Three of France’s leading classical music and opera magazines have been closed down with immediate effect. Issues of Avant-Scène Opéra, Classica and Pianiste currently on newsstands will be the last.

First published 50 years ago, the bi-monthly Avant-Scène Opéra was unusual in that each issue was voted to an in-depth study of one opera with each edition offering a complete bilingual libretto, musical and literary commentary, comparative discographies and production histories.

Classica, founded in 1998, was well-regarded for its critical appraisals of new recordings.

Pianiste was aimed at piano enthusiasts and entirely devoted to the piano and playing the instrument. Its motto: “Play, progress and have fun!”

Humensis, publisher of the three titles, was acquired in late 2024, with the promise that the takeover would ensure the “preservation and future development of the Humensis group brands, while maintaining their influence in the French intellectual ecosystem.”

Plus ça change.