Born and raised in Washington, D.C., I couldn't help but develop a keen interest in politics, but music, theater and visual art also proved great attractions. Music became my main focus after high school. I thought about being a cocktail pianist, but I hated taking requests, so I studied music history instead, earning a B.A. in that field from Eisenhower College (Seneca Falls, N.Y.) and an M.A. from Occidental College (Los Angeles). I then landed in journalism. After freelancing for the Washington Post and others, I was classical music critic for the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida, where I also contributed to NPR. I've written for the New York Times, BBC Music Magazine and other publications, and I'm a longtime contributor to Opera News. My book, The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Classical Music (Perigee, 2002), can be found on the most discerning remainder racks.
I joined the Baltimore Sun as classical music critic in 2000 and, in 2009, also became theater critic, giving me the opportunity to annoy a whole new audience. In 2010, my original Clef Notes blog expanded to encompass a theatrical component -- how could I resist calling it Drama Queens? I hope you'll find both sides of this blog coin worth exploring and reacting to; your own comments are always welcome and valued (well, most of them, at least).
Think of this as your open-all-hours, cyber green room, where there's always a performer or performance to discuss, some news to digest, or maybe just a little good gossip to share.
Note: Tim Smith now writes about the fine arts at
baltimoresun.com/artsmash. This blog will be kept in place as an archive for an indefinite period. Please visit the new location to get the latest Mid-Atlantic arts coverage.
View the Artsmash blog
Baltimore Concert Opera is taking a page from American Idol, Britain's Got Talent and all that sort of thing to hold open auditions for singers before a live audience that will have its opinions taken into account. 
Comments
That is a BRILLIANT idea! I wish I had thought of that. When and where will this be? They should carry it on a local TV station.
Time/place info is included on blog entry. There's also a link to the organization with more details. Cheers. TIM
Posted by: Jenny Kelly | June 16, 2009 12:08 PM
Tim,
Thanks for the plug! Audition slots are filling up very quickly. Hope you can join us!
I'm counting on discovering Baltimore's own Paul Potts or Susan Boyle. TIM
Posted by: Brendan Cooke | June 16, 2009 2:08 PM
I'm sure there will be those who absolutely cringe at the idea, but for my money, I think it's a great move. My sense is that people don't feel a personal connection to opera (or classical music, for that matter) and anything that gets people more invested in these art forms is a good thing. Thank you, pop culture!
Hear, hear! TIM
Posted by: Brian Sacawa | June 16, 2009 2:13 PM
Opera has evolved and changed since its dawn...it is a brilliant idea and I wager that it will be a huge hit and success in Baltimore. I think it will become a tradition. It's the best idea I have heard all spring. Bravo Brendan! I wish I could sing opera. Not yet!
Christian Lalov
Posted by: Christain Lalov | June 16, 2009 4:39 PM