Grand Passion: Rigoletto at Opera Philadelphia (for Parterre Box)
The collective audience sigh of joy that greeted the opening chords signaled success from the start.
Stained Class: Lucia di Lammermoor at the Met (for Parterre Box)
The undisputed cause célèbre here — for better or worse — is director Simon Stone.
Shining Hours: Kevin Puts’ New Opera at the Philadelphia Orchestra (for Parterre Box)
Dramaturgically, The Hours is a mixed bag: I wouldn’t discard it, but I would want to fix it. But simply as an evening of gorgeous music, it’s cordon bleu.
Worth the Wait — Ana Maria Martinez in Recital at PCMS (for Parterre Box)
Martinez is an artist of the first caliber, which was richly evident throughout this imaginative, substantial program.
A Philly That Is Ready for the Race: Opera Philadelphia Announces the 2022-23 Season (for Parterre Box)
I felt a surge of joy learning the Festival O will return in September.
Doing Something Right: DF reviews Eugene Onegin at Academy of Vocal Arts (for Parterre Box)
Two young casts due justice to Tchaikovsky’s opera — and bring honor to the Academy of Vocal Arts.
I Want Your Rex: DF reviews Oedipus Rex + Lilacs at Opera Philadelphia (for Parterre Box)
Opera Philadelphia returns to the stage with an honorable, if not entirely convincing, mixed program.
Tenors Al Fresco: Brownlee and Spyres in Concert for Opera Philadelpha (for Parterre Box)
Two singers at the top of their game in music as punishing as it is pretty.
Joust In Time: Man of La Mancha at Saratoga Opera (for Parterre Box)
Zachary James delivers a thoughtfully crafted, blessedly restrained Quixote/Cervantes.
Ladies of Spain: The Met’s Final 2020-21 Streaming Program (for Parterre Box)
These streamed recitals, warts and all, have allowed us to see performers let their hair down.
reclining standards 