Shows
The Opera Glasses PodcastCanadian Coloratura: Tracy DahlA mountain hotel, a piano in the lounge, and two lovers who return in disguise with beards worthy of an NFB classic – Mozart has never felt more Canadian. We invited coloratura icon Tracy Dahl to share how a beloved trickster like Despina changes when the artist brings more life to the stage, and why comedy lands best when the ensemble breathes as one.The stories are wild, but the craft is precise. Tracy takes us inside her infamous Lucia di Lammermoor night in San Francisco – an emergency call, costume chaos, a first step from her son, and a kn...
2026-01-3034 min
The Scene RoomJulia Starr — Translating Creative Mastery into Professional PowerSend us a textThis week, we sit down with career and leadership coach Julia Starr to unpack a practical path through professional pivots. Julia isn't just a coach; she is a master of the "bold move." From her time as a Fulbright Fellow in Malaysia and a BCG consultant to her work streamlining a family sawmill business and earning an Ed.M. from Harvard, Julia has navigated the exact inflection points she now helps her clients master.In this episode, Julia explains why the skills of a performing artist—the discipline of an...
2026-01-0930 min
The Scene RoomBrett Egan — Beyond the NEA: Designing a Resilient Cultural EcosystemSend us a textWhat if the most vulnerable part of U.S. arts isn’t creativity, but structure? Brett Egan, president of the DeVos Institute, joins us to unpack why public funding feels shakier than ever, how AI is making the arts more necessary—not less—and what it would take to build a resilient cultural ecosystem that can weather political swings.We trace the long arc from the NEA’s founding to today’s accelerated attempts to shrink and politicize cultural agencies, with real consequences for stability, planning, and trust. Brett argues for a both‑and...
2025-12-1953 min
The Scene RoomChristopher Wellbrook — Centered Under Pressure; Mental Skills For PerformersSend us a textWhat if the freedom you crave onstage has less to do with the perfect high note and more to do with the state you bring to it? Today we sit down with mental performance coach and five-time national karate champion Christopher Wellbrook to unpack how elite sport principles can transform the lives of singers, musicians, and creative pros. Christopher believes fully that opera singers are elite athletes. From long rehearsal blocks to constant travel and high-stakes visibility, the mental load rivals any arena. Together we dig into practical, science-backed tools that turn pressure...
2025-11-2645 minThe Opera Glasses PodcastNikan Ingabire Kanate: Rising Soprano with Two Big WinsA rising soprano, two audience prizes, and a leap into contemporary opera —this conversation brings you inside a young career. Opera Glasses down with Nikan Ingabire Kanate to map her path from Ottawa choir rehearsals to the Curtis Institute, then through a fall packed with finals, flights and a first-prize finish at the Center Stage competition hosted by the Canadian Opera Company.We also open the score of Kaija Saariaho’s La Passion de Simone, where Nikon serves as the soprano voice tracing Simone Weil’s fierce, searching life. Nikon shares how she prepares for that challenge, why per...
2025-11-2524 min
The Scene RoomJaime Martino — Building Access, Not Barriers: The Story Behind Toronto’s Newest Performance SpaceSend us a textA vacant sub-basement in an affordable housing building isn’t where most people expect a new theater to bloom — but that’s exactly what happened. In this episode, host Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowman welcomes Jaime Martino, Executive Director of Toronto's Tapestry Opera, to share the story behind the new Nancy and Ed Jackman Performance Center, a flexible black box space that seats 100–150 and brings neighbors, artists, and first-timers together in one room.Jaime walks us through how a modest rehearsal plan evolved into a f...
2025-11-1339 min
The Scene RoomKaye Kelly — Building a Sustainable Creative Career TodaySend us a textWhat if your performing arts career was built to last—not just to launch? 🎭In this episode, we sit down with Kaye Kelly—Berklee College of Music professor, singer-songwriter, and author of The Modern Creative: A Practical Guide for 21st Century Artists—to explore how today’s artists can build resilient, values-driven, and financially sustainable careers.Kaye’s book doubles as a field manual and workbook, and together we unpack her prompts and practices for defining your artistic narrative, mapping multiple income streams, and getting g...
