Heidi Waleson

About the Author

Heidi Waleson is a distinguished music critic and author whose incisive commentary on the performing arts has illuminated the evolving landscape of classical music for readers worldwide. With a career spanning decades, she has contributed to leading publications such as The New Yorker and The Wall Street Journal, where her thoughtful analyses blend deep historical knowledge with contemporary relevance. In her acclaimed book Mad Scenes and Exit Arias: The Death of the New York City Opera and the Future of Opera in America, Waleson chronicles the dramatic collapse of a storied institution and explores the broader implications for opera's survival in a changing cultural economy. Her work not only documents pivotal moments in American musical history but also advocates for innovative paths forward, making complex issues accessible and engaging to both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.