Articles written by Fred Cohn
The advantages and anxieties of AI
The advantages and anxieties of artificial intelligence
Better stage lighting technology illuminates new expressive possibilities
LED technology has transformed stage lighting in opera, bringing this production aspect into the spotlight.
The House on Apple Street
A drive to preserve the historic headquarters of the National Negro Opera Company
Time for Reflection — and Action
Sidelined by the pandemic, artists channel their energies into new projects.
The Rise of the New
An examination of the emergence of new American Opera before and after the founding of OPERA America in 1970.
Change Agents
A brief look at four new American operas dealing with social justice, inequality and the African American experience. Works include...
Where Are The Singers of Color? Part 1
An examination of obstacles that singers of color face to starting and developing a career in opera, and ways to move past them.
The Clown Stands Alone
Responding to shorter audience attention spans, opera companies are beginning to stage shorter productions, such as the 75 minute...
Tweens Find Their Voices
Opera companies host training and education for middle school children to help them develop life-long music appreciation, social...
An International Focus: The First World Opera Forum
A summary of discussions around the World Opera Forum's four central themes — cultural heritage, new work, diversity, and advocacy —...
Instagram Moments
The social media platform offers dynamic possibilities for reaching new audiences.
OTSL Dives into Data
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis instituted a number of initiatives aimed at younger potential audience members, helped in part by the...
The Heritage Lives On
Though an increasing number of new works are performed each year, standard repertory remains the backbone of the opera industry. These...
Accent on Youth
The opera industry’s continued health depends on finding ways to engage younger audiences.
A Musical Cityscape
David Lang's The Mile-Long Opera is an installation on New York City's High Line featuring over 1,000 singers and actors.
Talk Therapy
A look at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2017 production of Regina in which the lead singers wore mics.
Songs for Society
Three successful opera singers talk about how they use their voices to help communities and causes close to their hearts.
A Concert Turns Theatrical
Pittsburgh Symphony has had recent success with fully staged versions of traditional concert works.
A Gathering in Madrid
The first-ever World Opera Forum took a global approach to the art form.
Composers Move from Screen to Stage
Composers John Corigliano, Germaine Franco, Laura Karpman, and Nico Muhly, all of whom have written for both opera and film, share...
The Festival Spirit
A look at the rise of companies using a festival season versus the standard stagione.
Dance Duets
Opera and dance have always been the closest of siblings. Now, a group of innovative collaborations between opera and dance companies...
The Whole Show
Companies are placing greater importance on the total audience experience, not just what happens while they’re in the theater.
Community Connections Take Center Stage
Opera companies prioritize civic practice and community engagement not only to develop and connect with new audiences, but to survive...
Hurricane Season
After Hurricane Harvey ravaged Houston Grand Opera’s theaters, the company quickly set up in a new venue while facing logistical and...
The Butterfly Conundrum
Opera companies approach Madame Butterfly with community engagement, diversity in casting, and cultural learning to work against...
Training Grounds
Opera companies bring voice instruction to youth of high school age and below with myriad sbenefits for the students.
A Second Act in Oregon
Eugene Opera fights financial trouble by consulting the community and increasing staff.
Dynamic Pricing Takes Off
A look at dynamic pricing: the practice of maximizing box-office revenue for individual performances by raising prices as demand heats...
The Great Grey Lady Retrenches
The New York Times — arguably the nation’s most-trusted source of classical-music coverage — may be cutting back on its classical music...
Resurrected — and Connected
San Diego Opera seeks to connect and engage with their community.
Anton Coppola's Century of Opera
A look at the life of conductor/composer Anton Coppola on the occasion of his 100th birthday