2025-10-3028 minThe Opera Glasses PodcastReframing Butterfly Through HistoryA revered classic can hide a hard truth. We sit down with director Mo Zhou to unpack how Madama Butterfly shifts when you move it out of fantasy and into the charged reality of post–World War II Japan.Mo charts her own journey from closed doors in commercial theater to a thriving opera career, and then into the heart of a work she once refused to stage. By resetting the opera in 1946 and 1953, during and after the American occupation, she finds inspiration for why characters perform identity to survive, how power dynamics distort intimacy, and where Pu...
2025-10-2731 min
The Scene RoomAnthony Mazzocchi — Building a Music Ecosystem for All KidsSend us a textWhat if “talent” isn’t rare—and the real scarcity is time, teachers, and belief? We sit down with Anthony (Tony) Mazzocchi, Executive Director of Kaufman Music Centerand Kinhaven Music School, to unpack how raising expectations and resourcing music education can reset a community’s cultural life. Tony traces his journey from trombonist and freelancer to a decade inside a Brooklyn public school, where a rigorous, well-supported band program revealed what students can do when adults stop underestimating them. That experience now fuels a mission-first strategy at Kaufman...
2025-10-1635 min
The Scene RoomTasha Van Vlack — The Tempo of Trust: How Consistency Builds CommunitySend us a textBelonging doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built in small, steady moments. Elizabeth Bowman sits down with community architect Tasha Van Vlack, founder of The Nonprofit Hive, to unpack how nonprofits and performing arts groups can move beyond buzzwords and create connection that lasts. From the loneliness many leaders face to the power of one-to-one conversations, Tasha shares a playbook for building trust without big budgets.We get tactical about cadence and rituals, the quiet engines of community. Think weekly touchpoints instead of marketing blitzes, and visibl...
2025-10-0953 minThe Opera Glasses PodcastCelebrating the Opera Canada Archives: A Conversation with Joseph SoWhat happens when you bring together a 30-year veteran opera journalist and the complete archives of Canada's longest-running arts magazine? Magic, memories, and an unforgettable journey through operatic history.Joseph So, who has been writing for Opera Canada since 1995, takes listeners on a captivating tour through his remarkable career interviewing the greatest singers of our time. From his first transformative opera experience seeing Renata Tabaldi in La Gioconda at the Met in 1967 to his recent interview with Gerald Finley, So's encyclopedic memory and genuine passion for the art form shine throughout this conversation.The podcast c...
2025-09-2328 min
The Scene RoomHarry Hyman — Founder of The International Opera Awards: “The Toscas, Not the Oscars”Send us a textEver wondered what drives the International Opera Awards? British entrepreneur Harry Hyman takes us behind the curtain of the Awards, revealing how a passion project has transformed into a pivotal force in the opera world.The awards serve a triumvirate of purposes - distributing roughly $100,000 annually in bursaries to emerging talents, celebrating excellence across all facets of opera production, and perhaps most crucially, dismantling the elitist stereotypes that keep potential audiences away. "People from a younger generation might be put off by the notion that opera is only for...
2025-07-0224 min
Under the SisterhoodThe quiet work of healing: Teyonna Bowman’s mental wellness story.Today we’re getting under the hood with Teyonna Bowman a mother, daughter, sister, a two-time breast cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and the founder of Pausitive Outlook—an outlet for healing and sharing her own journey that has evolved into a platform that empowers women, especially younger survivors, to navigate life after cancer and the complexities of medically induced menopause.Through Pausitive Outlook, she creates connection, education, and community via social media and in-person experiences. She also serves as a dedicated volunteer with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network and the...
2025-06-2638 minThe Opera Glasses PodcastWhy Aren't We Asking WHY?!Why isn't anyone asking the hard questions about opera's future? In this riveting conversation, soprano Lucia Cesaroni and Tapestry Opera's Executive Director Jamie Martino challenge the status quo of an art form at a crossroads."Wagner ruined opera," declares Cesaroni provocatively, questioning why we still expect modern audiences to sit through four-hour performances in darkened theaters when their lives demand more flexible, social experiences. The pair dive deep into why opera companies across Canada are struggling financially despite passionate dedication from artists and administrators alike.The conversation ventures beyond simple diagnosis into bold territory: What...
2025-06-2436 min
The Scene RoomRuth Hartt — Flipping the Script on Arts MarketingSend us a textThe arts sector has seen a steady decline in audience attendance over the past four decades. Yet many organizations continue relying on traditional marketing strategies that speak primarily to insiders—those already familiar with their art forms—rather than reaching new, curious audiences.Ruth Hartt is challenging this paradigm with a forward-thinking, audience-first approach to arts marketing. With a unique background as both a professional opera singer and a business innovation expert, she introduces Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen’s influential “jobs to be done” framework—a groundbrea...
