Anne Midgette, Classical music critic, Washington Post
Tom Sietsema, Food critic, Washington Post
“Anne Midgette plays an increasingly important role in helping someone decide where to spend their free time and cultural dollars; her reviews could have an impact on the opera box office.” So says Michelle Krisel, former special assistant to Placido Domingo at the Washington National Opera, and lately general and artistic director of the Charlottesville Opera.
Midgette came to the Post in 2008 from the New York Times.
At the Post, her remit extends to all forms of classical music but, given the rising cost of mounting an opera production, it is her WNO reviews that are anticipated with greater anxiety. Midgette brings wide musical knowledge to the job but has been known not to pull punches.
Tom Sietsema may not be the only food writer in town, but given the power of his newspaper he is without the question the most widely read, and has the greatest clout.
He has been with at the Post since 2000 and the impact of his reviews has grown with Washington’s importance as a restaurant town.