Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Showing episodes and shows of

Keturah Stickann

Shows

Voice of the ArtsVoice of the ArtsLittle Prince at Resonance WorksIn this episode, we explore Resonance Works' upcoming production of The Little Prince, with insights from the creative team and singers behind the opera. Baritone Daniel Teadt (who plays the Pilot), Stage Director Keturah Stickann, and Artistic Director Maria Sensi Sellner, discuss the themes and artistry of this opera adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's beloved novella. The team shares how Rachel Portman's beautiful score complements these themes. Maria also highlights the inclusion of puppets representing key characters, and the collaboration with the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus to add a layer of magic to the performance. All discuss the impact the novella...2024-11-1920 minStudio ClassStudio ClassEpisode 110: Masterclass - Keturah StickannAs a director and choreographer, Keturah Stickann's work has graced stages worldwide, from the U.S. and Canada to Chile, Japan, France, Hungary, and Australia. We dive into her experiences with opera giants like Jake Heggie & Gene Scheer, her passion for new American opera, and the creative process behind her mesmerizing productions. My gratitude goes out to Hannah Boissonneault who edits our Masterclass episodes and to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode. You can help support the creation of these episodes when you join the Sybaritic Camerata on Patreon. Get...2023-12-0457 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaAlaina Viau and Reaching for an Equitable Operatic LandscapeKeturah speaks with director, creator, and Executive Artistic Director of Loose Tea Music Theatre, Alaina Viau, about her creative work and Loose Tea’s BIPOC Composer Librettist Development Program.Alaina Viau: https://www.alainaviau.com/Loose Tea Music Theatre: https://looseteamusictheatre.com/Highlands Opera Studio: https://www.highlandsoperastudio.com/2022-12-1234 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaKate Holland, Susan Werbe, and Sifting Through The Great WarKate Holland and Susan Werbe were co-librettists on Letters That You Will Not Get, composed by Kirsten Volness, and produced by American Opera Projects.  In this episode, I speak to them both about their collaboration, and what it was like finding women’s voices from across the continents and weaving them together.Letters You will Not Get: https://www.aopopera.org/events/2022/letterspremiere2022-07-0435 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaEric Einhorn and Letting The Space Dictate the ShowKeturah speaks with General and Artistic director of OnSite Opera, Eric Einhorn, about his relationship to text with site specific work.  They also discuss Rhoda and The Fossil Hunt, which he wrote with John Musto for presentation at the Museum of Natural History.On Site Opera: https://osopera.org/2022-06-2040 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMatthew Jocelyn and How to be Undaunted by HamletKeturah speaks with Matthew Jocelyn, the celebrated director, writer, and theater administrator, who wrote the libretto for Brett Dean’s Hamlet, originating in Glyndebourne in 2017, and currently playing at the Metropolitan Opera.2022-06-0644 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaDeborah Brevoort and her Journey from Politics to TheaterKeturah interviews playwright and librettist, Deborah Brevoort, about her early political career in Alaska, her switch to theater, and her more recent work writing opera libretti.  They go in depth on three operas: STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME, that had its stage premiere at Opera Colorado, THE KNOCK, that was presented as a film for the Glimmerglass Festival last year, and QUAMINO’S MAP, which is about to get its premiere at Chicago Opera Theater.Deborah Brevoort: https://www.deborahbrevoort.com/2022-03-2138 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaAmy Stebbins and New Work Both Here and ThereKeturah interviews director, dramatist, and librettist, Amy Stebbins, about the differences between libretti in the United States and libretti in Europe (particularly new work being written in Germany and Austria).  They discuss the different ways of crafting a piece, why there isn’t a lot of cultural exchange of new works, and what to do about it.  They also talk about some of Amy’s recent libretti, including a work in progress, entitled The People Out There.Amy Stebbins: https://amystebbins.net/2022-02-2859 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaCatherine Filloux and Writing Social JusticeKeturah interviews playwright and librettist, Catherine Filloux about her many works tackling social justice issues, as well as her work with Olga Neuwirth on the new opera, Orlando.Catherine Filloux: https://www.catherinefilloux.com/Orlando: https://www.ricordi.com/en-US/News/2021/12/Neuwirth-Grawemeyer.aspx2022-02-1449 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaJennifer Cresswell and Kathleen Kelly on Writing Real WomenKeturah speaks with singer and librettist, Jennifer Cresswell, and conductor and librettist, Kathleen Kelly about the creation of their new work with Kamala Sankaram, Interstate.  