, May 23, 2016

WQXR
In his second column highlighting opera festivals and productions around the world, Fred Plotkin chronologically combs through the top events in North America.
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Comments [6]

An Opera Lover's Guide to Europe's Leading Festivals

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

WQXR
In the first of two columns highlighting summer festivals abroad and at home, Fred Plotkin goes through the calendar to find Europe's best opera productions of the season and beyond.
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Comments [1]

A Commencement Address to Vocal Arts Graduates, Class of 2016

Friday, May 13, 2016

If Operavore blogger Fred Plotkin were to give a graduation commencement address, this is what he might say.
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Comments [5]

In Arthur Miller's Plays, Subjects Are Operatic in Scope

Monday, May 09, 2016

WQXR
Though playwright Arthur Miller wasn't an opera fan, his plays are well suited to operatic adaptations, writes Fred Plotkin.
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Comments [2]

Celebrating a Cultural Shrine on Its 125th Anniversary

Wednesday, May 04, 2016

WQXR
As Carnegie Hall marks its 125th anniversary on May 5th, Fred Plotkin shares some of his most cherished memories of the beloved concert space.
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Comments [12]

Inside L.A. Opera's Young Artist Auditions

Friday, April 29, 2016

WQXR
Each year, talented singers audition for Los Angeles Opera's exclusive Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. Fred Plotkin sat in on this year's proceedings.
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Comments [3]

A Supporting Artist Who Steals the Show

Monday, April 25, 2016

WQXR
Maria Zifchak, a mezzo-soprano who's shined in character roles on the Metropolitan Opera stage "is in a class all of her own," writes Fred Plotkin.
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Comments [6]

A Verdian Season in New York

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Last week, New York experienced a flurry of events honoring the composer Giuseppe Verdi. Fred Plotkin, who attended them, considers the composer's legacy. 
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Comments [4]

How Old Is Too Old for the Opera Stage?

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

WQXR
Operavore's Fred Plotkin considers ageism in opera, and what singers facing the twilight of their careers can still offer in performances.
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Comments [33]

Understanding Tragedy Through Art

Wednesday, April 06, 2016

WQXR
Fred Plotkin explores how art in its various forms can help provide clarity and meaning when the burden of great misfortunes and hardships becomes too difficult to bear.
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Comments [15]