When an art song and opera composer writes a memoir, what does that process look like? Does mastery in one creative realm translate to another? How is an aria like a story? 

I just loved this deep and passionate conversation with Ricky Ian Gordon, author of the new memoir SEEING THROUGH: A Chronicle of Sex, Drugs, and Opera.

 

Ricky Ian Gordon was born in Oceanside, NY and raised on Long Island. After studying piano, composition, and acting, at Carnegie Mellon University, he settled in New York City, where he quickly emerged as a leading writer of vocal music that spans art song, opera, and musical theater. Gordon’s songs have been performed and recorded by Renée Fleming, Dawn Upshaw, Nathan Gunn, Judy Collins, Kelli O’Hara, Audra MacDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, and many others. His works include Dream True, Orpheus and Euridice, Green Sneakers for Baritone, String Quartet, Empty Chair, and Piano, The Grapes of Wrath, and Intimate Apparel. His memoir SEEING THROUGH: A Chronicle of Sex, Drugs, and Opera was published in July 2024.

Check out the book here or follow Ricky at his website, or @rickyiangordon on X and Instagram.

 

Thanks for joining me on Crushing Classical! 

Theme music and audio editing by DreamVance.

You can join my email list HERE, so you never miss an episode!

I help people to lean into their creative careers and start or grow their income streams. You can read more or hop onto a short discovery call from my website.

I'm your host, Jennet Ingle. I love you all. Stay safe out there!