They co-wrote them libretto and performed in the filmed work about a women who writes her former friend after she’s been sent to prison.Interstate: https://mnopera.org/season/2021-2022/interstate/Jennifer Cresswell: https://mnopera.org/biography/jennifer-cresswell/Kathleen Kelly: http://www.kathleenkellymusic.com/2022-01-3100 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMax Hoehn and Opera21Keturah speaks with British Swiss director, translator, and librettist, Max Hoehn, about the development of his new opera laboratory: Opera21, and the state of new opera in Europe.Max Hoehn: https://www.maxhoehn.com/Opera21: https://www.opera-21.org/about/2022-01-1736 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMarella Martin Koch and the Genesis of DoloresKeturah speaks with librettist, playwright, and director, Marella Martin Koch, who recently won the inaugural West Edge Opera Aperture commission, alongside her writing partner, composer Nicolas Lell Benavides.  Their work, DOLORES, about worker’s rights fighter, Dolores Huerta, will hopefully have its debut at West Edge in 2023.  They discuss the genesis and creation of this opera, as well as her time at the American Opera Initiative at the Kennedy Center, and her deep dive into Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY with composer, Aferdian.Marella Martin Koch: https://www.marellamartinkoch.com/aboutNicolas Lell Benavides: https://nicolasbenavides.com/2022-01-0352 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaThe Decameron Opera Coalition and the “Heroes” ProjectKeturah speaks with librettists: Matt Boresi, Bilal Dardai, Briana Hunter, and Steve Wallace about the currently streaming “Heroes” with the Decameron Opera Coalition.  All, saving Matt, are new librettists, and we talk about the inspiration behind their pieces as well as what it was like to write in this medium.Decameron Opera Coalition: https://www.decameronoperacoalition.org/Hilliard and Boresi: https://www.hilliardandboresi.com/#home-sectionBilal Dardai: https://bilal-dardai-theatre.weebly.com/Briana Hunter: http://www.brianaelysehunter.com/Steve Wallace: https://stevewallacemusic.com/2021-12-2055 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaTaura Stinson and The Meaning Beyond The RhymeKeturah speaks with composer and lyricist, Taura Stinson, about her first foray into opera with “On The Edge,” composed by Laura Karpman for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis last season.  They also discuss Taura’s life as a songwriter for the film industry, and how to make opera more open and welcoming to everyone.Taura Stinson:  http://www.taurastinson.com/about/Laura Karpman:  http://www.laurakarpman.com/about2021-11-2934 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaRinde Eckert and Changing Up the WallpaperKeturah speaks with multi-faceted composer, librettist, and performer, Rinde Eckert.  They discuss the state of opera today, how much it’s changed (or hasn’t), and Rinde’s recent works as a librettist:  Moon Tea with Steven Mackey for OTSL, and The Aging Magician with Paola Prestini with Beth Morrison Projects.Rinde Eckert: https://www.rindeeckert.com/Steven Mackey: https://stevenmackey.com/Paola Prestini: https://www.paolaprestini.com/Margaret Jenkins Dance Company: https://www.mjdc.org/global-movesMoon Tea: https://www.boosey.com/pages/opera/moredetails?musicid=108869The Aging Magician: https://bethmorrisonprojects.org/proj...2021-11-1557 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaDeborah Burton and the Librettists of PucciniKeturah interviews music theorist and Puccini expert, Deborah Burton, about the many librettists Puccini worked with throughout his career, with special emphasis on Giacosa and Illica, as well as Fontana, who started it all with Edgar, a disaster that taught Puccini to be very involved with how his libretti were crafted.Librettists mentioned:Ferdinando FontanaGiuseppe GiacosaLuigi IllicaRuggero LeoncavalloMarco PragaDomenico OlivaGiulio RicordiGuelfo CivininiGiuseppe AdamiGiovacchino ForzanoRenato SimoniDeborah Burton - https://www.bu.edu/cfa/profile...2021-11-0134 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaDouglas Kearney and Poetry Both Seen and HeardKeturah interviews Douglas Kearney, a renowned poet and librettist who is the inaugural recipient of the Campbell Libretto Prize through Opera America.  