Inside Vancouver Opera
By Vancouver Opera
This podcast offers an insider’s glimpse into the artistry, experiences, and perspectives of the talent involved in taking breathtaking opera productions from the page to the stage.
Find out more at VancouverOpera.ca
Inside Vancouver OperaOct 21, 2020
The Echo of Silence: Finding Voice with Carole Côté
A few weeks after starting at my job at Vancouver Opera, I had the honour of meeting the amazing Carole Côté over the phone - singing her heart out. Carole graciously agreed to visit us at the VO and shared songs and stories. I think you’ll agree that she is truly one-of-a-kind.
Carole Côté will be performing on December 7th at The Kettle Choir’s Holiday Concert, with guests Highs & Lows Choir. The performance runs from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at The Kettle’s Recovery Cafe, 620 Clarke Drive, Vancouver.
Full Transcript
Credits:
- Carole Côté - Guest
- Ashley Daniel Foot - Host
- Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer
Tracey Talks Tickets
Vancouver Opera's Database and Ticket Centre Manager Tracey Flattes shares her unique brand of hard-earned wisdom, humour, and stories from the trenches of the ticketing world.
We're celebrating Black Friday with our best ticket offer of the season: Save 50% Off Duet Subscriptions! You'll enjoy the rest of our blockbuster 2023-2024 season: our wild, pop-art, technicolour production of Donizetti's comedic romp, Don Pasquale and Bizet's timeless classic Carmen.
Credits:
- Tracey Flattes - Database and Ticket Centre Manager
- Ashley Daniel Foot - Host
- Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer
The One About the Opera at the Planetarium
Composer Tawnie Olson and conductor Arianne Abela discuss Sanctuary & Storm and the state of women in opera.
Sanctuary & Storm, our new collaboration with re:Naissance Opera, runs from November 17th to 19th at the H.R MacMillan Space Centre. Head to VancouverOpera.ca to grab your tickets.
Credits
- Ashley Daniel Foot - Host
- Tawnie Olson - Composer, Sanctuary & Storm
- Arianne Abela - Conductor, Sanctuary & Storm
- Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer
A Musician that Leads: Jacques Lacombe on Unlocking the Power of Creativity and Collaboration
Join us for a conversation with Vancouver Opera’s new Music Director, Maestro Jacques Lacombe, in which he shares his passion for conducting, right from a young age discovering the organ.
Vancouver Opera presents Don Pasquale - February 10th - 18th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca
Credits:
- Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
- Guest - Jacques Lacombe
- Audio Producer - Mack McGillivray
Mozart: 15 Things You Didn't Know
Mozart. The very name reminds us of soaring arias, evocative melodies, and musical mastery. In this episode we explore 15 things you may not have known about the ingenious composer.
Vancouver Opera presents The Magic Flute - October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca
Jane Potter - Writer and Narrator
David Bloom - Voice of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven
Ashley Daniel Foot - Voice of Antonio Salieri
Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer
Mozart: The Freemason Influence
Mozart. The very name reminds us of soaring arias, evocative melodies, and musical mastery. In this episode we explore Mozart's life and the Freemason influence.
Vancouver Opera presents The Magic Flute - October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca
Credits:
Jane Potter - Writer and Narrator
David Bloom - Voice of Goethe, Leopold Mozart, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ashley Daniel Foot - Voice of Voltaire
Kent Wilson - Voice of George Washington
Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer
Making the Magic
Vancouver Opera presents The Magic Flute - October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Stephen Elgar, Vancouver Opera’s Head of Properties, opens the workshop to share how he brings magic to the mundane, creating objects fit for the stage. Stephen discusses his career from restoring furniture to preparing “pony-trikes” and a “three-headed dragon” for The Magic Flute. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca
Credits
Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest - Stephen Elgar
Editor - Mack McGillivray
Transporting Worlds through Costume
Vancouver Opera presents The Magic Flute - October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Through costuming Roberta Doylend has built cohesive worlds for over 400 shows. Roberta discusses her remarkable career, her role as Vancouver Opera’s Head of Wardrobe, and the visual candy store awaiting audiences in The Magic Flute. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca
Credits
Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest - Roberta Doylend
Editor - Mack McGillivray
Fast Forward to the Emotion: Risk and Reward in Mozart's 'Magic Flute'
Vancouver Opera presents The Magic Flute - October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Director Ashlie Corcoran returns to Vancouver Opera to direct this remount production of Mozart’s ultimate opera. Join us for an early glimpse into what awaits you on the stage.
For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca
Credits
Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest - Ashlie Corcoran
Editor - Mack McGillivray
Harmonizing Queer Voices
In this episode we explore the intersection of identity and opera with University of Florida musicologist Leo Walker.
