Classical Music Criticism Β· Canada
Music Critic & Writer
For decades, Arthur Kaptainis has attended, listened, and argued β bringing a keen ear, wide historical knowledge, and an independent voice to classical music in Canada and beyond. His writing has appeared in major publications across the country.
Published In
Arthur Kaptainis has spent a career at the intersection of music and language β turning concert halls into conversation. As a classical music critic based in Canada, he has reviewed orchestras, chamber ensembles, opera, and recitals with a sensibility shaped by deep immersion in the Western canon and a bracing skepticism of received opinion.
His writing is known for clarity, wit, and a refusal to be impressed on cue. Whether praising a transcendent performance or calling out an overhyped premiere, he brings the same rigorous attention β and a genuine love of the art β to every review.
Now semi-retired, he continues to write, to travel to hear music on its own terms, and to seek out the great organs and concert halls of Europe. The concerts he attends. The arguments he picks. The standards he keeps. All of it, still.
For press inquiries, article commissions, or correspondence about music criticism and the classical world β he is glad to hear from you.