This is the second part of the conversation with American soprano, Amy van Roekel. In this episode, she speaks very openly about some of the unexpected turns in life and career that have come her way. To follow Amy's career: http://www.amyvanroekel.com/

I've been good friends with soprano, Amy van Roekel ever since our days together in university. Her career has had many successes, but also faced many challenges. In this two-part conversation, she shares openly about her path and the shape her career has taken. To learn more: http://amyvanroekel.com/

Roman Hovenbitzer is the director of the new production of Carlisle Floyd's American opera SUSANNAH in Hagen, Germany. I'm singing the role of Sam and releasing this week's episode several days early to kick off our opening night! If you can, you must come to Hagen to see this great production for yourself...if not, I guess you'll just have to settle for this very interesting interview! To follow Roman's career: http://www.roman-hovenbitzer.de/ You can also visit the This Opera Life Facebook Page to find photos and updates on this new production.

I first sang with German bass-baritone, Rainer Zaun, in San Francisco. But it didn't end there, we met again in Mannheim, Bayreuth, and are now in Hagen singing Carlisle Floyd's 'Susannah'. This episode was recorded last summer in Bayreuth. If you are in Germany, don't miss this wonderful production of a great American opera.

I had the fortune of having lunch with Felicity Palmer in the MET cafeteria one day, and she graciously agreed to come on the show. Her career path is rather unique. Don't miss this opportunity to hear her look back over her long career.

Burkhard Fritz joined the Meistersinger production for its last year in Bayreuth, but this year he's back in the title role of Parsifal! To follow his career: http://www.burkhard-fritz.de/ At the beginning of this episode, I give you an update of my progress on last week's pledge! To read more about it, visit the facebook page.

American soprano, Caryn Hartglass, provided a real source of inspiration to me this past summer when I discovered her podcast on iTunes 'It's All About Food'. It turns out that she is a great singer, but she's also a scientist and now devotes her time to promoting healthy living. Click here to learn more about her non-profit organization Responsible Eating and Living. Click here to learn more about Caryn as a performer: http://www.carynhartglass.com/ Caryn does organize Salon concerts in NYC. If you wish to attend, send an email here to get on the invite list: [email protected]

This is the second part of the interview with Brian Davis. In this episode, things get a little more personal. To keep tabs on Brian's career: http://home.earthlink.net/~bdopera/

Brian and I first met at the Metropolitan Opera. You could say our career paths have shared similarities. After many seasons at the MET, Brian Davis is now a member of the ensemble in Hannover, Germany. You will not want to miss Ep044 - Part two of this interview. To keep touch on his career: http://home.earthlink.net/~bdopera/index.html

Michaela Kaune, a German soprano, sat down with Charles during the Bayreuther Festspiele. In this episode, they speak honestly about many of the challenges faced by opera singers: balancing family life with the career, quirks in the German fest system, and more. To follow Michaela's career: http://www.badix.ch/vocsopran/kaune/kaune.html