Maria-Cristina Necula

Maria-Cristina Necula is a New York-based writer whose published work includes the books “The Voice Beneath the Quince Tree: A Memoir of Growing Up in Communist Romania,” “The Don Carlos Enigma,” “Life in Opera: Truth, Tempo, and Soul” and articles in “Das Opernglas,” “Studies in European Cinema,” and “Opera America.” A contributor to the culture and society website Woman Around Town, she received a 2022 New York Press Club Award in the Critical Arts category for her “Eurydice” review on the site. A classically trained singer, she has presented on opera at Baruch College, the Graduate Center, the City College of New York, UCLA, and others. She holds a doctoral degree in Comparative Literature from The Graduate Center. Currently, Maria-Cristina serves as the Director of Alumni Engagement at Lehman College. To find out more and get in touch, please visit her website.

Creator Spotlight: Whitney George and Bea Goodwin on Their New Opera No Man’s Land

Recent recipients of the Discovery Grant, composer Whitney George and librettist Bea Goodwin discuss their new opera "No Man’s Land" as well as the women-focused work of the groundbreaking ensemble The Curiosity Cabinet.

Nov 04 Maria-Cristina Necula

Singer Spotlight: Kathryn Frady

Kathryn Frady, a critically acclaimed soprano and stage director, is known for her compelling performances of roles in Verismo and new American operas as well as for her imaginative stagings, groundbreaking productions, and for making opera accessible. Read on to learn more about her.

Oct 01 Maria-Cristina Necula

Singer Spotlight: Sara LeMesh

Rising young soprano Sara LeMesh is a versatile artist who thrives on singing in a variety of genres. Here she tells us about her non-traditional path to developing her blossoming career.

Jul 21 Maria-Cristina Necula

Martin Fisher: Versatile Artist, Indomitable Spirit

Martin Fisher shares his experiences working in opera and television. Read on to learn about his nontraditional path that led to his current roles and the transferrable skills singers need in order to work in both theatre and television.

May 13 Maria-Cristina Necula

Carol Vaness

She has graced the world’s greatest stages with her unique voice and incandescent dramatic temperament. Enjoy this article about Carol Vaness from our archives.

May 11 Maria-Cristina Necula

Program Spotlight: Camerata Bardi International Vocal Academy – Teatro Grattacielo’s Young Artist Program

Teatro Grataciello specializes in promoting rare gems of the Italian operatic repertoire and introducing opera to new audiences. Its commitment to the operatic art includes the nurturing of young talents through its young artist program. Read on to learn more.

Jan 09 Maria-Cristina Necula

Latonia Moore: “I Love, Live, and Breathe Music”

Latonia Moore is an artist with great depth and stylistic variety. She shares her background in jazz, what makes her voice smile, and the lessons learned from taking breaks vocally. Read on for more on Moore, including her advice about specific intentions as you build your career.

Sep 16 Maria-Cristina Necula

Kirsten Kunkle and Sarah Melnick on Their New Opera “Girondines”

"Girondines" by Kirsten Kunkle and Sarah Melnick is a unique showcase for women’s voices as well as a moving, inspiring story about women’s bravery in the face of oppression, a topic no less relevant today than during the French Revolution.

Jan 23 Maria-Cristina Necula

Be True to Yourself : The Upcoming NYC Premiere of "Uncovered"

Between November 16 and 19, City Lyric Opera (CLO) will present the New York City premiere of Uncovered, a chamber opera composed by Lori Laitman with a libretto by Leah Lax.

Nov 03 Maria-Cristina Necula

Gerald Finley: The Essential Word Is “Courage”

Baritone Gerald Finley shares his courageous approach to performing and teaching.

May 31 Maria-Cristina Necula

Singers Cope with Inflation in Creative Ways

As inflation rises, singers creatively compensate for increased costs while wages stagnate. Read on to learn how professionals at various stages are adjusting their mindsets and making choices that help them continue their artistic work in the face of financial challenges.