The indie opera company White Snake Projects faces down Trump’s National Endowment for the Arts
Wolfgang Rihm, Prolific Contemporary Classical Music Composer, Dies at 72 (New York Times, 2024)
Likened to a “court composer” for Germany, he wrote more than 500 pieces and was considered one of the most original and independent musical voices in Europe.
New Lawsuit Raises Allegations of Sexual Abuse at San Francisco Conservatory of Music (VAN, 2024)
Two women say they were assaulted by former professor of violin and chamber music Axel Strauss
Where the Vile Things Are (The Baffler, 2025)
With Les Vynogradov: Russia’s pillaging of Ukraine’s largest nature reserve
Welcome to Shorworld (VAN, 2024)
With Hugh Morris: A hedge fund multimillionaire turned composer. A businessman with apparent links to the Russian state. A cohort of superstar performers all too happy to look the other way. Inside classical music’s large, lucrative parallel world.
Inside the Crisis at the Cleveland Institute of Music (VAN, 2023)
With Hannah Edgar: With conductor Carlos Kalmar, the conservatory hoped to become a mecca of orchestral training. After allegations of overwork, bullying, and discrimination, some students are now in open revolt.
How German Librarians Finally Caught an Elusive Book Thief (Atlas Obscura, 2020)
For decades, often using a fake identity, he stole antique maps worth thousands of dollars each.
Death and the Theater (VAN, 2018)
With Zack Ferriday: Polish theater in the country’s authoritarian turn
On Smaller Opera Stages, Daring Art Has More Room to Breathe (New York Times, 2025)
Unlike most countries, Germany has a network of minor but generously subsidized theaters whose vitality is remarkable, and unmatched.
These Keyboard Musicians Are Thinking Beyond the Piano (New York Times, 2024)
Modern pianos are central to classical music. But some musicians are learning other keyboard instruments, and feel like better artists for it.
Inside the eccentric world of Budapest's living room theatre troupes you can order to your home (The Calvert Journal, 2019)
As alternative venues in Budapest struggle to find funding, theatre is increasingly taking place in private homes, where intimacy and immediacy give way to discussion and debate.
Dissonant and Fabulous (VAN, 2016)
An interview with Mark Morris
Jay Schwartz’s Music Reflects a Past of Oceans and Deserts (New York Times, 2023)
The composer’s latest work, “Theta,” born of the pandemic, loss and long swims in open water, is premiering in Germany.
A Pianist Adapts to Life With Parkinson’s Disease (New York Times, 2023)
Nicolas Hodges has carried on with his career as an eminent interpreter of avant-garde music. But it hasn’t been without sacrifices.