They talk about his work with Yuval Sharon and The Industry in LA, his work as a poet, and his philosophy of writing performative text.Douglas Kearney: https://www.douglaskearney.com/Anne LeBaron: https://www.annelebaron.com/The Industry LA: 2021-10-181h 03Opera Box ScoreOpera Box ScoreWords First, Kaufmann Outburst! ft. Keturah Stickann[@ 4 min] This week… We go ‘Inside the Huddle’ with stage director Keturah Stickann. She brought ‘The Barber of Seville’ to San Diego Opera’s drive-in COVID season; she’s also bringing opera librettists into the conversation with her podcast “Words First”… [@ 26 min] Plus, in the ‘Two Minute Drill’… If you’re dumb enough to take your phone out and film Jonas Kaufmann while he’s singing, prepare to be shamed in a German accent… We’re back with an all-new show next week when we go ‘Inside the Huddle’ with tenor Charles Castronovo… operaboxscore.com dallasopera.org/tdo_network_show/opera-box-score facebook.com/obschi1 @ope2021-10-1552 minOpera Box ScoreOpera Box ScoreThe Folks Talk Nice About Carlisle Floyd![@ 6 min] The OBS yokels induct another seminal composer into the OBS Hall of Fame. Hint? Think Susannah. With an H... [@ 34 min] In the ‘Two Minute Drill’… Who can afford to study opera anyway? According to Hollywood, it’s wealthy white women. And they’re not wrong. The OBS back with an all-new show next week, going ‘Inside the Huddle’ with stage director Keturah Stickann, who's also host of the podcast "Words First: Talking Text in Opera"… operaboxscore.com dallasopera.org/tdo_network_show/opera-box-score facebook.com/obschi1 @operaboxscore IG operaboxscore2021-10-0850 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaTony Asaro and The Path To OperaKeturah speaks with Bay Area librettist and composer, Tony Asaro, about his work in musical theater, how he found opera, and the two operas he’s currently working on: Zheng, and The Halloween Tree.Tony Asaro: https://www.altnyc.org/tony-asaroTheo Popov: http://www.theopopov.com/Shinji Eshima: https://sfopera.com/about-us/people/bios/orchestra/shinji-eshima/Zheng: https://www.zhengopera.com/The Halloween Tree: https://www.altnyc.org/operas/the-halloween-tree2021-10-0459 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaAmanda Quaid and Adapting The ExtinctionistKeturah talks to playwright, librettist, and actor, Amanda Quaid about her left turn into writing opera libretti, and her new adaptation for Heartbeat Opera, The Extinctionist with Daniel Schlosberg.Amanda Quaid: http://www.amandaquaid.com/Daniel Schlosberg: https://danschlosberg.com/The Extinctionist: https://www.heartbeatopera.org/extinctionist2021-09-2026 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaKaren Chilton and the Kaleidoscopic CareerKeturah speaks with librettist, playwright, and actor, Karen Chilton, about her collaboration with Damien Sneed on THE TONGUE AND THE LASH at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for this year’s NEW WORKS, BOLD VOICES LAB.Karen Chilton - https://www.karenchilton.com/bioDamien Sneed - https://www.damiensneed.com/Opera Theatre of Saint Louis - https://opera-stl.org/nwbv-lab2021-09-0736 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaNicolas Reveles and Writing TraumaKeturah interviews composer and librettist, Nicolas Reveles, about some of his past work, as well as several upcoming pieces.  They end up talking about the physicality of trauma, a theme that shows up in a number of his pieces.A recent interview with Nic in his role as opera educator: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/classical-music/story/2020-05-23/nicolas-reveles-on-discovering-and-rediscovering-the-magic-of-opera2021-08-2352 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaRachel J. Peters asks “Where Are the Women?”In this first episode of Season 3, Keturah interviews composer and librettist, Rachel J. Peters.  They discuss a number of her works, including the recently premiered STAGGERWING, composed by Lisa DeSpain, and MEN I’M NOT MARRIED TO, which will premiere soon at Cleveland Opera Theater.  Rachel talks about always looking for the women in any given topic, which informs much of her writing.https://www.racheljpeters.com/https://www.lisadespain.com/https://operakansas.org/our-performances/https://www.clevelandoperatheater.org/operas-in-place2021-08-091h 02Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaCrystal Manich, Ned Canty, Joseph Mechavich, and The Sounds That Move UsIn the final episode of the season, Keturah speaks with director, Crystal Manich, director and General Director of Opera Memphis, Ned Canty, and conductor, Joseph Mechavich, about three texts that move them in opera.  