Yuval Sharon’s Debut Book “A New Philosophy of Opera”

Published by Liveright Publishing, the book explores the imaginative and interdisciplinary possibilities of opera

The artistic director of the Detroit Opera since 2020, Yuval Sharon is also the founder and artistic director of The Industry in Los Angeles company for new and experimental opera.

Sharon’s debut book, A New Philosophy of Opera, draws from his career to explore opera’s capacity for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as its anachronistic flexibility, and relevance set by its archetypal stories. 

Published by Liveright Publishing, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., the book also challenges the institution of the opera house that is often over-reliant on the past — an approach Sharon deems to produce “unimaginative and woefully under-rehearsed productions,” which could undermine opera’s potential for mass appeal in the service of elitist prestige. 

In using examples from his own career as case studies, A New Philosophy of Opera is ultimately Sharon’s vision for an “anti-elite opera” that celebrates imagination and innovation. 

The book also includes a playlist woven throughout, which provides readers the chance to sample a live operatic performance and traverse multiple eras in its curation of classics and overlooked masterpieces.

“This book builds a compelling roadmap for the future of opera, and how it can truly be accessible for everyone,” wrote conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

To purchase and read the book, click here.

Additionally, on October 6, 2024, at 3 PM at the UCLA Nimoy Theater, Sharon will be in conversation with The New Yorker’s classical music critic Alex Ross about his new book. To attend, click here. 

Born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, Sharon was exposed to opera at an early age during regular trips to Lyric Opera of Chicago with his father. He later pursued English and drama studies at the University of California, aiming to work in film and theater.

After moving to New York, Sharon founded the Theater Faction theater company, plus worked at New York City Opera as then-director Paul Kellogg’s assistant, while holding roles in the marketing department. From 2006 to 2009, Sharon directed City Opera’s VOX program for new operas. In 2016, he was appointed the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s first-ever Artist Collaborator. 

In April 2025, Sharon will premiere a new production of Così fan tutte at Detroit Opera, with a cast featuring soprano Amina Edris, mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce, tenor Joshua Blue, and baritone Thomas Lehman.