Opera, with its grandeur, emotion, and powerful storytelling, has been a stage for human experiences throughout history. Amidst the vast repertoire of operatic works, there are narratives that explore the diverse spectrum of queer identities. These stories, often overlooked or overshadowed, have found their place within the canon, enriching the operatic landscape.
Unveiling the queer threads in the operatic fabric allows us to appreciate the richness and diversity of human experiences. Composers like Benjamin Britten, Leonard Bernstein, and many others, have contributed to this exploration, often drawing inspiration from their own lives and relationships. By examining their music, letters, and historical context, scholars like Leo Walker have shed light on the queerness within the works of these composers, deepening our understanding and appreciation of their contributions to the art form.
These narratives illuminate the beauty and struggles of love, desire, and self-discovery. They transcend boundaries and foster belonging for audiences of all backgrounds and identities.
Episode Credits:
Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest - Leo Walker
Editor - Mack McGillivray
Music Credits:
“Adziu! Adziu!” from Act I of Benjamin Britten’s Death in Venice. Performed by the English National Opera with John Graham Hall as Aschenbach. Conducted by Edward Gardner.
“To Know” from Laura Kaminsky’s As One. Performed by Sasha Cooke, Kelly Markgraf, and The Fry Street Quartet. Produced by American Opera Projects in association with BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music).
“Without You What Am I” from Act III of Rufus Wainright’s Hadrian. Performed by the Canadian Opera Company with Thomas Hampson as Hadrian and Isaiah Bell as Antinous.
Talking with Tom Wright
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Vancouver Opera’s General Director, Tom Wright. Tom reflects on the past opera season, the challenges the art form faces, and the future of opera in Vancouver.
Visit vancouveropera.ca to discover our 2023-2024 season: The Magic Flute, Don Pasquale, and Carmen.
Episode Credits:
Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest - Tom Wright
Editing - Mack McGillivray
Luka Kawabata: The Hafu ハーフ Project
A fascinating and insightful conversation with baritone, and Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist, Luka Kawabata. Luka talks passionately about his Hafu ハーフ Project and the unique intersection between family, memory, and music. We also discuss the state of modern opera and how to confront our operatic canon.
Episode Credits:
Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest - Luka Kawabata https://www.lukakawabata.com/
Editing - Mack McGillivray
Cover Photo - Mark Yammine https://www.markyammine.com/
The Hafu ハーフ Project:
Chapter 1: Paueru-Gai パウエル街 - https://youtu.be/-0an29gw0L8
Chapter 2: Childhood 幼年 - https://youtu.be/Q1TU2yE5iHk
Chapter 3: Wish 希望 - Coming Soon
Introducing: Singing Stories
The 2022-2023 Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program toured ten elementary schools performing their show Singing Stories, a fun and exciting operatic experience that asks the question, what if the show goes wrong but in the best possible way?
Join host Ashley Daniel Foot in a discussion about Singing Stories with five members of the Young Artists Program: Sawyer Craig, Luka Kawabata, Amy Seulky Lee, Jeremy Scinocca, and Hillary Tufford.
This year's School Tour is supported by Telus Friendly Future Foundation, CIBC Wood Gundy, Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Diamond Foundation.
Episode Credits:
Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
Guests from the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program - Sawyer Craig, Luka Kawabata, Amy Seulky Lee, Jeremy Scinocca, and Hillary Tufford
Audio Editing - Mack McGillivray
Music Credits:
Japanese Lullaby 竹田の子守唄 (Takeda No Komoriuta) Performed by Japonské Trio - Natsuko Bručková, Tomoko Kanda, and Yukie Ichimura
Doll Song “Les oiseaux dans la charmille” from Jacques Offenbach’s Les contes d'Hoffmann, performed by Katarzyna Dondalska
Overture to Richard Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer, performed by the University of Illinois Symphonic Band
Wagner: Life and Times - 15 Strange and Surprising Discoveries About Herr Wagner
Richard Wagner is known today as one of the greatest, most influential composers to have lived. But his life, anything but easy and straightforward, was as tumultuous as the age he was born into. Our top-15 list of things you didn’t know about Richard Wagner takes you behind the scenes of the life of one of Germany’s most famous exports.
Vancouver Opera presents The Flying Dutchman - April 29th to May 7th, 2023, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vancouveropera.ca
Episode Credits:
Written and presented by - Jane Potter
Voice of Richard Wagner, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Friedrich Nietzsche - David Bloom
Produced by - Ashley Daniel Foot
Audio editing by - Mack McGillivray
Wagner: Life and Times - Act 2
Richard Wagner is known today as one of the greatest, most influential composers to have lived. But his life, anything but easy and straightforward, was as tumultuous as the age he was born into. Join us now for the second half of our exploration of the life and times of Richard Wagner. When we left him at the end of episode one, Wagner and his wife, Minna, had just returned to Germany following 12 years in exile.