The conversation goes from the specific text to why sounds can be so moving, to how we approach text in our practice, and these three interviews sit beautifully as a trio in thought and structure.Texts discussed are Colautti’s Adriana LeCouvreur, Romani’s The Elixir of Love, and Maeterlinck’s Pelleas et Melisande.2021-05-3137 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaAliana de la Guardia and Geovonday Jones discuss Guerilla Opera’s Libretto Writing WorkshopThis episode, nearly a year from the first episode highlighting Guerilla Opera’s first Libretto Writing Workshop with Brenda Huggins, is again looking at the virtual workshops that Guerilla Opera is offering this season.The first interview is with Aliana de la Guardia (https://www.alianadelaguardia.com/), who is the artistic director of Guerilla Opera in Boston, and who talks about the company’s mission, as well as the virtual workshops being offered.  We spend a particular amount of time on the Libretto Writing Workshop, which is entering its second year.The second interview is with...2021-05-2450 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaTalking Diction with Stefano de Peppo and Kathryn LaBouffIn this episode, Keturah speaks with bass-baritone and Italian diction coach, Stefano de Peppo, as well as English diction coach, Kathryn LaBouff, about the importance of good diction.Stefano discusses his journey from Milan to the United States, and how he started helping his colleagues with Italian diction, which has turned into a business.  He also talks about the use of dialects in Italian, and how good diction can help carry emotions across to the audience, even if they don’t speak Italian.Kathryn discusses her technique, which is laid out in her book: “Singing and C...2021-05-1756 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaJacqueline Goldfinger and Alexandra DeshortiesKeturah begins the podcast with an interview with soprano, Alexandra Deshorties.  They start discussing Donizetti’s Roberto Devereaux, and move into Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, using each libretto to discuss how the text tells the story, and how to work within the confines of the music to find an appropriate interpretation of the text.  Alexandra is frustrated with the idea of sounding “pretty” or “cute,” and wants the text to ring true in all of its beauty and ugliness.  She is convinced that the music can help achieve that.Keturah’s second interview is with playwright and librettist, J...2021-05-0358 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaLynn Nottage, William Burden, Poetry, Music, and Self-AdaptationKeturah discusses two forms of adaptation in this episode.Her first conversation is with tenor, William Burden, who chats with her about Igor Stravinsky and W.H. Auden’s adaptation of William Hogarth’s paintings, The Rake’s Progress.  They go into detail about one aria in the piece, then speak about how text and music get to the heart of our emotional world.Next up is a conversation with two time Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Lynn Nottage, discussing adapting her award-winning play, Intimate Apparel, into an opera of the same name with Ricky Ian Gordon...2021-04-2637 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaAnthony Barrese and the Librettists of RossiniKeturah puts together this episode from her space in San Diego, while out there working on The Barber of Seville for San Diego Opera.  Before the main interview, she shares short conversation with her cast: Patrick Carfizzi, Peixin Chen, Emily Fons, and Carlos Santelli, about their experiences singing the piece.Her main interview is with conductor and artistic director of Opera Southwest, Anthony Barrese.  They discuss the lives and work of numerous librettists who wrote for Rossini, including Cesare Sterbini, Gaetano Rossi, Jacopo Ferretti, and Vincenzina Vigano-Mombelli, one of the few female librettists during that period.2021-04-1959 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMichael Mori, Robert Wesley Mason, and New Versus ContemporaryKeturah starts with a conversation with baritone, Robert Wesley Mason, about learning and performing the role of Jan in Royce Vavrek and Missy Mazzoli’s Breaking The Waves, based on the film by Lars Von Trier.Keturah’s next interview is with Michael Mori, the General and Artistic director of Toronto’s Tapestry Opera, a company that champions contemporary work, and has been operating LibLab, a “speed dating for librettists and composers” since 1995.  They talk about LibLab, creating contemporary opera, what the field looks like now, and what it should look like in the future.2021-04-121h 05Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaGreg Pierce, Karen Kamensek, and Adapted WorkKeturah begins this episode speaking with conductor, Karen Kamensek, who talks to her about a moment in Verdi and Boito’s Otello that moves her.  They also talk about Falstaff, and the frustrations of being an artist during Covid.Keturah’s second interview is with librettist and playwright, Greg Pierce, who collaborated with Gregory Spears on Fellow Travelers, Nico Muhly on The Glitch, and is in the process of collaborating with Kevin Puts on The Hours, which will premiere at the Met.  