John McWhorter Argues for More Accessible American Opera in New York Times Opinion

In a March 26, 2026 opinion piece for The New York Times, linguist and commentator John McWhorter contends that contemporary American opera should prioritize accessibility over complexity. He suggests that opera companies could attract broader audiences by presenting works in familiar languages and musical styles. McWhorter criticizes a tendency among some composers and producers to dismiss easily enjoyable music as lacking sophistication or originality. The article addresses ongoing debates about the direction of new opera in the United States.