Vancouver Opera presents The Flying Dutchman - April 29th to May 7th, 2023, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vancouveropera.ca
Episode Credits:
Written and presented by - Jane Potter
Voice of Richard Wagner - David Bloom
Produced by - Ashley Daniel Foot
Audio editing by - Mack McGillivray
Wagner: Life and Times - Act 1
Richard Wagner is known today as one of the greatest, most influential composers to have lived. But his life, anything but easy and straightforward, was as tumultuous as the age he was born into. Join us for a three-episode look at the sometimes turbulent, often unrestrained, but always inspired life that shaped the man.
Vancouver Opera presents The Flying Dutchman - April 29th to May 7th, 2023, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vancouveropera.ca
Episode Credits:
Written and presented by - Jane Potter
Voice of Richard Wagner and Charles Baudelaire - David Bloom
Produced by - Ashley Daniel Foot
Audio editing by - Mack McGillivray
Talking Dutchman
We were honoured to welcome an incredible panel of Wagnerian singers, artists, and fans to a robust discussion of The Flying Dutchman.
Join host Ashley Daniel Foot alongside:
- Les Dala, Conductor of The Flying Dutchman
- Marjorie Owens, Senta in The Flying Dutchman
- J. Patrick Raftery, singer, UBC professor, and expert on all things Wagner
- Stanis Smith, musician, architect, and super fan
Vancouver Opera presents The Flying Dutchman - April 29th to May 7th, 2023, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vancouveropera.ca
Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot
Audio Editing by Mack McGillivray
Holding Space, Giving Voice, and Uplifting Black Voices with Dawn Pemberton, Morgan-Paige Melbourne, Rocky Jones, and Debi Wong
“To be loving we willingly hear the other’s truth, and most important, we affirm the value of truth telling. Lies may make people feel better, but they do not help them to know love.” ~bell hooks
Vancouver Opera honours Black History Month and shares a conversation that took place during Indie Fest 2022, co-hosted by Debi Wong of re:Naissance Opera and Ashley Daniel Foot the Senior Manager of Partnerships, Engagement, and EDI.
Featuring:
-Rocky Jones, Minnesota Opera’s Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
-Dawn Pemberton, Vancouver’s own Queen of Soul.
-Morgan-Paige Melbourne, Toronto-based queer interdisciplinary artist.
This profoundly powerful conversation, a truth-telling reflects on the state of Black Opera and performance in North America, and the way forward to end cultural and urban erasures in communities of colour.
Britten: Life and Times - Act 2
In the second episode of our two part series on Benjamin Britten, we talk to the composer himself (played by Roger Carr) in the form of a Proust questionnaire.
Written and presented by Jane Potter
Britten: Roger Carr
produced by Ashley Daniel Foot and Jane Potter
audio editing by Jack Goodison
musical clearances: Ashley Daniel Foot and Vancouver Opera
Britten: Life and Times - Act 1
In the first episode of our two part series on Benjamin Britten, we get a brief overview of Britten’s prolific musical output, his musical influences, and the huge impact that Peter Pears had on his life and work.
Written and presented by Jane Potter
Britten: Roger Carr
produced by Ashley Daniel Foot and Jane Potter
audio editing by Jack Goodison
musical clearances: Ashley Daniel Foot and Vancouver Opera
Bizet: Life and Times - Act 7
In the conclusion to our series on the life of Georges Bizet we hear of the disastrous premiere of Carmen, and learn of Bizet's sudden death.
You probably know that French composer Georges Bizet wrote Carmen, but did you know that he was also a musical prodigy who started composing at the age of nine? Or that composers such as Liszt, Rossini, and Gounod immediately recognized his musical brilliance? Dig into the life of Bizet and meet his musical family. Beautifully brought to life by actor Felix LeBlanc as the voice of Bizet, this seven part audio series reveals the hidden story behind one of opera’s greatest composers. This exciting podcast is produced in celebration of Vancouver Opera’s production of The Pearl Fishers onstage from October 22-30, 2022.
CREDITS
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Voice cast:
Bizet: Felix LeBlanc
Narrator: Jane Potter
Additional Voices: Ashley Daniel Foot, Travis Baugh Allen, Vincent Huynh
Bizet: Life and Times - Act 6
All's fair in love and war -- until there's an actual war.
