Opera in the Real World

Kelly and returning guests Sylvia (@cowboyverismo) and Keaton (@lixstrm) talk all about everyone's favorite cowboy western opera La Fanciulla del West. They discuss everything from the unintentionally hilarious name of the tenor lead Dick Johnson, blatant plagiarism of the main love theme in The Phantom of the Opera, and various reason as to why this opera is not as popular as some of Puccini's other works but the composer still considers it his magnum opus.

Kelly and Zen (@wetropolitan) talk about sacred music written for the secular stage, including how different composers treat famous texts such as "Ave Maria", and how the lines between what is "sacred" and what is "secular" music can become blurred. They also discuss how religion and spirituality are used as a storytelling device or highlight the morality of a (usually female) opera character to the audience.

Kelly and Jerrell (@datbassjawn) discuss their mutual love for La Bohème. First, they talk about the history and background of the opera, including Puccini's feud with fellow Italian composer Leoncavallo, then dive into sharing some of their favorite scenes and arias. They also talk about character interpretations, how the orchestra helps to tell the story, some of their favorite (and not so favorite) productions, and why the ending always makes them cry no matter how many times they watch it!

Kelly interviews Michigan-based composer Griffin Candey (@griffincandey) about his background and inspirations as a composer and his upcoming projects. They also discuss American opera, its history and how it compares to the American musical theater industry, and discuss the term "modern American verismo opera", as well as how the opera industry views American opera and how that is reflected in what kinds of American operas are shown on the country's largest stages.

Kelly interviews Sarah Jacob (@sarahjacob11), a co-founder of The Artist's Table, about the work the organization is doing to amplify the voices of BIPOC artists and make the opera industry more accessible to all. They also talk about current issues within the opera and classical music industry, speculate on why the industry as a whole is so resistant to change, and offer thoughts about what needs to change and the future of the industry going forward.

Kelly and Keaton (@lixstm) take a deep dive into their mutual love of art song to discuss some of their favorite songs and composers and offer opinions on why inclusivity and flexibility for multiple genders/voice parts is an important part of the genre. They also talk about modern popular music equivalents to the song cycle, including who could be considered a modern-day Schubert equivalent, and discuss whether or not the term "art song" is inherently elitist.

Kelly and Sylvia (@cowboyverismo) discuss their favorite moments in The Marriage of Figaro, including how class conflict affects the various relationships within the opera, and some of their favorite singers for the roles. They also talk about Sylvia's alter-ego People Mad At Opera (@operacomments), adapting Riverdale into an opera, and their mutual love for Swedish baritone Peter Mattei.

In the first installment of the Living Composer Interview Series, Kelly interviews Joi Harper (@ayo_its_joi), a Boston-based composer, arranger, vocalist, and YouTuber, about her identity as a young black woman composer, underrepresentation in the classical music canon, and what things inspire her and what she would like to see more of in the field of composition.

Kelly, Angel (@angelazzara), and Lauren (@laurenreamysoprano) discuss the realities and challenges of being an opera singer in a COVID world, including virtual lessons and auditions, online music school classes, and how the industry has dealt with cancellations as well as new initiatives to keep sharing opera even during these difficult times.

Kelly and Rosie (@rosiewright.music) discuss modern perceptions of opera in pop culture, including good and not-so-good examples in tv and movies. They also talk about crossover training, opera elitism, sea shanties, and the best ways to get new people interested in opera.