Paul Pelkonen

I am a freelance writer, based in Brooklyn, NY. Since 1996, I have been a professional writer, specializing in classical music, opera, and the arts. I also have five years experience as a sports writer.

My first published gig was for the Wagner Society Of New York's journal, Wagner Notes. My first paid work was for a little website called "Metrobeat," founded in Silicon Alley. As Metrobeat was acquired by Citysearch, I eased into a five-year stint as an Associate Editor, writing about opera, classical music, sports, and even urban fitness. This was an amazing period of growth for me, as I reviewed performances at the Metropolitan Opera, interviewed famous singers and conductors (including Kurt Masur and Deborah Voight) and even sold CDs over the internet through a burgeoning connection with Amazon.com.

Citysearch was a great learning opportunity, but as it was slowly acquired by Ticketmaster, I sought new opportunities. I worked for Time Out New York, Chamber Music Magazine, Opera News, and Stagebill, writing articles, reviews, and other pieces. This exploded into another exciting opportunity working for the Washington National Opera, writing major articles for their program book and in-house magazine.

In 2005, fate knocked at the door when I started working for the International Herald Tribune as one of the key contributors to the "Ear for Opera" section, sponsored by Rolex and arranged through the paper's marketing department. Finally, a real print position (albeit a freelance one) and a chance for my writing to be displayed on the largest possible stage. Starting with a two-part feature on Lorin Maazel, I explored the nuts and bolts of the opera world from some unlikely perspectives: the podium of the San Francisco Opera; the prompter's box at the Metropolitan, the mind of the lead singer in a heavy metal rock opera. My most recent career highlight came in October of 2008 when I was able to interview tenor, conductor, and artistic director Placido Domingo--twice in the same weekend!

I am a skilled interviewer, an excellent wordsmith, and I work well under pressure and on deadline. I am an old-fashioned arts journalist, with the web experience of the new generation. I know my fields of study inside and out, and have the skills and resources to research the rest.