A Shicoff the Old Block

Halévy’s 1835 opera "La Juive" was once a staple of opera houses everywhere, but during the 20th century it nearly disappeared from the repertory. The Metropolitan Opera is now presenting it for the first time since 1936, with a new production starring tenor Neil Shicoff. The son of a Brooklyn cantor, Shicoff joins host John Schaefer today to discuss how he was drawn to the opera’s exploration of anti-semitism, and how he encouraged the Met to undertake this very timely work. Also, Dave Holland, jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader, drops by to shed light on his recent activities. Throughout his 40-year-plus career, he has helped refine and extend the possibilities of his seemingly cumbersome instrument. And we’re joined by WNYC’s Arun Rath, who reviews a new set of DVD releases featuring legendary pianist Glenn Gould.
Additional Resources: More about Neil Shicoff More about Dave Holland