What is Opera, Anyway?
By What is Opera, Anyway?
Our podcast is supported in part by a grant from the Andover Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
What is Opera, Anyway?Oct 04, 2023
A Chat with Andrew Elliot
This episode features host Ella Torres speaking with Andrew Elliot. Andrew is a makeup artist and wig stylist based out of Indianapolis. He primarily works on theatrical productions and on commercial shoots. Andrew works with a number of theaters across Indiana including Indiana University Opera Theatre at the Jacobs School of Music. He gained local notoriety during the pandemic for his quarantine drag creations – recreations of famous looks from pop culture and film.
In this discussion, Ella and Andrew talk about how he got into makeup and wig, behind the scenes of his job, and childhood experiences with music and theater. One of the things they talk about is the work being done by Jerrilyn Lanier-Duckworth. We highly encourage you to check it!
Andrew's website: https://www.andrewelliotbeauty.com/
His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewjelliot/
IndyStar article: https://www.indystar.com/picture-gallery/news/2020/06/28/covid-19-lockdown-inspires-artist-andrew-elliot-transform-himself/5267791002/
Jerrilyn Lanier-Duckworth: https://bridgingthegapintheatre.com/
A Conversation with Micah Gleason
This episode features a conversation between Malinda Wagstaff and Micah Gleason. Micah is a conductor, singer, and chamber musician. Micah shared her classical music origins and how she approaches all art from an interdisciplinary lens. Micah talks about projects that are meaningful to her and how to create meaning in opera when working with other artists.
https://micahgleason.com/about
https://micahgleason.com/loam
*We apologize for the occasional microphone distortion in this episode*
A Chat with Dalanie and Katie of Classically Black Podcast
This episode features host Ella Torres speaking with Katie Brown and Dalanie Harris. Katie is a gigging symphonic violist and passionate vegan who shares her recipes on YouTube at KatieMakesItVegan. Harris is a music storyteller and writer currently based in Los Angeles. Together, Brown and Harris are the two halves of Classically Black Podcast.
In this discussion, Ella, Katie, and Dalanie talk about the five year anniversary of CBP, working with your friends, different experiences with opera, cultivating minority communities, and ever-changing career paths.
Classically Black Podcast: classicallyblackpodcast.com
CBP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ClassicallyBlackPodcast
International Society for Black Musicians (ISBM): isblackmusicians.com
Katie's I Care If You Listen (ICIYL) article: https://icareifyoulisten.com/2023/07/failure-is-inevitable-in-classical-music-how-do-we-prepare-young-musicians/
A Conversation with Nina Yoshida Nelsen
This episode features host Malinda Wagstaff speaking with Nina Yoshida Nelsen. Nina Yoshida Nelsen is a mezzo-soprano who has been captivating audiences across North America and Europe. She has been praised for her portrayals of Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, Mama in “An American Dream,” and Fricka in “Die Walküre,” just to name a few. In addition to her exceptional performance resume, Nina is the board president and co-founder of the Asian Opera Alliance.
In this discussion, Malinda and Nina talk about Nina’s career, the mission of the Asian Opera Alliance, motherhood in singing, and more.
Asian Opera Alliance Resources: https://asianoperaalliance.com/home/resources/
What is “Our Singing Bodies” Anyway?
In this week's episode, Marcus chats with Jardena Gertler-Jaffe, a soprano from Western Canada who is the creator of “Our Singing Bodies”, an online platform for singers to explore, discuss, and make art about their bodies in singing, while also celebrating the craft and critiquing the discipline in which we make art. They talk about body image and body confidence as a singing artist, and the “super-human” activity that singing artist accomplish every time they perform.
To find our more about or to contribute to “Our Singing Bodies,” you can head to oursingingbodies.com and @singingbodies on Instagram. You can keep up with Jardena at jardenasings.com and @jardenagj on Instagram.
What is ‘Modern Experimental’ Opera, Anyway?
In this week’s episode, Marcus chats with Tyler Bouque—a rising Baritone, Educator, and Musicologist—about the journey of “Modern” and “Experimental” Opera throughout history and how it gave way to the operas we have today that reflect current music and society.
To learn more about Tyler and for more details on his upcoming book, you can find him at his website www.tylerbouque.com.
What is it like being a "differently abled" singer, Anyway?
