Arizona Opera Podcast

In this episode of UnMic’d, host Joe Specter is joined by two musical couples, international opera tenor Stephen Costello, and Metropolitan Opera violinist, Yoon Kown Costello, as well as co-writers of musical scores such as Frozen, Frozen 2, Coco, and Finding Nemo the Musical, Bobby and Kristen A Lopez.

Learn how these individually successful artists met and joined together as musical forces in marriage. Enjoy discussions about married life in the music business and how working as a musical unit can create some of the most impactful forms of art.

In this episode of UnMic’d, host Joe Specter is joined for a delectable discussion featuring Food Network Star and AZ Chef Beau Macmillan, and opera singer and food enthusiast, Kate Kinhan-Specter. Both discuss the crossroads between food and human connection, the importance of creating an environment in which all feel welcome, and the thought that goes into planning the perfect menu. From simple conversations around the table to elaborate dinner parties, no stone is left unturned as these two master chefs share their hearts and experience in and out of the kitchen.

You won’t leave hungry for answers after this episode of UnMic’d!

In today’s media dependent society overnight sensations are the new normal. These media platforms reach larger audiences than ever before, and success is now measured through Likes and Followers.

In this episode of UnMic’d, host Joe Specter is joined by Marco Cammorata, Classical tenor, multifaceted vocal artist, and founder of Youtube Channel “MarcoMeatball” and Cole Skory, Singer Songwriter and founder of Youtube sensation “The Skorys”, to discuss how the utilization of social media provides a pathway of connection between music and people. How can music of any genre tell a story? How can you navigate the vulnerability of putting yourself out there on social media musically? What advice do they have for aspiring social media entrepreneurs?

Tune in as we dive into the world of Youtube and social media, discovering what it means to be human in a social age.

Join Cassie & Kathleen as they meet Bradley Taylor Arizona Opera’s Lighting Supervisor and Assistant Lighting Designer.  Learn how the lightening department brings our shows to life through color and foot candles, and learn what a foot candle is.  Find out how Bradley came from a 3rd grade Mr. Bundles in Annie Jr, through Disney pyrotechnics, all the way to Arizona Opera.  Find out Bradley’s dream theatre projects and learn why spicy snakes would be Bradley’s nightmare!

Join Cassie & Kathleen as they meet Jefferson Ridenour, the Set Designer for Ariadne auf Naxos. Learn what a Scenery Designer does and how they communicate their designs to the Scenic Shop. Find out how Jefferson came to Arizona Opera - it truly is a small opera world - and get a sneak peek into what a Set Designer does during a pandemic. Join us as we find out exactly how marinated in research Jefferson actually is and listen in to discover if he gives up the secret of the “Sprinkle of Surprise” in Ariadne auf Naxos.

Join Cassie & Kathleen as they talk with Arizona Opera’s new Director of Production, Clayton Rodney. Learn how Clayton made his way to Arizona all the way from Canada and why he's excited to be part of the Arizona Opera Team. Join us as we discover the ins and outs of the what it’s like to be a Director of Production, what Clayton is most excited for in our upcoming 2022/23 Season, and why all he needs for success is Oregon wine and NO mushrooms!

Join Cassie & Kathleen as they talk with Arizona Opera’s President and General Director, Joseph Specter. Learn why Joe and his family love living in Phoenix; recap how he came to be the President and General Director for Arizona Opera, and join us as Joe gives

us an exciting preview into the 2022/23 Arizona Opera season.

Find out why Jiu-Jitsu will always be a part of Joe’s dream opera season and learn if there is an Anti-Celery Illuminati and if Joe is indeed a member.

Join Cassie & Kathleen as they meet Arizona Opera’s Director of Community Alliances, Courtney Clark, and Founder & CEO of VerveSimone, Teniqua Broughton.  Learn what the newly created position of Director of Community Alliance entails and how Courtney came to join the team.  Find out what VerveSimone is and how Teniqua’s company started working with Arizona Opera.  Discover how vital community engagement and outreach programs are, learn the winding path that brought both Courtney and Teniqua to Arizona Opera, and why squash and oatmeal won’t be part of their dinner with Oprah!

Join Cassie & Kathleen as they meet Greg Hirsch, Arizona Opera’s Director of Production and Resident Lighting Designer. Find out what a Director of Production actually does and learn how in the hubris of youth, Greg became a Lighting Designer by buying a book. Discover what gels and gobos are, learn Greg’s favorite gel color and find out what a rouge elephant has to do with opera!

Join Cassie & Kathleen as they meet Cody Grasher, Tenaya Tidwell, and Kayla Zeimet, this season’s Costume Shop Apprentices. Learn the difference between a Journeyman apprentice and an Apprentice I. Find out how Kayla and Tenaya came to Arizona Opera and what they are looking forward to the most for this season. Join us as we talk fashion styles that should go and ones that we love and find out why socks, pockets and zippers could be controversial.