Psychological projections Psychological projections

“The distance between dreams and reality is called action.” – Brian Tracy

Bach humbug Bach humbug

Peter Sellars’s rarely radical climate epic Shall We Gather at The River brought together a superb collection of musical talent for an unfortunately incoherent night of sacred song.

Orientalism alive and well on the Upper West Side Orientalism alive and well on the Upper West Side

“Based on two Noh plays, the hypnotic work creates a shimmering world of supernatural encounters…”

Word problem Word problem

I’ve been picking away yet again at the mysterious symbiosis between an opera’s words and its music.

Deeds of kindness to review Deeds of kindness to review

For decades thousands and thousands have attended Handel’s Messiah (usually around Christmas or more appropriately near Easter) making it easily one of the most widely known works of classical music.

Northern stars

Winners of the seventh annual F. Paul Driscoll Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence, or, as they are colloquially known, the Opera News Awards, have been announced. Accepting the coveted “Effies” on Sunday, April 29 at The Plaza in New York City will be sopranos Karita Mattila and Anja Silja, baritones Dmitri…

Shirt tale

Among symbolic classical tropes, one of my favorites (perhaps because only another classicist will understand it) is Nessus’ Shirt, an emblem of glory (a promotion, say, or an expensive luxury) that destroys you.

Great moments in synergy, 2011 edition

Of all places, NY1’s “Inside City Hall” is the setting for an opera roundtable  tonight when John Adams, Peter Sellars, James Maddalena, and Peter Gelb appear on the program to discuss the impending premiere of Nixon in China at the Met. “Inside City Hall” airs at 7 p.m. tonight with a special edition after the…