CREDITS
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Narrated by Jane Potter
Bizet: Felix LeBlanc
Bizet: Life and Times - Act 5
Bizet's prize expires -- and now he has to make a living. Not so easy.
CREDITS
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Narrated by Jane Potter
Bizet: Felix LeBlanc
Bizet: Life and Times - Act 4
Opera + Critics + Paris. What could go wrong? Oh so many things. Bonus special appearance by Liszt!
CREDITS
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Bizet: Life and Times - Act 3
Leaving Paris for Rome, Bizet's career has been properly launched. But he learns all too soon that life can radically shift in the blink of an eye.
CREDITS
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Bizet: Life and Times - Act 2
Lessons and Prizes and Rome, OH MY! Bizet takes the Paris Conservatoire by storm—culminating in an all-expense trip to sunny Italy!
You probably know that French composer Georges Bizet wrote Carmen, but did you know that he was also a musical prodigy who started composing at the age of nine? Or that composers such as Liszt, Rossini, and Gounod immediately recognized his musical brilliance? Dig into the life of Bizet and meet his musical family. Beautifully brought to life by actor Felix LeBlanc as the voice of Bizet, this seven part audio series reveals the hidden story behind one of opera’s greatest composers. This exciting podcast is produced in celebration of Vancouver Opera’s production of The Pearl Fishers onstage from October 22-30, 2022.
CREDITS
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Voice cast:
Bizet: Felix LeBlanc
Narrator: Jane Potter
Additional Voices: Ashley Daniel Foot, Travis Baugh Allen, Vincent Huynh
Bizet: Life and Times - Act 1
Parisian, prodigious, precocious, the composer George Bizet was born at the dawn of the Victorian Era. A, B, C—easy as Do, Re, Mi. The opera world will soon be changed forever.
You probably know that French composer Georges Bizet wrote Carmen, but did you know that he was also a musical prodigy who started composing at the age of nine? Or that composers such as Liszt, Rossini, and Gounod immediately recognized his musical brilliance? Dig into the life of Bizet and meet his musical family. Beautifully brought to life by actor Felix LeBlanc as the voice of Bizet, this seven part audio series reveals the hidden story behind one of opera’s greatest composers. This exciting podcast is produced in celebration of Vancouver Opera’s production of The Pearl Fishers onstage from October 22-30, 2022.
CREDITS
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Voice cast:
Bizet: Felix LeBlanc
Narrator: Jane Potter
Additional Voices:
Ashley Daniel Foot, Travis Baugh Allen, Vincent Huynh
Introducing: Vancouver Opera 101 - Life and Times: Bizet | Trailer
You probably know that French composer Georges Bizet wrote Carmen, but did you know that he was also a musical prodigy who started composing at the age of nine? Or that composers such as Liszt, Rossini, and Gounod immediately recognized his musical brilliance?
Dig into the life of Bizet and meet his musical family. Beautifully brought to life by actor Felix LeBlanc as the voice of Bizet, this seven part audio series reveals the hidden story behind one of opera’s greatest composers.
This exciting podcast is produced in celebration of Vancouver Opera’s production of The Pearl Fishers onstage from October 22-30, 2022.
Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot
Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh
Bizet: Felix LeBlanc
Narrator: Jane Potter
Additional Voices: Ashley Daniel Foot, Travis Baugh Allen
Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day with Métis composer Ian Cusson
We're proud to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day with an in-depth conversation with Métis composer Ian Cusson and Vancouver Opera's Ashley Daniel Foot.
In a wide ranging conversation, Ian talks about the ways his Metis and French Canadian descent intersect with his music, the meanings of story, and the power of music to bring about societal change. We also play an excerpt from his opera, Fantasma (more details here) and a selection from his Where there's a Wall song cycle.
Ian Cusson is a composer of art song, opera and orchestral work. Of Métis (Georgian Bay Métis Community) and French Canadian descent, his work explores Canadian Indigenous experience including the history of the Métis people, the hybridity of mixed-racial identity, and the intersection of Western and Indigenous cultures.
You can find out more about Ian here.
podcast produced, hosted, and edited by Ashley Daniel Foot
MUSIC CREDITS
Music from Fantasma courtesy of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
"Where there's a wall"
Song-cycle for voice and piano
Text by Joy Kogawa
Krisztina Szabó, voice
Rachael Kerr, piano
Recorded at the Canadian Music Centre, Toronto on November 14, 2019 by John Gray.
