Today we bring back our very own Malinda Wagstaff to talk to us about how composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer brought the classic holiday movie, "It's A Wonderful Life," to the operatic stage!

In today's episode, I chat again with soprano Malinda Wagstaff, this time about Czechia (a.k.a. the Czech Republic) and the operas that have come from its most prolific composers. We cover all of the bases from the nation's tumultuous beginnings and unfamiliar language to the whimsical motifs that make Czech opera unique.

Credits:

Overture – Reagan Casteel

Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling

Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta

Host – Josh Lau

In part two of my interview with Jeremy Johnson, we talked about how new operas are created from start to finish, and where his role as dramaturg comes in. Be sure to listen to part one if you haven't already to hear all about what it means to be a dramaturg! To learn more about HGO, you can visit https://houstongrandopera.org

Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel

Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling

Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta

Host – Josh Lau

In today's interview, I got to chat with Jeremy Johnson about what it means to be a dramaturg for the Houston Grand Opera, and how he got to turn his love for opera and historical research into a professional career. Plus, hear a fluke story about how he found the opera industry completely by accident! Be sure to look out for part two of this interview which will be released on June 9, 2021! To learn more about HGO, you can visit https://houstongrandopera.org 

Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel 

Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling 

Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta 

Host – Josh Lau