Viveka Mirkin 2/18/25 Viveka Mirkin 2/18/25

Met Opera 2024-25 Review: Aida

New stagings always carry the weight of expectations, but Michael Mayer’s new Aida has the burden of replacing one of the Met’s most beloved productions. This staging had a fairly bumpy road; it was originally scheduled for 2020, but was axed due to corona. Now, it’s finally here, and quite remarkable. Hang on to your amulets!

Viveka Mirkin 5/18/24 Viveka Mirkin 5/18/24

Opera Is Cool: Debunking Myths

Let’s face it: opera has gotten a bad rap. In reality, opera is one of the most glorious art forms in the world. Come debunk some myths with me! (Hint: it involves Beyoncé.)

Viveka Mirkin 3/12/24 Viveka Mirkin 3/12/24

Highlights of the Met’s 2024-25 Season

On February 23, the Met Opera announced their 2024-25 season. Notably for nitpicky me, I’m excited for almost everything. It was difficult to choose, but here are the five shows I’m most looking forward to.

Viveka Mirkin 2/12/24 Viveka Mirkin 2/12/24

Met Opera 2023-24 Cinema Review: Carmen

This was one of the best-sung Carmens in recent memory, vocally stupendous and visually thoughtful, with Carrie Cracknell offering a much-needed modern critique of the power imbalance between men and women.

Viveka Mirkin 5/17/23 Viveka Mirkin 5/17/23

An Interview With Matthew Polenzani

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking over Zoom with the splendid tenor Matthew Polenzani about operatic characters, his happiest memories as a performer, the Chicago Cubs, fatherhood, and more!