Inside: HMS PINAFORE
Inside: HMS PINAFORE
Join Vancouver Opera teaching artist Eve Daniell in conversation with director Brenna Corner about the ins and outs of creating a new vision of a classic operetta, the challenges of directing comedy, and the ongoing need for art in our culture.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedic tale is a delightful combination of forbidden love across class divides and the shenanigans that take place along the way. Poking fun at social hierarchies and packed with absurd characters, this wildly popular operetta delivers plenty of laughs and memorable music. This joyful production is directed by Brenna Corner and conducted by Rosemary Thomson and features the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
Vancouver Opera presents HMS PINAFORE - April 30-May 8, 2022 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and information visit VancouverOpera.ca
AUDIO CREDITS
Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot
Interim Director of Marketing: Jennifer Lee
Honouring Black History Month: In conversation with Othalie Graham and Jonelle Sills
Inside Vancouver Opera honours Black History Month with an illuminating and candid conversation with two exemplary Black Canadian sopranos – Othalie Graham and Jonelle Sills, who recently were part of our performance of Cavalleria Rusticana In Concert. The conversation delves into the question of race and representation in opera, and features the hard-won insights of both Othalie and Jonelle’s experience of being a Black singer in today’s world.
We are also proud to amplify the following non-exhaustive list curated by Jonelle Sills of incredible Black Canadian singers working in our sector:
Andrew Adrigde (https://www.instagram.com/drewadridge/) https://andrewadridge.com/andrew-adridge/Co founder of Opera Inreach (https://www.operainreach.com/home)
Catherine Daniel (https://www.catherinedaniel.com/bio)
Queen Hezumuryango https://www.instagram.com/queenhezumuryango/
Monika Mazanka (https://www.monikam.com)
Khadija Mbowe (https://www.instagram.com/khadija.mbowe/) https://www.khadijambowe.com
Katie McCullough (https://www.instagram.com/katiem.soprano/) https://lnk.bio/katiem.soprano
Ineza Mugisha (https://www.instagram.com/ineza_m/)
Chantale Nurse (http://www.chantalenurse.com) https://www.instagram.com/chantalenurse/
Charlotte Siegal (https://charliesiegelsings.wixsite.com/charlottesiegel) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliesiegelsop/
Suzanne Taffot (https://www.instagram.com/taffot_soprano/) http://www.suzytaffot.com
Korin Thomas Smith (https://www.instagram.com/kthomassmith/)
Inside: CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA IN CONCERT
Inside: CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA IN CONCERT
Join Vancouver Opera’s Ashley Daniel Foot and discover the passionate opera that is Mascagni’s CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA and explore the hot and glorious masterwork of everyday Sicilian life with Vancouver Opera Conductor Emeritus Jonathan Darlington and hear his thoughts on staging an opera in concert, his life during COVID, and his unique perspective on how opera needs to meet the moment and ask itself tough questions.
Vancouver Opera presents CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA IN CONCERT - Feb 12 and 13, 2022 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and information visit VancouverOpera.ca
AUDIO CREDITS
Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot
Director of Marketing and Communications: Sarah Hitner
Inside: ORFEO ED EURIDICE
Join Vancouver Opera’s Ashley Daniel Foot and discover the magical world of Gluck’s ORFEO ED EURIDICE and find out what makes the opera so unique as we talk with the stars and creative team of Vancouver Opera’s debut production of this dazzling work. Maestro Leslie Dala speaks with sopranos Krisztina Szabó and Mireille Asselin and mezzo soprano Mireille Lebel. We also check in with opera scholar Leah Giselle Field for a little history on the opera and hear briefly from director Idan Cohen about the unique way he has blended opera and dance into this new production. We also get details on the rest of Vancouver Opera’s 2021-2022 season with General Director Tom Wright.
Vancouver Opera presents ORFEO ED EURIDICE - December 4 and 5, 2021 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and information visit VancouverOpera.ca
AUDIO CREDITS
Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot
Recorded and mixed by Randall Jason Fox
FOR VANCOUVER OPERA
Director of Marketing and Communications: Sarah Hitner
Episode 30 | Season Finale: Magic in the Music with Order of Canada, Order of BC member and Vancouver Recital Society founder and Artistic Director Leila Getz
"Success is what music does to the human spirit. If audiences come out of a concert feeling better than when they went in, that's success."
– Leila Getz.
In the season finale of Vancouver Opera Offstage, Les talks with Leila Getz, C.M., O.B.C., D.F.A., founder and Artistic Director of the Vancouver Recital Society. Leila has presented Canadian and Vancouver debut performances of some of the world’s most brilliant and respected young musicians over the past 40 years, building a diverse and loyal audience for the recital concert form that had once been labeled out-of-vogue. She is a member of the Order of Canada, the order of British Columbia, and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canada's musical landscape. Check out our episode at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage.
