The Indie Opera Podcast

Michael and Larry describe how they met, the wrench thrown into their international performance schedules by Covid, and what they got up to while stuck at home. We also discuss how both singers have sought to give back; Michael through the community service of his company Ozarks Lyric Opera, and Larry by being an outspoken voice for racial justice in the opera industry.

We are joined by George Cederquist, director, K.F. Jacques, composer and hip-hop artist playing Figaro, and Pinqy Ring, the hip-hop artist who plays Rosina. Soon to return to Chicago’s free “Night Out in the Parks” series, the piece features lyrics by the cast of mc/actors, dancers from BraveSoul Movement, and a live DJ and beatboxer. We discuss the origin of the piece and the unique way the text came together, as well as audience reactions and the future of the project.

We learn how this timely and moving piece was created, and the ways that the medium of film enabled the creators to use dance and imagery to delve deeper into the emotional layers of the story. Maestro Wood talks about how he plans to expand the community conversation about the piece and the various ways it could be presented to the public. Karen Slack also gives us insight into how she prepares for emotionally demanding roles and the origin of her popular Kiki Konversations on YouTube. This episode is a fascinating peek into how opera is increasingly entering the world of music video and film as it responds to the major issues of our time.

We also learn how Atlanta Opera is continuing to present operas during Covid, and reaching new audiences with Crossroads concerts. Theres plenty of Bluegrass and salty language in this episode so advise that you use your headphones around children and sensitive individuals.

With Noah’s help we reflect on the last ten years in the opera world: what has changed, where we’re headed, and some of our favorite memories of past episodes and guests. Peter Szep takes us back to 2011 and the inspiration for starting the podcast in the first place, and how he met Noah.

John describes his incredible journey from growing up in a small town near Houston to becoming a sought-after international opera singer soon to be making his Metropolitan Opera debut. He offers many uplifting life lessons along the way, including how to deal with fear and how to celebrate one’s own uniqueness and true self in the face of enormous pressure to succeed. John shares how growing up in a gospel choir aids his process as a classical and pop singer, and lets us in on some of the sage advice he got from John Legend.

Afton Battle, the new General Director of Fort Worth Opera, after having left a career as an opera singer to work in strategic consulting and development for the National Black Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, the Joffrey Ballet, and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, Battle brings a unique and well-rounded skill-set to her new position.

We talk about her exciting plans to form closer relationships with the diverse communities surrounding FWO, and discuss various ideas for making new audiences feel welcome at FWO performances. She shares her goals of bringing more diversity and inclusivity to the casting and hiring at FWO, and of making FWO’s signature Frontiers program for new works a dedicated forum for BIPOC artists and stories.

Finally, we talk about how FWO could perform to larger live audiences in the COVID era, and how to empower young BIPOC people in the arts industry to think big and go for leadership positions.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Our panel examines how several American opera companies are innovating during Covid Times. Highlights include On Site Opera, Seattle Opera, dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, San Francisco Opera, City Lyric Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and Houston Grand Opera.

What is an opera companie's civic responsibility especially in this period of pandemic shutdown? What skill sets should they have been cultivating to be an engaged and engaging 21st Century arts organization?

We learn about the programming that led them to a unique and moving collaboration with the U.S. Army Field Band & Chorus on the opera The Falling and The Rising. Opera is alive and kicking up a storm in Memphis, grab your earphones, plug in and hear all about it on your favorite app, or watch on Youtube.

The classical live performance world is three weeks into the complete shutdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. How are opera companies treating their contracted artists? How much more prepared are the new generation of artists in working the business of making art? What are those artists doing to stay present with their fans? What companies are increasing their online presence with live streams of their productions?