2025-06-0528 min
Makers & MysticsS15 E06: Sacred Impressions with Visual Artist Elizabeth BowmanElizabeth Bowman is a self-taught impressionist painter based in Charlotte, NC. Her work is steeped in imaginative renderings of biblical stories and visual meditations on the life of faith.In this conversation, Elizabeth shares how motherhood and prayerfulness give shape to her art, the importance of rest and reflection, and how she finds creative flow amidst the demands of everyday life.http://www.patreon.com/makersandmysticsMusic By: Some Were At SeaSend us a textSupport the show Get Tickets to The Breath and...
2025-06-0331 min
The Scene RoomMatthew Loden — Inside the Shepherd School: Vision, Values, and PurposeSend us a textWhat makes a great music institution? Is it world-class facilities, exceptional faculty, or something more intangible? Matthew Loden, Dean of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, brings perspective from both sides of the music world—as a former professional violinist and as a seasoned arts administrator who's led major organizations including the Philadelphia and Toronto Symphony Orchestras.Loden's journey reveals what originally sparked his passion for arts leadership. "I found that I could enjoy the creative aspects of building something in the same kind of way I enjoy sitting in...
2025-05-2932 min
The Scene RoomBarry Shiffman — Chamber Music and the Pulse of CommunitySend us a textBarry Shiffman challenges the doom-and-gloom narrative surrounding classical music by spotlighting the remarkable growth of chamber music across North America. Drawing from his roles as Executive Director of the Banff International String Quartet Competition, and Associate Dean and Director of Chamber Music at the Glenn Gould School and Dean of the Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, and Artistic Director of Classical Music & Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Shiffman shares stories of thriving festivals, purpose-built venues, and passionate audiences redefining the art form’s future.From...
2025-05-2232 minThe Opera Glasses PodcastCompetition and Career: Preparing for the Concours Musical International de MontréalEver wondered what it takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of international opera competitions? This candid conversation with two rising stars - Sophie Naubert and Ihor Mostovoi - offers a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of the prestigious Concours Musical International de Montréal.The two singers provide invaluable insights into competition strategy, from repertoire selection to mental preparation. Sophie emphasizes choosing pieces that showcase her theatrical strengths while avoiding older repertoire that might reveal outdated vocal habits. Ihor describes crafting thematic art song programs built around concepts like "water and fire" or "horror and splendor," b...
2025-05-1334 min
The Dave Bowman ShowAround the World.. In One Amazing LifetimeThis week on *Dave Does History*, we bring you the astonishing story of Nellie Bly—the fearless reporter who exposed cruelty inside an asylum, circled the globe faster than Phileas Fogg, and redefined what women could do in journalism. Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran, Bly smashed through 19th-century expectations with a pen, a passport, and relentless grit. From undercover stunts to war reporting, her career was a whirlwind of courage and conviction. Join us as we explore her extraordinary life, her legacy in investigative journalism, and the lessons she still offers a world hungry for truth. This is Nellie Bly’s stor
2025-05-0508 min
Dave Does HistoryAround the World... In One Amazing LifetimeToday on Dave Does History, we bring you the astonishing story of Nellie Bly—the fearless reporter who exposed cruelty inside an asylum, circled the globe faster than Phileas Fogg, and redefined what women could do in journalism. Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran, Bly smashed through 19th-century expectations with a pen, a passport, and relentless grit. From undercover stunts to war reporting, her career was a whirlwind of courage and conviction. Join us as we explore her extraordinary life, her legacy in investigative journalism, and the lessons she still offers a world hungry for truth. ...
2025-05-0508 min
The Scene RoomJennifer Rowley — The Approachable Diva: Strategy, Strength, and CommunitySend us a textWhen Jennifer Rowley steps onto the stage, audiences witness the culmination of meticulous preparation, physical discipline, and an authentic artistic presence that extends far beyond the footlights. But what happens behind the scenes? How does a world-class soprano navigate today's complex performing arts landscape?Jennifer's approach to her craft breaks conventional boundaries. Rather than maintaining an untouchable "diva" image, she's built vibrant communities across social platforms where she personally engages with every comment and message. "I like being the approachable diva," she explains, revealing how this digital connection translates to meaningful...