They discuss adaptation, as well as the differences between writing plays and writing libretti.Ka...2021-04-0549 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMina Salehpour and Writing Strong WomenIranian-German director and librettist, Mina Salehpour, is in the midst of her second opera with composer, Daniel Reza Sabzghabaei.  He’s just received an IDEA Grant from Opera America to help them finish the piece, tentatively titled “The Three Shapes Opera.”  Mina and Keturah speak about this, their first creative work together, and her thoughts on libretto writing as a director who specializes in devised work.Before that, however, Keturah shares interviews with two formidable sopranos, Alexandra Loutsion and Alexandra Lo Bianco, both dissecting the strong female characters in Puccini operas.  For Lo Bianco, they discuss the end of Tu...2021-03-2950 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMelissa Dunphy and Composing PoliticsIn this episode about politics and political figures in opera, Keturah starts with an excerpt from her interview with Director, Daniel Kramer, about Pat Nixon’s aria in John Adams and Alice Goodman’s Nixon in China.Daniel Kramer - http://danielkramerdirector.com/bioNixon in China (Opera) - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nixon-in-ChinaNixon in China (History) - https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/china-visit/Keturah’s next interview is with conductor, Steven Osgood.  They discuss one moment with Jackie Kennedy in the David T. Little and Royce Vavrek Opera, J.F.K.2021-03-221h 01Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaSteven Osgood and Sokunthary Svay Speak About Composers And The VoiceKeturah begins this episode with an interview with conductor, and artistic and general director of Chautauqua Opera, Steven Osgood.  Steven has been the driving force behind the Composers and the Voice Workshop Series since its inception, when he was the artistic director of the American Opera Project.  He lays out the program for Keturah, and gives information on how to apply, and application deadlines.Composers and the Voice at AOP: https://www.aopopera.org/composers-voiceSteven Osgood: http://www.srosgood.com/Next, Keturah speaks with a librettist fellow from Composers and the Voice, Sokunthary Sv...2021-03-121h 00Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaRoberta Gumbel, Patrick Summers, and Singing About FamilyIn this episode, Keturah ponders the topic of familial protection in opera text, pointing out her recent viewing of Kamala Sankaram and Jerre Dye’s Taking up Serpents at Chicago Opera Theater, as well as other operas that highlight a family relationship.In her first interview, she speaks with conductor and artistic director of Houston Grand Opera, Patrick Summers, about his love of Engelbert Humperdinck and Adelheid Wette’s Hansel & Gretel, concentrating largely on the Evening Prayer, and the protection that it offers, both in words and music.In her second interview, she speaks with sing...2021-03-0842 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaBryan Gilliam, Thaddeus Strassberger, and Jonathan Burton, and the Genius of HofmannsthalKeturah starts off this episode speaking to director, Thaddeus Strassberger, and tenor, Jonathan Burton, about Richard Strauss and Hugo Von Hofmannsthal’s Ariadne auf Naxos.To continue to conversation about Hofmannsthal (and Strauss), Keturah turns to Bryan Gilliam, musicologist, Strauss scholar, and author of several books, including “Rounding Wagner’s Mountain: Richard Strauss and Modern German Opera.”  They discuss Hofmannsthal’s place in the canon, his collaborations with Strauss, and the themes that are present in his work.For more information about Thaddeus Strassberger: https://www.tstrassberger.com/For more information about Jonathan Burton: http://jbur...2021-03-011h 06Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaCerise Jacobs, Lillian Groag, and the Importance of the StoryKeturah speaks with librettist and producer, Cerise Jacobs, and director and playwright, Lillian Groag.  As Keturah says, “On the surface, these women couldn’t be more different, both in the type of work they make, and in their approach to putting work on stage.  What made me think of them as a perfect pairing for this episode is in the way they convey their thoughts, the strength of their conviction, and the absolute tenacity with which they hold and express their opinions.”First up is Lillian Groag, who, with Keturah, analyzes oft-missed and mistaken moments in various operas...2021-02-221h 04Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaKelley Rourke and David WalkerKeturah begins this episode chatting with General Director of Palm Beach Opera and former countertenor, David Walker (https://pbopera.org/about-us-2/general-director/).  