Episode 29 | The Power of Heroes with Canadian Sports Icon and Opera Fan Valerie Jerome
In this very important episode, Les turns the stage around to talk with an illustrious audience member. Our guest is Canadian track and field icon, granddaughter of Canada's first Black Olympian, sister of Canadian track legend Harry Jerome, educator and teacher, social justice and environmental advocate, patron of the Arts, and long-time opera fan Valerie Jerome. Valerie talks about her experiences with racism growing up on the North Shore in the 50s and 60s, the similarities between athletes and musicians, and the power of having inspirational heros of colour in opera and in the arts. Valerie and Les also discuss the important work still to be done as people of Canada in changing preconceptions and challenging prejudices about people of colour.
Check out our episode at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage.
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 28 | Musical Excellence with Early Music Vancouver's Suzie LeBlanc, C.M.
In this episode, meet the brand-new Artistic and Executive Director of Early Music Vancouver! Suzie LeBlanc, C.M., is a prolific Canadian soprano and recipient of the Order of Canada in 2015, with four honourary doctorates for her work. A performer and scholar in Baroque repertoire, she is also accomplished in classical and modern repertoire and improvisation. Her 2011 album, I am in need of music, won an ECMA for Best Classical Recording, and her original work has lent voice to her Acadian heritage.
Check out our episode at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage.
#VOffstage is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Buzzsprout - subscribe to the feed today!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 27 | Behind the Camera Lens on the Digital Season with Mike Southworth
Meet Mike Southworth, who was responsible for the camerawork and videography behind Vancouver Opera's 2020–2021 Digital Season, on #VOffstage with Les Dala. Listen Now! www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage
Subscribe to the season now: digital.vancouveropera.ca #VOGoesDigital
In this episode, Les takes us on a glimpse behind the camera lens to get a perspective of what it takes to bring opera from the stage to the screen. Our guest is Mike Southworth, president of Collide Entertainment, who is responsible for the camerawork, videography, and video editing behind Vancouver Opera's 2020-2021 Digital Season productions. In addition to his work on VO's season, he is also highly in demand for his talents as an editor, sound designer, composer, sound recordist, camera operator, and director.
Don't forget to buy your digital tickets to Vancouver Opera's Digital Season at digital.vancouveropera.ca !
#VOffstage is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Buzzsprout - subscribe to the feed today!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 26 | Up Close and Personal about Carmen with stage director Brenna Corner
In our official Preview Podcast for Vancouver Opera's new production of Carmen: Up Close and Personal and the 26th episode of Vancouver Opera Offstage, meet Brenna Corner, director and mastermind behind this brand-new digital opera. Brenna has worked as a director, actor, singer, choreographer, and fight director across Canada, the United States, and Europe. An alumnus of Vancouver Opera's Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program, she most recently directed VO productions of Hansel and Gretel and L'Elisir d'amore. Tickets and subscriptions are now available for Carmen: Up Close and Personal, premiering May 1st at digital.vancouveropera.ca.
Check out our episode now at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage.
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 25 | The Music Shop Pre-Show, with Composer & Librettist Richard Wargo
This very special 25th episode of Vancouver Opera Offstage is also the official Pre-Show talk for Vancouver Opera's The Music Shop, which premieres online Saturday, March 13. We're delighted to welcome Richard Wargo, composer of The Music Shop to talk about his creative inspirations for the opera and to share some tips for aspiring composers. Richard joins us from his home in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Check out our episode at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage, and don't forget to subscribe to Vancouver Opera's Digital Season to see The Music Shop at digital.vancouveropera.ca !
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 24 | Bringing it home with prolific Canadian Stage Director Michael Cavanagh, Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Opera
In this episode, Les chats with prolific Canadian Stage Director Michael Cavanagh. No stranger to Vancouver Opera audiences, Michael has staged numerous productions over the years including–most recently–Otello, Madama Butterfly, and Nixon in China. We're thrilled that Michael has recently been appointed as Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Opera. Les talks with Michael about his journey, his deep connection with VO, and the honour of being appointed to lead a major European opera company with hundreds of years of history.
Check out our episode's special features including Michael's Spotify Playlist and Les' Pick of the Week at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 23 | A Storied Career with Canadian baritone Brett Polegato
In our first episode of 2021, host Les Dala is joined by celebrated Canadian baritone Brett Polegato. Brett has sung on the most important stages of the world and is also a three-time Grammy Award recipient. VO Audiences will remember him last as Belcore in 2018's L'Elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love). Brett tells us about some of his favourite roles over the year and talks about the special importance of art, literature, and poetry in the current times.
