Emma Hoffman

Emma Hoffman is a graduate of Barnard College. In 20 years she’ll be a crusty Upper West Sider in a babushka.

Let’s get metaphysical Let’s get metaphysical

Last Thursday evening, pure virtuosity was on display at the Veterans’ Room of the Park Avenue Armory, courtesy of soprano Barbara Hannigan and pianist Bertrand Chamayou.

on December 18, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Actress of protest Actress of protest

Ainadamar functions on two levels: as a defiant dance against fascist totalitarianism and as an exaltation of the diva.

on November 05, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Palette knives out Palette knives out

Lincoln Center is in full diva mode. Or at least that is what it seemed as I passed the line of posters outside Alice Tully Hall for the forthcoming Maria Callas biopic.

on October 03, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Elucidate and complicate Elucidate and complicate

It takes a lot to stop a show with a few minutes of music—and that is exactly what Leah Hawkins did during the 2019 run of Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera.

on September 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Direct-to-video Direct-to-video

As a burgeoning opera fan, I relied on YouTube to connect me with the art form.

on August 06, 2024 at 9:00 AM
The discreet charm of the bourgeoisie The discreet charm of the bourgeoisie

This July, Munich played host to hordes of football fans in town for the European Championship—and arguably the two finest working sopranos today.

on July 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Try and try again Try and try again

Matthew Polenzani strode into the Park Avenue Armory’s Board of Officers Room last Monday evening and was received like a beloved friend–and indeed that is what he is to many of New York’s opera-goers.

on May 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Voce di donna o D’Angelo Voce di donna o D’Angelo

Her star is indeed on the rise, but squarely on her terms.

on May 06, 2024 at 9:00 AM
On the road again On the road again

When it premiered at the Opéra Comique in 1875, Carmen shocked audiences with its frank depictions of female sexuality, the proletariat, and violence: subjects that have ensured the piece’s continued relevance and that have inspired numerous retellings and revisions.

on April 30, 2024 at 9:00 AM
A fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes A fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes

It’s not hard not to feel jaded about Romeo and Juliet.

on March 11, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Being beauteous Being beauteous

With its sumptuous wood paneling, frescoed ceilings, and various Gilded Age trappings, the Park Avenue Armory’sBoard of Officers Room certainly is not a bad place to spend Valentine’s Day—even better when it plays host to equally sumptuous music-making.

on February 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM
If you remember, then follow If you remember, then follow

How many hours of our lives are spent looking back?

on February 07, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Suspicious conduct Suspicious conduct

There is a strong case to be made that George Fridrich Handel is the composer most suited to the present moment.

on December 18, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Between a prayer and a spell Between a prayer and a spell

Although primarily known as a vanguard of the Downtown music scene, John Zorn’s artistic and intellectual ethos is at home at the decidedly Uptown institution of Columbia University.

on November 24, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Tuckered out Tuckered out

This Sunday marked a muted return of the Richard Tucker Foundation Gala, which had the dubious distinction of the fourth edition not to feature a prizewinner and perhaps the first not to provide complete orchestral and choral accompaniment for its performers.

on November 01, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Dreamers with empty hands Dreamers with empty hands

It’s autumn in New York, baby.

on October 13, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Turn and face the strange Turn and face the strange

How appropriate that the Met should present this supposedly “Jewish” opera after many in the audience had just spent twelve days immersed in the genuine article over the High Holy Days.

on October 02, 2023 at 9:00 AM