Opera in Europe: Established but Adventurous

Recent productions in Germany and the Netherlands—of classics, curiosities and contemporary works by composers ranging from Strauss to Saariaho—powerfully exemplified the scene’s risk-taking artistic ethos. By  Heidi Waleson April 7, 2025 at 4:43 pm ET The company of Offenbach’s ‘Die Schöne Helena.’ PHOTO: IKO FREESE Berlin; Dresden, Germany; Amsterdam New Yorkers who visit Berlin often feel at home—the …

‘Eat the Document’ Review: The Prototype Festival’s Musical Fugitives

This year’s edition of the festival opened with a compelling rock-influenced opera, based on Dana Spiotta’s novel about two 1970s radicals who go underground after a protest bombing goes awry. By  Heidi Waleson Jan. 13, 2025 at 5:04 pm ET The cast of ‘Eat the Document.’ PHOTO: MARIA BARANOVA New York According to its co-founder and co-artistic director …

‘Grounded’ and ‘Indra’s Net’ Reviews: Modern War and Ancient Legend

At the Metropolitan Opera, Jeanine Tesori’s work about an American drone pilot proves eerie and emotionally resonant; Meredith Monk’s performance piece at Park Avenue Armory takes inspiration from Asian religions to affirm our interconnectedness. By  Heidi Waleson Oct. 7, 2024 at 5:21 pm ET Emily D’Angelo (center) and company in ‘Grounded.’  PHOTO: KEN HOWARD / MET OPERA …

‘Le Prophète,’ ‘Anna di Resburgo’ and ‘I Capuleti e i Montecchi’ Reviews: Resurrections and Raucousness

At Bard SummerScape and Lincoln Center, three operas depict fiery conflicts and family feuds, from a Reformation-era religious rebellion to a timeless tale of ill-fated lovers. By  Heidi Waleson July 30, 2024 at 4:58 pm ET Jennifer Feinstein and Robert Watson in ‘Le Prophète.’  PHOTO: ANDY HENDERSON Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. This season’s opera rarity at Bard SummerScape is Giacomo …

Prototype Festival Review: Originality in Opera

The annual festival returned with an uneven slate of new works, from Huang Ruo’s oratorio ‘Angel Island’ to Heather Christian’s lively ‘Terce: A Practical Breviary.’ By  Heidi Waleson Jan. 16, 2024 at 5:30 pm ET A scene from ‘Angel Island’ PHOTO: MARIA BARANOVA New York and Brooklyn, N.Y. At its best, the annual Prototype Festival, coproduced by Beth …