Check out our episode, special features like Brett's listening playlist, Les' pick of the week featuring composer John Estacio, and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage.
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 22 | A Holiday Treat for our Listeners!
In this special seasonal episode, our last podcast of 2020, Vancouver Opera Offstage has a holiday treat for our listeners: Les shares over 40 minutes of music recorded specifically for this podcast! Inspired by Menotti retracing his childhood memories of Christmas in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Les performs some solo piano music by Hungarian composers Franz Liszt, Béla Bartók, and Ernő Dohnányi, inspired by Christmas carols. Les also explores some of the history behind each composer and their work, with a guest appearance by Vancouver Opera Offstage co-producer and editor Vincent Wong, Senior Marketing and Sales Manager at Vancouver Opera.
Check out our episode at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage, and don't forget to subscribe to Vancouver Opera's Digital Season to see Amahl and the Night Visitors at digital.vancouveropera.ca !
This episode has clickable Music Selections:
(available under "CHAPTER MARKERS" - tap the icon in the player with the three lines)
- Selection 1 (09:18): Franz Liszt, "In dulci jubilo: Die Hirten an der Krippe" (In dulci jubilo: The Shepherds at the Manger)
- Selection 2 (12:26): Franz Liszt, "Adeste fideles: Gleichsam als Marsch der heiligen drei Könige" (Adeste Fideles: March of the Three Holy Kings)
- Selection 3 (16:17): Franz Liszt, "Glockenspiel" (Carillon)
- Selection 4 (18:48): Franz Liszt, "Schlummerlied" (Slumber Song)
- Selection 5 (22:27): Franz Liszt, "Altes provençalisches Weihnachtslied" (Old Provençal Christmas Song)
- Selection 6 (24:12): Franz Liszt, "Abendglocken" (Evening Bells)
- Selection 7 (28:46): Franz Liszt, "Ehemals" (variously trans. as In Days Gone By, Old Times, Long Ago, Formerly)
- Selection 8 (38:44): Béla Bartók, "Romanian Christmas Carols"
- Selection 9 (55:39): Ernő Dohnányi, "Pastorale" (based on the carol "The Angel came down from heaven")
Music recorded at Monarch Studios on December 5, 2020.
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Episode 21 | Special Guests from Vancouver Opera's Amahl and the Night Visitors
In this episode, Les takes us on a behind the scenes glimpse into the creation of Vancouver Opera's next digital opera: Amahl and the Night Visitors. This new take on a delightful holiday classic has its digital premiere on Saturday December 12th, featuring an exciting BC cast alongside members of the Vancouver Opera Chorus. This podcast's guests include Stage Director Sarah Jane Pelzer, Andreas Dala (Amahl), and Stephanie Tritchew (Mother), alongside Les (Music Director).
Check out our special features for the episode, including Les's Spotify Pick of the Week and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage, and don't forget to subscribe to Vancouver Opera's Digital Season to see Amahl and the Night Visitors at digital.vancouveropera.ca !
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 20 | Adventures in Stage Management: Behind the Scenes with Theresa Tsang & Marijka Asbeek Brusse
In this, our 20th episode, Les chats with two of Vancouver Opera's fabulous stage managers, Marijka Asbeek Brusse and Theresa Tsang. We'll go on a virtual tour of what goes on in opera in the rehearsal hall and from backstage of a major opera company. Theresa and Marijka will share experiences and challenges from their unique perspective and give us a unique glimpse of what some of their favourite productions look like from behind the curtains.
Check out our special features for the episode, including guest Spotify playlists, Les's Spotify Pick of the Week and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 19 | Highlights of two decades with former VO General Director Jim Wright
In this episode, Les speaks with Jim (James) Wright, former General Director of Vancouver Opera who led the company from 1999-2016. As the longest-serving General Director in the company's history, Vancouver Opera presented a wide range of repertoire during his tenure including the world premieres of Lillian Alling, Stickboy, and the Canadian premiere of Nixon in China. Jim also oversaw the creation of our community engagement program Opera Speaks and the appointment of Jonathan Darlington as Music Director. Join us as Jim shares some of his personal highlights during his tenure.
Check out our special features for the episode, including Jim's Spotify playlist, Les's Spotify Pick of the Week and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 18 | An inspirational journey with mezzo-soprano and star of La Voix humaine, Mirelle Lebel
In this episode, Les chats with Canadian mezzo-soprano Mireille Lebel, who will be starring in Vancouver Opera's Digital Season Opening Production, La Voix humaine. Last appearing as Siébel in Vancouver Opera's 2019 production of Faust, Mireille grew up in Vancouver and was a member of the Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal before making critically successful debuts with opera companies and orchestras in Europe and North America.
