Shows
Musical Theatre Radio presents "Be Our Guest"Be Our Guest with Doctor Bird Productions "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" with Manuele Adrian Mizzi, Ethan Rotenberg and Emilia BallesterDoctor Bird Productions is looking to bring something fresh and new to Toronto's performance world. We want to put on productions that stretch the imagination, that bring smiles to peoples faces and help to make people walk away with new thoughts and new ideas. We hope to put on new productions in Canada and hope to reimagine shows that have been so important to the makeup of Torontos performance world.
We are committed to the practice of color-conscious casting. We recognize that considerations of race, including how race and ethnicity shape society and the stories we tell, are v...
2024-02-2927 min
Composer Chats1.8 - Laura StricklingJoin Jason as he welcomes world renown, Grammy nominated soprano, Laura Strickling!Two-time GRAMMY® award nominee for Best Classical Vocal Solo Album for Confessions (2022) and 40@40 (2024) – Laura Strickling’s recordings make, “a strong statement about the status of contemporary art songs and her commitment to them,” (Schmopera). Recognized by The New York Times for her “flexible voice, crystalline diction, and warm presence,” she is celebrated for her work performing and promoting art song, with an emphasis on new additions to the canon. She curated The New Music Shelf Anthology of contemporary art songs for soprano and recently announced The 40@40 Project...
2023-12-121h 06
The Professional Winner PodcastEpisode 3 | Grammy Nominated Opera Singer Laura StricklingEpisode 3 of The Professional Winner Podcast is here. On today's show we have the amazing soprano Laura Strickling. Ms. Strickling has been nominated for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album at the 2022 Grammy Awards for her debut album, Confessions. The album, which also features pianist Joy Schreier, was released on November 20th, 2020.She received wide-spread critical acclaim in 2020 due to her Grammy nominated debut solo CD Confessions, “Strickling is a soprano of consummate artistry,” (Classical Singer Magazine)…”Her voice is full and lustrous and then bright and nimble,” (Schmopera)…” as well as for the Naxos Opera Classics recording of The Parting...
2021-12-1744 min
My So-Called Opera LifeCreating a Multi-Faceted Career with Zachary James💎CW: there is mention of abuse/sexual assault in this episode.
On today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome bass Zachary James to the podcast!
Zach is living the epitome of a multi-faceted career, with credits that include singing at the Metropolitan Opera and on Broadway, acting for film and television, as well as self-producing a visual album, CALL OUT, during the pandemic!
He sits down with us for some real talk about finding your voice as an artist, how that helps him to cultivate the different avenues to practice his craft, an...
2021-05-0800 minMy So-Called Opera LifeCreating a Multi-Faceted Career with Zachary James💎CW: there is mention of abuse/sexual assault in this episode.
On today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome bass Zachary James to the podcast!
Zach is living the epitome of a multi-faceted career, with credits that include singing at the Metropolitan Opera and on Broadway, acting for film and television, as well as self-producing a visual album, CALL OUT, during the pandemic!
He sits down with us for some real talk about finding your voice as an artist, how that helps him to cultivate the different avenues to practice his craft, an...
2021-05-0800 min
Young Musicians for Social JusticeOpera Schmopera: Musicians as Facilitators and Peace-makersIn this episode, Holly and Rebecca chat with Omar Shahryar about musical facilitation, opera for young people and peacemaking through active music making. They explore the role of faith and confidence when leading musical workshops as well as how artists might reprioritise their audience and flip the power dynamics in structural settings.
This podcast is co-hosted by Rebecca Ward and Holly Jackson.
Opera Schmopera: http://www.operaschmopera.co.uk/
Opera Schmopera Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYGn6fxI9euv2nhOrsKSatQ
Omar Shahryar: http://omarshahryar.info/
Transcript: https://docs.g...
2021-02-1939 min
Singers Tension PodcastNavigating The Change: Student to Professional with Lyndsay PromaneInevitably, every artist must face the transition from student to professional. Students of classical voice often hear that their career will be a long journey, perhaps not taking off until closer to their thirties. Singers will place suffocating expectations on themselves to hit specific landmarks in order to “stay on track” for their dream career, adopting ideas that to deviate in any way from the financially independent singer, would be a mark of failure. What does a singers’ life look like in reality, in these years post post-secondary education, and realistically, how do we forge a life for ourselves that i...
