In this episode, three performing arts students talk about their career perspectives in the opera profession. The director Heather Tan Yi Ling of Singapore spent the last year learning media skills. The conductor Elias Miller – a native of Albany, New York who is continuing his studies in Vienna – has been contemplating the social relevance of his chosen profession. And the Swiss soprano Cinzia Zanovello recognizes more than ever how essential it is to push the art form beyond its privileged status.

SHOW NOTES

*2:05 – The director Heather Tan Yi Ling speaks about opera audiences in Asia; social media; and making the world a better place through art

*4:56 – [musical excerpt: BETTER2MOROW, music video produced by Heather Tan Yi Ling] –

the conductor Elias Miller on maintaining purpose and social relevance in his chosen profession

*7:46 – [musical excerpt: Brahms Symphony No. 4 in E-minor; Elias Miller conducting the Apollo Ensemble of Boston] – adapting to the digital market and tackling climate change

*12:53 – [musical excerpt: “Donde lieta usci al tuo grido d’amore,” from Puccini’s La Bohème; Cinzia Zanovello, soprano] – keeping opera human and maintaining conviction as a singer

*15:53 – [musical excerpt: Arioso of Iolanta from Tchaikovsky’s eponymous opera; Cinzia Zanovello, soprano] – on the importance of pushing the art form beyond its privileged status Excerpts provided courtesy of Heather Tan Yi Ling, Elias Miller and Cinzia Zanovello

Intro and outro composed by Miguel Kertsman