Check out our special features for the episode, including Mireille's Spotify playlist, Les's Spotify Pick of the Week and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage!
Don't forget to subscribe to our fabulous digital season to see Mireille and be ready for La Voix humaine when it premieres October 24th at digital.vancouveropera.ca/la-voix-humaine !
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 17 | Singing with the Greats with Tenor and UBC Voice and Opera Professor J. Patrick Raftery
In this episode, Les chats with J. Patrick Raftery, who is professor of voice and opera at UBC and who has had an illustrious singing career as both a tenor and a baritone. Recipient of the Richard Tucker Music Foundation Prize, Patrick has appeared on the world's greatest stages including the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, La Scala and the Paris Opera to name a few. He has shared the stage with some of the greatest operatic legends including Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni.
Check out our special features for the episode, including Patrick's Spotify playlist, Les's Spotify Pick of the Week and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 16 | Introductions from the 2020-2021 Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists!
In this very special video and audio episode, Les is proud to feature a series of introductions from the talented participants of our 2020–2021 Yulanda M Faris Young Artists Program. We’ll be meeting Toronto-based stage director Dana Fradkin, Vancouver-based baritone Luka Kawabata, Toronto soprano Jonelle Sills, tenor Ian Cleary who hails from Chatham, Ontario, Vancouver-based pianist Amy Seulky Lee, and mezzo-soprano Amanda Weatherall, originally from Cranbrook, BC.
The Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists program was created to offer a bridge between formal academic educational programs and the professional world in a supportive and encouraging environment. It provides artists–singers, pianists and stage directors–with the opportunity to train with industry leaders through master classes, one on one coachings and performance opportunities as part of a residency program. Be sure to catch these wonderful artists in action by subscribing to our 2020–2021 Digital season, where they will star in The Music Shop and La Tragédie de Carmen.
We'd love to hear from you if you have any feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests. You can reach us via email at online@vancouveropera.ca, and don't forget to check out this episode's special features, including Spotify playlists from each of our Young Artists on our website at We'd love to hear from you if you have any feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests. You can reach us via email at online@vancouveropera.ca, and don't forget to check out this episode's special features, including Spotify playlists from each of our Young Artists on our website and the video version of this episode at vancouveropera.ca/offstage.
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 15 | Transforming adversity to creative inspiration with The Kettle Society and the Can You Hear Me? Project's Lesley Sutherland, Jerry LaFaery, and Coreen Douglas
In this episode, Vancouver Opera's Director of Learning and Engagement, Colleen Maybin brings you an uplifting story about music, connection, and community. The Can You Hear Me? Project is an unique choral video from Vancouver Opera and longtime community partner, The Kettle Society, conceived as a way to shine a light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the members of The Kettle Choir and Writers Guild.
Run out of The Kettle on Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver, these two unique programs provide Kettle members with weekly singing rehearsals, one-on-one songwriting lessons, and writing workshops by lead teaching artists from Vancouver Opera. When the Phase One lockdown was announced in mid-March, the weekly rehearsals and writing sessions were cancelled for the foreseeable future. The sudden lack of access to the programs and services used by Kettle members was devastating, replacing a routine of connecting with others and creating with isolation and uncertainty. The Can You Hear Me? Project emerged out of a desire to find a way of bringing singing and connection back into their lives. The result is a new song written by and for the singers of the choir, transforming adversity into creative inspiration.
Guests speaking on behalf of the project are Composer and Music Director Lesley Sutherland, actor and singer Jerry LaFaery from The Kettle Choir, and Project Producer Coreen Douglas from The Kettle Society.
Check out our special features for the episode, including Colleen, Jerry, Coreen, and Lesley's Spotify playlist, Les's Spotify Pick of the Week and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)
Episode 14 | Sharing the love of performance with Hungarian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó
In this episode, Les chats with we're speaking with Hungarian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó from her home in Toronto. Highly sought after in North America and Europe on both opera stages and concert halls, Krisztina has an impressive repertoire ranging from Bach to Claude Vivier as well as several world premieres, including George Benjamin's opera Lessons in Love and Violence which was nominated for a Grammy award. She last appeared at Vancouver Opera as Donna Elvira in the 2014 production of Don Giovanni. We are thrilled to welcome Krisztina to Vancouver, who has recently been appointed Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at the UBC School of Music.
Check out our special features for the episode, including Krisztina's Spotify playlist, Les's Spotify Pick of the Week and more at www.vancouveropera.ca/offstage!
Support the show (http://tickets.vancouveropera.ca/dev/contribute.aspx)