Ian Strasfogel’s Operaland is an uproariously comic novel about a naïve upstart in the treacherous and thrilling world of opera. Strasfogel, an internationally renowned opera director born into a distinguished musical family, has plumbed the depths of his personal experience to portray the dazzle, drama and delight of a life on stage.
Operaland
This delightful novel recounts the hilarious adventures (and misadventures) of Richie Verdun, a middle-aged car salesman who, much to everyone’s surprise, becomes a successful opera singer. Strasfogel, well known for his collaborations with important composers like Bruno Maderna, Luciano Berio, Gyoergi Ligeti and Hans Werner Henze, has plumbed the depths of his personal experience to portray the dazzle and drama of a life on stage.
What a pleasure to follow Richie through Operaland! I am sure people in and out of the operatic world will find his story laugh-out-loud funny.” Paul Plishka, Leading Bass — Metropolitan Opera

Winner First Prize North Street Book Prize
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Ignace Strasfogel
Read the astonishing story of Ignace Strasfogel, a musical prodigy who fled Berlin in 1933 and went on to forge an important career at the Metropolitan Opera. At the end of his long life he found the largeness of spirit to make peace with Germany, the country that had ripped his life apart.

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