Author Archives

University administrator and teacher by day, theater and arts critic by night.

The Awkward Stage: DF Reviews Mitridate, Re di Ponto at Opera Philadelphia (for Parterre Box)

This production, directed by Emma Griffin, is both a “how to” and a “how not to” stage an opera seria.

Susanna Kaysen’s memoir, rife with potential drama, feels surprisingly sedate here.

At Curtis Opera, a cast of superb young singers cast a spell with Britten‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Klaus Mäkelä unexpectedly joins the foray for The Cleveland Orchestra‘s performances of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem.

At Opera Philadelphia, Gregory Spears’ opera both mystifies and enchants.

Mentored by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Curtis Symphony Orchestra proves themselves the equal of any major American orchestra.

A dazzling but deeply moving Mahler 2nd suggests that busier is better for our beloved YNS!

The dazzling Complications in Sue bodes well for Anthony Roth Costanzo‘s stewardship of Opera Philadelphia.

Global warming meets the cool factor in The Seasons.

A consideration of Anika Kildegaard’s extraordinary recital in Philadelphia—and the oddity of recitals themselves.