Phelim McDermott, new father, actor, and director of the MET's Enchanted Island, sat down with me at Theatre80 in the East Village to share his story and some insights. Phelim is also the co-founder of the Improbable Theatre Company in London. This Saturday, January 21st, don't miss your chance to see Enchanted Island in a movie theater near you.

In this special holiday edition, I share some of my fond memories of Christmas and singing, and how the two intersect. It is my Christmas gift to you and hopefully the start of a tradition in which I compile the holiday memories of other artists.

Former Regensburger boy soprano, Maximilian Schmitt, has been making his way for some time as a tenor in oratorio, lieder, and opera. Charles and Max sang together in Mannheim and now sit down to learn a bit more about each other on the podcast.

This is the second part of Markus' interview. You will want to listen to Episode 37 first. I met German baritone, Markus Eiche, in Mannheim Germany, then worked with him in Bayreuth, he moved on to Vienna, soon goes to Munich, and just started teaching in Zurich. To learn more: http://www.badix.ch/vocbari-b/eiche/eiche.html

I first met German baritone, Markus Eiche, in Mannheim Germany, then worked with him in Bayreuth, he moved on to Vienna, soon goes to Munich, and just started teaching in Zurich. To learn more: http://www.badix.ch/vocbari-b/eiche/eiche.html

Jena Carpenter came to Bayreuth on a student grant and dropped in for a podcast episode, but I first met her in Mannheim. This American soprano chose a different path, from most American singers, for her masters studies. Hear about it here and follow her career at: http://jenacarpenter.net/

American tenor, Aaron Pegram, played golf with Tiger Woods, sang countless shows with Disney, and now sings opera at Dresden's Semperoper. If you listened last week, you'll recognize the voice of Timothy Oliver in the first part of the show. To follow Aaron's career: http://ada-artists.com/artist-roster/aaron-pegram/

Timothy Oliver is a young American tenor who is quickly building a steady career in Germany. He's currently fest at the Semperoper in Dresden, and in 2009, we worked together in Bayreuth. During this episode, we are joined by fellow tenor, Aaron Pegram. To follow Tim's career: http://timothyolivertenor.com/

Andrew Zimmerman, an American tenor, teacher, Alexander practitioner, and philosopher is getting back on the stage after quitting the performance business for a few years. We met in Bayreuth where he was accompanying his wife, Susan Maclean. I suspect you'll be hearing more and more about him in the coming years!

Caroline and I met in Binghamton, NY, but she practically became a member of our family during our years in Mannheim at the Nationaltheater. She enjoyed a successful American career, but has seen things flourish since moving to Europe. An amazing voice and person...to follow her career: http://www.carolinewhisnant.com/