Fred Plotkin

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau's death last week reminded blogger Fred Plotkin of "an indelible day in 1976, when my path crossed with the baritone in the most amusing way." Here's what happened.

Opera company directors often speak of a need for fresh theatrical values. But as Fred Plotkin writes, "'fresh values' only work if the director is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about opera."

Classical concert-going is sometimes criticized as too formal and rigid. But blogger Fred Plotkin believes that more restraint is needed when it comes to one common audience affliction: uninhibited coughing.

From Wagner to Joyce, Zurich, Switzerland has long welcomed creative types with strong viewpoints, writes Fred Plotkin. It's not because of its vaunted neutrality but its spirit of tolerance.

"The preparation of a single operatic role can take months or years as singers learn languages, acting, history, movement and make myriad emotional connections to the roles," writes Fred Plotkin. Here's why.

This year is the birth centennial of Sir Georg Solti. Operavore blogger Fred Plotkin profiles the famous conductor. 

Flanders is an essential part of Europe's opera scene, home to the Vlaamse Opera and the Flanders Festival, and the setting itself for a pair of major operas. Fred Plotkin reports on its musical riches.

Blogger Fred Plotkin considers the $1.2 billion renovation project at Lincoln Center -- from the addition of the high-end restaurant to the "visual bling" of the stairs leading up to the plaza.

"As you stand on the central plaza of the complex and look in all directions, you see imposing buildings but might not know some of their unusual stories, what they were intended...

Word is spreading through the opera community of an epochal change at the Metropolitan Opera. Richard Horowitz, principal timpanist of the company, will retire at the end of the season.

"Even for someone who has never visited this city, Paris exists in the imagery one finds in paintings, films, print media, literature, wine bottles and much more," writes Fred ...

The French capital has become the most important opera center in Europe in the early 21st century, writes blogger Fred Plotkin. "It has perhaps even surpassed New York."

Samuel Barber's lushly romantic music has long been considered passé in part because he does not have an effective advocate, writes blogger Fred Plotkin. But new recordings and perfo...

In one of the most extraordinary discoveries in recent years, an opera that experts say is the long-lost first work by Vincenzo Bellini was found during an archeological dig in Sicily.

"In my many years of operagoing, I have observed and met audience members who are blind or deaf and yet are as passionate about the art form as I am," writes blogger Fred Plotkin.

This year marks the centennial of Massenet's death and the French composer is being honored with a new Met production of Manon, as well as new books and an exhibit in Paris. Blogger Fred Plotkin reports.

Aretha Franklin, who will turn 70 on Sunday, "is as exciting, surprising and compelling as when I first heard her in 1967," reports Fred Plotkin, who heard the singer on February 18 at Radio City Music Hall.

Turin, or Torino, is the only city in Italy right now that rivals Milan when it comes to opera and symphonic music, writes Fred Plotkin. Its food, wine and feeling of sophistication make it worth a visit.

"The Irish are the best conversationalists I know," writes blogger Fred Plotkin. "They do not simply banter, but spin out words and phrases in whirling musical arcs that beguile the listener."

As this post was being written, nine young singers are preparing for one of the most important days of their careers. Read on to find out why.