The Everything Will Be Okay Podcast

Jenna met Gregory Finney while working on a production of The Merry Widow about a million years ago, and they've been fast friends ever since. Greg is a Toronto-based baritone and actor, unofficially specializing in character roles. The drunk landlord, the funny friend, the scene-stealer, that's Greg. Since the early days of Schmopera, Greg has been part of the team; he's written reviews, how-to articles, opinion pieces on The Phantom of the Opera, and now, he's a guest on our podcast.

If you're not already, follow Greg on the socials: @giggyhertz on Insta is a great place to start. 

Original music by @natedouglasband.

Original artwork by @danikalorenart.

https://schmopera.com/

Marshall Pynkoski is a director, dancer, Order of Canada, and Co-Artistic Director of Opera Atelier, which he founded in 1985 with his partner, Jeannette Lajeunesse-Zingg. He's also a total theatre animal, with a rare passion for opera, music, and theatre of the 17th and 18th centuries. His style is unmistakable, his pride in his work unflappable - and people like that are totally fascinating. Jenna spoke with Marshall a few weeks after Opera Atelier's spring production was cancelled, when his emotions still smarted.

Original music: @natedouglasband

Original artwork: @danikalorenart

https://schmopera.com/

Barbara Hannigan, everyone. Soprano, conductor, mentor, Order of Canada, and reigning queen of new and contemporary music. We spoke during the early weeks of the pandemic, from her strict lockdown in rural France. 

Original music: @natedouglasband

Original artwork: @danikalorenart

This podcast is a Schmopera production, created by Jenna Simeonov.

https://schmopera.com/

It's always a treat to chat with American soprano Christine Goerke! She's known for front-and-centre roles like Brünnhilde in Wagner's Ring Cycle, and the title roles in Tristan und Isolde, Puccini's Turandot and Strauss' Elektra. But she's also a sci-fi freak, a proud mama, and a real human being with real ups and downs. Christine spoke with Jenna from her home in New Jersey. 

Original music by Nate Douglas (@natedouglasband)

Original artwork by Danika Lorèn (@danikalorenart)

This podcast is a Schmopera production, created by Jenna Simeonov.

https://schmopera.com/

Guys, Everything Will Be Okay. It's just a pandemic that has closed the entire performing arts industry.

Jenna Simeonov, creator of Schmopera and host of The Everything Will Be Okay Podcast, is checking in with out-of-work artists. Cancelled gigs & online opera are apparently the new normal, and singers just can't help speaking moistly. 

So, what can the arts can actually do to help a world in crisis? And will everything be okay?