2021-01-1344 min
Classically (Un)TrainedArtist Portrait No. 1: Omar Shahryar (composer, facilitator, peace maker)This is an episode of the old podcast, called Artists on the Verge. I decided to keep these conversations up in the feed because they are, in fact, part of what led me to create Classically (Un)Trained. I have taken down all except the artist interviews - but you can check out an expanded archive here: https://classicallyuntrainedpodcast.com/former-podcast-archive/
Check out the current podcast here: https://classicallyuntrainedpodcast.com/
Omar Shahryar calls himself a composer, facilitator and peace-maker. We talk about the meaning and importance of an education...
2021-01-131h 12
The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastAsitha Tennekoon: The Grand FinaleGreat singer, provocative writer, man with great ideas: host Jenna Simeonov closes the first season of the podcast by chatting with the very awesome Asitha Tennekoon. Read his stuff, & join the revolution:
http://www.wandelprobe.com/blog/
https://schmopera.com/
Original artwork by @danikalorenart.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
2020-09-221h 04The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastValhalla Media: I Want To See Fifteen ChinsOn this episode: online opera! Jenna kind of hates it. But she hates it less after talking with the fab folks behind Valhalla Media, Alexandra Lo Bianco and Nikolas Wenzel. They're taking 2020's lemons and turning it into lemonade, complete with great livestreamed concerts and weeping in an empty Studebaker Theater.
https://www.valhallamedia.live/
https://schmopera.com/
Original artwork by @danikalorenart.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
2020-09-151h 02The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastAnne Midgette: Art Is Not the InstitutionsA big-topic chat with Anne Midgette, folks! For this episode, host Jenna Simeonov chats with the writer and critic with one of the most influential voices in today's music journalism. A little COVID closures, a little #metoo, a little opera racism... did I mention big topics?
Oh, and please forgive the audio on Jenna's end. The conversation was too good to sacrifice to technology goblins.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
Original artwork by @danikalorenart.
https://schmopera.com/
2020-09-011h 09The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastRihab Chaieb: Spices and Knives and HivesTunisian-born, Montréalaise mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb is one of those hustlers of the opera industry. That is, until it all hit the pause button. Jenna chats with Rihab - they're friends IRL, by the way - about apartment shopping in a pandemic, the cancelled gigs that hurt the most, and how her outbreak of Strauss-induced hives paved the way for Jenna's writing career.
Original music by @natedouglasband
Original artwork by @danikalorenart
https://schmopera.com/
2020-08-191h 03The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastBeth Morrison Projects: I Don't See the Death Knell For OperaIn a special episode of the pod, host Jenna Simeonov chats with two women of the thrilling production company, Beth Morrison Projects. Executive Director Jecca Barry and President/Creative Producer Beth Morrison talk about what it means to produce riveting, relevant opera - global health crisis or not. During the first chaotic weeks of the pandemic, BMP was a leader in producing online content, offering up video of some of their most acclaimed productions, as well as some innovative-as-hell original content. So, why aren't all opera companies doing the same thing? Let's discuss.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
2020-08-041h 03The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastBryan Register: I Was Gonna Be A Greeter At Walmart But I'm Too MeanBryan Register is a between-gigs American Heldentenor, currently stressed out by the fact that he's in Myrtle Beach, SC, and the beaches are open. Jenna has a reunion of sorts in this chat, remembering the last time she spoke with Bryan, in his utterly fabulous flat in North London, back in the simpler, pre-Brexit, pre-Trump times. Bryan chats about getting kicked out of the Czech Republic, Wagner's love potions, and *actual* puppy love.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
Original artwork by @danikalorenart.
https://schmopera.com/
2020-07-211h 07The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastOthalie Graham: Everything Has To Be DifferentOthalie Graham is a total force. The Canadian soprano is known for big, grand roles like Turandot, Minnie, and Aida, and she carries an almost operatic type of wisdom in her interviews. Othalie was one of Jenna's first major interviews for Schmopera, and in the time since they last spoke, it feels as though the world - let alone the opera industry - has cracked open, for better or for worse.
Original music by @natedouglasband
Original artwork by @danikalorenart
https://schmopera.com/
2020-07-141h 00The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastErin Morley: Everything Right NowErin Morley, when she's not firing high notes into the world's major opera houses, soaks up her chances for home life with her family in New Haven, CT. Her current hiatus from the stage isn't exactly voluntary, and she's actually dealing with some weird guilt over enjoying her new, slowed-down pace. She spoke with host Jenna Simeonov about the Met, mom life, and - in a surprise callback - Pollyanna.
