Following the retirement of longtime opera critic John von Rhein, voices within Chicago’s classical music community are calling for a knowledgeable successor to cover the city’s prominent opera companies. Bill Chamberlain recently highlighted the need for an experienced opera critic to provide informed reviews of institutions such as the Lyric Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, and Haymarket Opera Company.

Jeanne Martineau, a Chicago resident, echoed this sentiment in a letter to the editor, emphasizing that these organizations deserve coverage from someone deeply versed in classical music. Martineau suggested Hannah Edgar, who has demonstrated expertise in the field through her occasional reviews of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as a potential candidate to fill this role.

The discussion reflects a broader concern about maintaining informed, insightful arts criticism in the city, especially given the influential role such criticism plays in shaping public perception and supporting the local performing arts scene. As Chicago’s opera companies continue their seasonal programming, the appointment of a qualified critic may become increasingly important to audience engagement and the cultural dialogue surrounding classical music in the region.