Based in Brooklyn, New York and Minneapolis, Minnesota, David has performed off-broadway and around the country at American Conservatory Theatre, The Guthrie, Baltimore Center Stage, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Theatre Latte Da, and many others. He is the author of several musicals including The Passage, which has been developed at the NAMT Festival, Village Theatre, and beyond.  He is also studying at New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

Richard Russell is general director of Sarasota Opera.  He performed with the company for four seasons beginning in 1989 as an apprentice artist, studio artist, and principal.  During his tenure as general director, Sarasota Opera increased individual giving by over 50%, more than doubled its endowment, and completed its world-renowned Verdi Cycle. Richard managed the construction and fundraising for the new Steinwachs Artist Residences for Sarasota Opera, which encompasses 30 units housing up to 70 artists.

David is a Canadian psychiatrist, professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, author, lecturer and mental health advocate. He most recently served from 2003-2022 as the Senior Medical Advisor of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and a psychiatric consultant.  Beyond his mental health work, he is a member of the board of the Royal Conservatory of Music. He has also chaired the board of governors of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada as well as chairing the board of directors of the Off Centre Music Salon, a professional chamber music ensemble. David served on the board of directors of the Glenn Gould Foundation.

Beautiful Sarasota, Florida offers more than sun and beaches.  It’s the home of opera, orchestra and ballet organizations, and fine arts museums and galleries.  Listen, as the area’s arts critics discuss their roles in the arts and the future of criticism generally.  Carrie Seidman, Jay Handelman and Marty Fugate are our panelists.

Courtesy of The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, Longboat Key, Florida

He's been called "The New Pavarotti."  You must hear this to believe it.  Most recently, Jay made his Southwestern Oklahoma recital debut in Altus, OK and was featured in recital to honor opera diva and Oklahoma native, Leona Mitchell.  In addition, Jay recorded and released a new digital album, The Recital Album, featuring recital repertoire and opera arias.  Also, he completed work on a special video recording project featuring newly composed art songs from acclaimed composer, Rosephanye Powell.

Alexander is currently music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, and principal associate conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  He was recently appointed and artistic and music director-designate of Artis-Naples and the Naples (FL) Philharmonic.  He is a thrilling guest with much to offer on many topics.

t was a thrill to chat with Laurie, whose impeccable research, combined with her writing and editing skills, resulted in a fascinating biography of Oscar Hammerstein II, starting with his grandfather’s day in vaudeville, and continuing up to his paternal relationship with the late Stephen Sondheim.  Her insights and analysis are helpful in understanding this great man of the musical theater.  And we learn about Oscar’s activities outside the theater world and his efforts to make the world a better place, and why that’s not as naive as it sounds.  The book is published by Yale University Press whom we must thank for producing this must-read for anyone interested in American music theater.

Michael Brindisi returns to our podcast to discuss Chanhassen Dinner Theaters’current production of The Prom and its next production, Jersey Boys.   Michael and his ownership team have placed inclusion, diversity and equity in the forefront of its production policy and audiences have responded enthusiastically.  It is always a pleasure to speak with Michael!

Janet is a retired associate principal cellist with the Minnesota Orchestra, and a world-wide recitalist.  Her recently-relerased book, The Cello Still Sings tells of being a daughter of Holocaust survivors who kept the horror to themselves for most the their children’s lives.  It was only in her father’s last year did Janet learn the details of what her parents endured.

Listen to her narrative, and stay with us as we play a recording of Janet’s Kol Nidre, played in Landsberg, Germany, 70 years to the day where her father performed it in a displaced persons camp.  

Most of Michael’s time is devoted to The Grange Festival, created in 2015.  The first performances at The Grange were in 2017. To date, the festival has staged 15 operas and  numerous other events, including masterclasses, recitals and two international singing competitions.

It’s idyllic!