parterre*inbox
opera from a certain point of view
Five characters in search of an interpreter

Five characters in search of an interpreter

In Lise Davidsen's new album Lise Davidsen: Verdi, the singing is thrilling but the interpretations are limp.

Mi pare sentire odor di femmina

Parterre Box offers an (almost) comprehensive introduction to the sopranos headlining Mozart productions in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco this fall.

Mi pare sentire odor di femmina

Anna El-Khashem in Così fan tutte at the Verbier Festival, July 2026 / Photo: Anne du Chastel

Reviews

The awkward stage

Farnace argues for a peace treaty with Rome before his father Mitridate (left) throws him in prison Photo by Dominic Mercier

The awkward stage

Opera Philadelphia's production of Mitridate, re di Ponto proves more puerile than perhaps its 14 year-old composer intended.

Talk of the Town

Next season I’m looking forward to Otello

I am very much interested in La Scala's upcoming opening night with Verdi's Otello.

Next season I’m looking forward to Otello

Javier Del Real

Next season I’m excited for Il pirata

I’m overdue for some bel canto and WCO has historically done it well.

Next season I’m excited for Il pirata

Photo: Caitlin Oldham

Next season I’m excited for Alessandro

This season marks the third annual visit of The English Concert to American shores, this time with a production of Handel’s Alessandro.

Next season I’m excited for Alessandro

Dario Acosta

Broadcasts & Live Chats

For you tender shut ins who prefer opera from a distance, Parterre Box hosts live chats during broadcasts and livestreams.

Are you an opera newbie lookin’ to listen and learn? Or maybe an overly articulate know-it-all wanting to indulge your fantasy of an anonymous 12-way with people who couldn’t possibly understand you?

Well that must suck. But you’re welcome to join us anyway.

In the spirit of AOL circa 1998, here are some upcoming chances to clique and claque:

Support Parterre Box

We’ve kept opera’s liveliest publication free and independent for over 30 years. No paywalls, no institutional backing, no bootlicking.

We also pay our writers—a rarity in arts journalism, but we think it matters.

Your monthly or one-time support keeps the lights on and ink wet.

Donate Now

Do you have questions, tips, suggestions, gripes, or story ideas?
Email us if you must: [email protected]

Ciao for now!
Nick Scholl
Publisher, Parterre Box