2025-05-0145 min
The Scene RoomBen Dietschi — The AI Revolution in Arts AdministrationSend us a textThe transformative potential of artificial intelligence in arts management takes center stage in this forward-thinking conversation with Ben Dietschi, Senior Consultant at the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management. Drawing from his extensive experience as the former Executive Director of SoundStreams and his current project developing AI training programs for arts administrators and organizations, Dietschi offers a compelling vision of how cultural organizations can adapt to an increasingly digital landscape.The discussion opens with Dietschi's personal journey into arts administration, sparked by a profound moment during a high school band...
2025-04-2425 min
The Scene RoomChristian Van Horn — Voice, Power, AuthenticitySend us a textChristian Van Horn joins us for a refreshingly candid conversation about the evolving opera landscape and the challenges emerging artists face today. The renowned bass-baritone, currently performing at Paris Opera (as Philippe II in Verdi's Don Carlos), shares how traditional career trajectories have dramatically lengthened, with young artists often remaining in training programs well into their late thirties – a stark contrast to his own path."We are the media now," he asserts, explaining how his successful podcast (CVH Podcast) unexpectedly transformed not just his connection with audiences but his entire approach to...
2025-04-1729 min
Friends Who CrimeEp. 10: The Blood Countess, Elizabeth BáthoryIn this TENTH episode of Friends Who Crime, I’m joined by my little brother, Logan, as we delve into the chilling legend of Elizabeth Báthory, the Blood Countess. Together, we explore the gruesome tales of her alleged crimes, the political intrigues of 16th-century Hungary, and the enduring mysteries that surround her story. Was she truly the most prolific female serial killer in history, or a victim of a sinister conspiracy? Join us as we unravel the truth behind the myth and discuss how her legacy continues to captivate and horrify to this day.
2025-04-1552 min
The Scene RoomDavid Lomelí — Tenor to Innovator: Shaping Opera’s New EraSend us a textWhen David Lomelí's blossoming career as a tenor was cut short by severe health issues, he didn't leave opera—he transformed how it works from behind the scenes. This conversation takes us through his remarkable journey from a naturally gifted singer in Mexico to becoming one of opera's most influential casting directors and artistic leaders.Lomelí brings remarkable candor to his discussion of opera's business realities. Having seen the industry from both sides of the curtain, he reveals how financial pressures increasingly drive artistic decisions, with programming often shaped more by d...
2025-04-1045 min
The Scene RoomMichael Morreale — The Power of Consistency in Digital Strategy for Artists and OrganizationsSend us a textThe digital landscape has transformed how artists connect with audiences, but what strategies actually work in today's crowded online space? Michael Morreale, digital content producer and arts consultant with experience spanning brands like CBC, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and beyond, offers a refreshingly practical approach to arts marketing."Our job isn't to pitch stories to media outlets anymore. Our job is to tell our own story," Michael explains, cutting through the noise to what really matters. Drawing from his experience creating content that reached 16 million Canadians during Canada's sesquicentennial celebration, he shares...
2025-04-0331 minThe Opera Glasses PodcastCharlotte Siegel: Singing and Building Access to Music EducationGrowing up in Toronto with a musical theater obsession sparked by seeing Phantom of the Opera at age five, Charlotte Siegel never imagined herself an opera singer. "I was definitely not that 10-year-old thinking I wanted to be an opera singer," she confesses, "but I always knew I wanted to sing."Now performing Musetta in Manitoba Opera's La bohème, Siegel finds portraying this extroverted character particularly enlightening as someone naturally introverted. "She's so unlike me... I don't like to be the center of attention, which is funny coming from an opera singer," she laughs. Yet she r...
2025-04-0130 min
The Scene RoomAubrey Bergauer — Running Your Arts Organization Like a BusinessSend us a textImagine doubling your audience size and quadrupling your donor base in today's challenging arts landscape. That's exactly what Aubrey Bergauer accomplished at the California Symphony by applying business principles to arts administration — and now she's sharing her playbook with us. Her bestselling book, Run It Like a Business, packs all these insights into one powerful guide!Aubrey's journey into arts administration began at the age of 16 when she realized there were careers beyond performance in the orchestra world. Twenty years later, she's revolutionizing how arts organizations approach audience development through data-driven st...
2025-03-2731 min