Zachary Woolfe
Posts
A Behind-the-Scenes Eminence Shapes a Festival’s Future
Pierre Audi, the artistic director of the Park Avenue Armory, is coming into his own as the leader of the Aix-en-Provence Festival in France.
At This Summer’s Aix Festival, the Only Laughter Is Bitter
With two grim premieres among the offerings, Monteverdi’s sharp “L’Incoronazione di Poppea” was the highlight of a week of opera.
At the Opera, Humans Bear Witness to Atrocity, or Ignore It
Whether in works by Mahler, Mozart or Rossini, directors at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in France evoke mass death and refugee crises.
Review: Before Riccardo Muti Leaves Chicago, a Verdi Farewell
“Un Ballo in Maschera” is the last in a series of Verdi operas led in concert by the Chicago Symphony’s music director, who departs after...
In a Jam-Packed Weekend at Ojai, a Musical Family Gathers
Specializing in energetic interdisciplinary collaborations, the American Modern Opera Company, or AMOC, organized this year’s Ojai Music Festival.
At the Met This Season, Opera Was Icing on the Cake
Amid a labor battle, the continuing pandemic and war in Ukraine, it often felt as though the real drama was in simply putting on a...
Review: For Franck’s 200th, an Organist Pays Grand Tribute
Paul Jacobs has completed his survey of the major solo organ works of César Franck, whose birthday year is passing with scattered observances.
Review: Beatrice Rana Plays Tchaikovsky at Human Scale
The pianist made her New York Philharmonic debut with the composer’s Piano Concerto No. 1, on a program with Shostakovich.
Diamanda Galás Gives Voice to Unbearable Pain, Once More
Revisiting “The Divine Punishment,” the first album in a trilogy addressing AIDS, and at work on new music, the singer and composer is still exploring...
Review: A ‘Rake’ Takes a Treasured Spot in the Opera Season
The Met’s performances of Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress” are the latest in a long line of short spring revivals of works off the beaten path.