Fred Plotkin

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.