They discuss the aria Voi Che Udite (Here’s a link of David singing this aria on a set by John Conklin: https://youtu.be/cEQy5sfbs68  ) from Handel and Calzabigi’s Agrippina.  They also talk about the pangs of leaving performing, and briefly touch on Akhnaten, Partenope, and The Elephant Man.Keturah’s second interview is with librettist and dramaturge, Kelley Rourke (https://www.kelleyrourke.com/about-1).  Kelley is the author of numerous song cycles, op...2021-02-1556 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaCelebrating Gene Scheer with Jake Heggie, Leonard Foglia, and many others.In this episode, Keturah speaks with singers, composers, and directors about the words and collaborative spirit of librettist, Gene Scheer.In order of appearance:Efrain Solis (https://www.efrainsolis.com/)Frederica Von Stade (http://www.fredericavonstade.com/)Emily Fons (https://www.emilyfons.com/)Jonathan Lemalu (https://jonathanlemalu.com/)Morgan Smith (https://www.baritonemorgansmith.com/)Stephen Costello (https://stephencostellotenor.com/)William Burden (https://www.opus3artists.com/artists/william-burden/)Jake Heggie (https://jakeheggie.com/)Leonard Foglia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Foglia)Pieces with...2021-02-0843 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaK.F. Jacques and the Brave Power of Crossing GenresKeturah begins this episode chatting with baritone, Zachary Nelson (http://www.zacharynelsonbaritone.com/), who speaks with her about Mozart and DaPonte’s Le nozze di Figaro, the Beaumarchais plays, and their tie to the French Revolution.  You can read more about these connections here: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jan/06/classicalmusicandopera, and here: https://sfopera.com/blog/the-marriage-of-figaro-fomenting-the-french-revolution/.Next, Keturah speaks with Chicago based opera singer and hip-hop artist, Khary “K.F. Jacques” Laurent. (https://www.kfjacques.com/).  They discuss genre mixing with hip hop and opera, crafting words for hip hop, and his work for Chicago...2021-02-011h 04Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaRicky Ian Gordon and Collaborating With Yourself and OthersKeturah speaks with Ricky Ian Gordon about how he collaborates with multiple composers, as well as compositions for which he has written the libretto.The episode begins with clips from last season:  Michael Korie discussing how Ricky helped convince him to collaborate on The Grapes of Wrath (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1180661/5613223), and Leonard Foglia talking about Ricky’s phrase “Boil it down to stock,” and how it helped him as a writer. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1180661/5280550).  We also hear mezzo-soprano, Frederica Von Stade talking about how meaningful it was to work on A Coffin in Egypt.  (http://www.frede...2021-01-251h 04Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaRichard Thomas, Eva Maria Westbroek, and the Allure of Anna NicoleThis episode begins with a short interview with Dutch soprano, Eva Maria Westbroek (https://www.evamariawestbroek.com/). She and Keturah talk about Eva’s creation of the title role in Mark Anthony Turnage (https://www.boosey.com/pages/cr/composer/composer_main?composerid=16405&ttype=BIOGRAPHY) and Richard Thomas’ (https://www.richardthomascreative.com/) opera, Anna Nicole, which premiered at Covent Garden in 2011.the second part of the episode is an interview with British librettist, composer, and lyricist, Richard Thomas.  Keturah and Richard also speak about Anna Nicole (https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/arts/music/19nicole.html) throughout the interview, but d...2021-01-181h 01The Recovering Artist Podcast - \The Recovering Artist Podcast - "Healing & Recovery in the Performing Arts"Grief Has No Time LimitJoined by my friend of MANY years, Keturah Stickann. We are discussing the impact Grief has on life and how we work through.  Who knew how much time it would take... GRIEF has NO time limit.2021-01-1357 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMatt Boresi and Creating in Covid TimesWe start out this episode with a short quip from Mezzo-soprano, Emily Fons, talking about not waiting for the ideal moment to create.  (https://www.emilyfons.com/).Next, is a brief interview with San Francisco based conductor and prompter, Robert Mollicone (https://www.robertmollicone.com/).  We discuss the ending of Offenbach and Barbier’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and how it relates to the paralysis so many artists have felt while trying to navigate the pandemic.  