In this week’s episode, Marcus chats with Hailey McAvoy, a mezzo-soprano from Massachusetts who is living with Cerebral Palsy. Hailey discusses her journey into the performing world as a differently abled singer, along with some of the changes being made to accommodate more physically diverse singers!
To keep up with Hailey and her journey, visit her website: haileymcavoy.com!
How do you find artistic support, anyway?
In this episode, our host Marcus leads a discussion with Emily Martin and Elizabeth McDonald the creators and founders of em2connect—a company that facilitates artist development, provides resources for total inclusion in the arts, and cultivates a community of artists through their online network “From the Voice of” www.from the voice of.com.
Listen in to find out how these brilliant women are cultivating the next generation of artists by challenging and connecting them with their process.
Their next Group Facilitation starts March 21st and runs for 4 weeks. Find out more about it here https://www.em2connect.com/groupfacilitation
How did "It's A Wonderful Life" become an opera, anyway?
Today we bring back our very own Malinda Wagstaff to talk to us about how composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer brought the classic holiday movie, "It's A Wonderful Life," to the operatic stage!
What is the History of Stage Design, Anyway?
What is a drag queen in opera, anyway?
How did Mozart write, anyway?
What is a Teaching Artist, Anyway?
What is opera like during COVID, anyway?
La Boheme Without the Stovepipe: Rethinking Stage Design.
Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
What is Czech opera, anyway?
In today's episode, I chat again with soprano Malinda Wagstaff, this time about Czechia (a.k.a. the Czech Republic) and the operas that have come from its most prolific composers. We cover all of the bases from the nation's tumultuous beginnings and unfamiliar language to the whimsical motifs that make Czech opera unique.
Credits:
Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
How are new operas created, anyway?: A chat with Jeremy Johnson (part 2)
In part two of my interview with Jeremy Johnson, we talked about how new operas are created from start to finish, and where his role as dramaturg comes in. Be sure to listen to part one if you haven't already to hear all about what it means to be a dramaturg! To learn more about HGO, you can visit https://houstongrandopera.org
Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
What is a dramaturg, anyway: A chat with Jeremy Johnson (part 1)
In today's interview, I got to chat with Jeremy Johnson about what it means to be a dramaturg for the Houston Grand Opera, and how he got to turn his love for opera and historical research into a professional career. Plus, hear a fluke story about how he found the opera industry completely by accident! Be sure to look out for part two of this interview which will be released on June 9, 2021! To learn more about HGO, you can visit https://houstongrandopera.org
Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
Opera is instrumental: From the orchestra to the stage
Credits:
Overture - Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors - Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer - Francesca Lionetta
Host (and Editor of this episode!) - Josh Lau
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What does the backstage crew do, anyway?
In today's episode, I chat with experienced backstage crew member Sara DeFranco about what it's like to be both a singer and a member of the backstage crew. Want to know what it's like to work on wardrobe, wigs, and hair in Opera and Theater? Listen and find out why the crew is an integral part of any successful production!
Credits:
Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
Who was the Bibiena family, anyway?
In today's episode, I chat with scenic designer Alex McCargar about the historical significance of the famous Bibiena family and their impact on the opera world. Why was this Italian family of designers and architects so influential and where can we find their influence today? Listen and find out!
Credits:
Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
Who are WE, anyway?
In this episode, I talk to WIOA founder and president Francesca Lionetta about the origins of our organization and our goals moving forward! As always, you can learn more about WIOA at www.whatisoperaanyway.org and on our social media @what_is_opera_anyway
Credits:
Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
Who are Puccini's heroines, anyway?
In today's episode, I chat with soprano Malinda Wagstaff about Giacomo Puccini's most prolific heroines and why their stories are important to opera. From Tosca's fiery passion to Mimi's sweet love, we dive into how four of the strongest female characters in opera each navigate their larger-than-life realities.
Credits:
Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
Opera is Collaboration
In this episode, I talk to Stephen Carr about what it means to be a stage director in opera. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephen-carr.net
Credits:
Overture – Reagan Casteel
Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling
Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta
Host – Josh Lau
Introducing: What is Opera, Anyway?
What is Opera, Anyway? Is a podcast designed for lifelong learners who are interested in learning more about opera! In this trailer episode, our host, Josh Lau, explains who we are and what this podcast will be about.
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