For more information about Offenbach’s opera, check out this Britannica entry: https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Tales...2021-01-1156 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaTalking About WordsKeturah starts her Second Season talking to a myriad of singers, conductors, and directors about how opera text affects them.Sound bites from:Joseph Mechavich https://www.ada-artists.com/conductor-joseph-mechavichStephen Costello https://stephencostellotenor.com/Karen Kamensek https://www.karenkamensek.com/Daniel Kramer http://www.danielkramerdirector.com/indexAlexandra Deshorties https://www.opera-arias.com/singers/alexandra-deshorties/Emily Fons https://www.emilyfons.com/Frederica Von Stade http://www.fredericavonstade.com/Efrain Solis https://www.efrainsolis.com/Thaddeus Strassberger https://www.tstrassberger.com/Patrick Summers https://www.opus3artists.com/artists/patrick-summers/Jonathan Lemalu https://jonathanlemalu.com/Steven Osgood http...2021-01-0428 minTwins Talk TheatreTwins Talk Theatre114 - Katurah Stickann Cindy and Stacy met Katurah when they all first worked at Opera Santa Barbara on Madame Butterfly in 2012.  Keturah's early career was as a contemporary and classical dancer, working mostly with operas later.  It is said that dancers have two deaths; once when their dance career is over, and once at the end of their life.  After dancing in and falling in love with Philip Glass' Akhnaten, she decided she would move into directing and has become a huge champion of new American Operas.  To learn more about Katurah, please visit her page at https://www.keturahstickann.com  2020-12-181h 16Words First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaAnna ChattertonIn the season 1 finale, Keturah speaks with Canadian playwright and librettist, Anna Chatterton about her operas Stitch, and Sweat (about the garment industry), Crush, and Swoon (Da Ponte/Mozart adaptations), and Rocking Horse Winner, as well as surviving as an artist during Covid19, and the joys of adapting work for the stage.More information about Anna Chatterton and her work can be found here: https://www.ludwig-van.com/toronto/2020/09/08/feature-anna-chatterton-independent-theatre-artist-time-plague/, here: https://www.playwrightscanada.com/Authors/C/Chatterton-Anna, and here: https://www.canadiantheatre.com/dict.pl?term=Chatterton%2C%20Anna2020-11-0940 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaAnna PoolKeturah speaks with English director, librettist, and composer, Anna Pool.  They discuss her love of musical theater, her work with devised work, puppetry, and multi-sensory work, and how the commissioning process could be more open.2020-11-0256 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaJerre Dye and Reinterpreting Classic TextKeturah talks about her work on San Diego Opera’s reimagined La Bohéme, and how the circumstances surrounding Covid 19 forced her and the singers to look at the piece in a completely different way.  She also interviews librettist, Jerre Dye, about his life in Chicago, his work with Frances Pollock at Chautauqua, and working with Zachary Redler, Kamala Sankaram, and Jennifer Higdon.2020-10-2646 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaDavid CoteKeturah speaks with librettist and journalist David Cote, about his works, including Blind Injustice, Three Way, the Scarlet Ibis, and Invitation to a Die-In.  They also discuss the hardships of getting work produced, and how this differs in the opera world and theater world.2020-10-1950 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaEmily KohKeturah speaks with composer, librettist, and double bassist, Emily Koh about her upcoming opera, Her: Alive/Un/Dead, and writing words AS music.2020-10-1236 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaJessica Murphy MooKeturah speaks with librettist and teacher, Jessica Murphy Moo.  They discuss her two operas, Earth to Kenzie and An American Dream, the pitfalls and joys of writing a children’s opera, how composer Frances Pollock convinced her to rhyme, and the differences between teaching fiction writing and libretto writing.2020-10-0540 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaTHE NEWS YOU NEED #2 (Decameron Opera Coalition)In this second BONUS episode, Keturah speaks with librettist, Matt Boresi, about The Decameron Opera Coalition, which was put together by him and composer, Peter Hilliard.  Joining Boresi are three librettists from the coalition, John de los Santos, Gilda Lyons, and Deborah Brevoort.  They discuss their roles in the upcoming serial piece “Tales From A Safe Distance,” and how people can access the performances.  Also, CORRECTION: The performances all begin at 8pm, NOT 8:30, as listed in the podcast.2020-09-3036 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMichael KorieKeturah speaks with Lyricist and Librettist, Michael Korie, about his musicals and operas over the years, his thoughts on politics and art, and writing about real people.2020-09-2855 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaLorene CaryKeturah chats with author, activist, and librettist, Lorene Cary.  They discuss her memoir, Ladysitting, her work at Art Sanctuary and Vote The Jawn, and her experience at ALT’s Composer Librettist Development Program.2020-09-2152 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaLawrence EdelsonKeturah sits down with Lawrence Edelson, founder of the American Lyric Theater, and Artistic Director of Opera Saratoga.  They discuss the Composer Librettist Development Program (CLDP), what makes a good librettist, the art of dramaturgy, and creating new opera in America.2020-09-1458 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaLeonard FogliaKeturah speaks with librettist and director, Leonard Foglia about directing new work, working with Ricky Ian Gordon, Jake Heggie, Gene Scheer, and Horton Foote, working as a dramaturge on Moby-Dick, and writing/creating the genre of the Mariachi Opera.2020-09-0757 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaLila PalmerKeturah has a conversation with librettist, Lila Palmer, about a number of her operas, including Dead Equal and The Selfish Giant.  She also ruminates about the recent announcement of CAMI’s imminent closing, and the state of the arts today.2020-08-3148 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaTHE NEWS YOU NEED #1In this Bonus episode, Keturah speaks with Alejandra Valarino Boyer at Seattle Opera, librettist Mark Campbell speaking for Fort Worth Opera, and Mark Streshinsky at West Edge Opera, all about upcoming libretto and composer/librettist workshops and residencies taking place this fall.  She also speaks to Campbell about the Campbell Librettist Prize offered through Opera America, and gives a shout out to Guerilla Opera, who recently had their presentations from their summer Libretto Lab.2020-08-2635 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaStephanie FleischmannKeturah speaks with librettist and playwright, Stephanie Fleischmann, about her work at ALT, and upcoming works with Jeremy Howard Beck, David Hanlon, and others.2020-08-2453 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaRoyce VavrekKeturah interviews librettist, Royce Vavrek, about how he came to write opera libretti, his work with David T. Little and Missy Mazzoli, and how he collaborates on new opera.2020-08-1746 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaCori Ellison and the Role of DramaturgyKeturah speaks with dramaturg and educator, Cori Ellison, about her role in the creation of new work, the importance of the dramaturg in opera production, what truly makes a libretto work, and the intricate job of crafting supertitles.2020-08-1048 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaKanika AmbroseKeturah has a conversation with Canadian playwright and librettist, Kanika Ambrose.  They discuss her upcoming opera with Ian Cusson, Of The Sea, her work at the Curtis Institute on Anansi and The Great Light, her Caribbean heritage and how it informs her writing, performing in one’s own work, and much much more.2020-08-0347 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaJohn de los SantosKeturah speaks with librettist, director & choreographer, John de los Santos about his path into libretto writing, comedy in contemporary opera, looking at work as a director vs. a librettist, and experiencing paranormal activity while doing research for his and Clint Borzoni’s upcoming opera, The Copper Queen.2020-07-2741 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaRichard WesleyKeturah talks with playwright and librettist Richard Wesley.  They discuss his work with Trilogy: An Opera Company, collaborating with composer, Anthony Davis, on the Pulitzer Prize winning opera, The Central Park Five, how the works of black writers fit into the greater theatrical canon, and how he has faith in and hope for today’s youth in continuing the fight for social justice.2020-07-2052 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaMark CampbellKeturah has a conversation with librettist and lyricist, Mark Campbell.  They discuss his extensive body of work, advice for young librettists, how Elizabeth Cree is his favorite libretto, and the artist’s constant struggle with imposter syndrome.2020-07-1339 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaGene ScheerKeturah interviews Gene Scheer about his time on tour with Cats, his eclectic body of work, his collaboration with Jake Heggie, his upcoming premiere with Joby Talbot, and adapting libretti from existing work.2020-07-0637 minWords First: Talking Text in OperaWords First: Talking Text in OperaBrenda Huggins and Guerilla OperaIn this inaugural episode, Keturah speaks with Brenda Huggins, the Director of Engagement Programs at Guerilla Opera in Boston.  They discuss Guerilla Opera's upcoming Libretto Writing Workshop (https://www.guerillaopera.org/gllibretto-workshop), Aristotle's Elements of Drama, and the missing link of dramaturgy in opera development.2020-06-2720 min