Plus: a bonus appearance by the tiniest friend of the podcast, Alex.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
Original artwork by @danikalorenart.
https...
2020-07-0752 minThe Everything Will Be Okay PodcastPaul Curran: Wig Line HellA chat with Paul Curran is a beautiful thing. From his base in San Francisco, Jenna chats with the Scottish opera director about why opera on screens sucks, how he's ruining TV wigs for his husband, and why culture is *actually* essential.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
Original artwork by @danikalorenart.
https://schmopera.com/
2020-06-301h 06The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastIsaiah Bell: PollyannaIsaiah Bell is one-of-a-kind. Tenor, composer, one-man-show creator, writer of artisanal haiku, this guy doesn't stop. Jenna spoke with Isaiah from his base in Victoria, B.C., about how he is just loving lockdown life. He's got yet another project on the go, and a fresh new mic that arrived in time for this chat, and a subliminal love for the darkly hopeful story of Pollyanna.
Original music by @natedouglasband
Original artwork by @danikalorenart
https://schmopera.com/
2020-06-2359 minThe Everything Will Be Okay PodcastGregory Finney: Dressed For DinnerJenna met Gregory Finney while working on a production of The Merry Widow about a million years ago, and they've been fast friends ever since. Greg is a Toronto-based baritone and actor, unofficially specializing in character roles. The drunk landlord, the funny friend, the scene-stealer, that's Greg. Since the early days of Schmopera, Greg has been part of the team; he's written reviews, how-to articles, opinion pieces on The Phantom of the Opera, and now, he's a guest on our podcast.
If you're not already, follow Greg on the socials: @giggyhertz on Insta is a great place...
2020-06-1647 minThe Everything Will Be Okay PodcastSondra Radvanovsky: Everybody's StoriesWhat's a performing arts podcast without an episode with Sondra? Jenna chats with the superstar soprano from her home in rural Ontario, about dealing with pessimism, privilege, and beautiful sunsets.
Original music: @natedouglasband
Original artwork: @danikalorenart
https://schmopera.com/
2020-06-0957 minThe Everything Will Be Okay PodcastMarshall Pynkoski: Benign ManiacMarshall Pynkoski is a director, dancer, Order of Canada, and Co-Artistic Director of Opera Atelier, which he founded in 1985 with his partner, Jeannette Lajeunesse-Zingg. He's also a total theatre animal, with a rare passion for opera, music, and theatre of the 17th and 18th centuries. His style is unmistakable, his pride in his work unflappable - and people like that are totally fascinating. Jenna spoke with Marshall a few weeks after Opera Atelier's spring production was cancelled, when his emotions still smarted.
Original music: @natedouglasband
Original artwork: @danikalorenart
https://schmopera.com/
2020-06-0237 minThe Everything Will Be Okay PodcastBarbara Hannigan: ForsythiaBarbara Hannigan, everyone. Soprano, conductor, mentor, Order of Canada, and reigning queen of new and contemporary music. We spoke during the early weeks of the pandemic, from her strict lockdown in rural France.
Original music: @natedouglasband
Original artwork: @danikalorenart
This podcast is a Schmopera production, created by Jenna Simeonov.
https://schmopera.com/
2020-05-2637 minThe Everything Will Be Okay PodcastChristine Goerke: The Old EmailIt's always a treat to chat with American soprano Christine Goerke! She's known for front-and-centre roles like Brünnhilde in Wagner's Ring Cycle, and the title roles in Tristan und Isolde, Puccini's Turandot and Strauss' Elektra. But she's also a sci-fi freak, a proud mama, and a real human being with real ups and downs. Christine spoke with Jenna from her home in New Jersey.
Original music by Nate Douglas (@natedouglasband)
Original artwork by Danika Lorèn (@danikalorenart)
This podcast is a Schmopera production, created by Jenna Simeonov.
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2020-05-1956 minThe Everything Will Be Okay PodcastBramwell Tovey: Building CastlesIt's the first episode of The Everything Will Be Okay podcast! Our debut guest is conductor and composer Bramwell Tovey, who spoke to Jenna from his home base in Vancouver. Topics include the ABCs of shutting down an opera company in a pandemic, time for composing, and what it'll take for live shows to come back.
Original music by Nate Douglas (@natedouglasband)
Original artwork by Danika Lorèn (@danikalorenart)
This podcast is a Schmopera production, created by Jenna Simeonov.
https://schmopera.com/
2020-05-1054 min
The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastThe Everything Will Be Okay Podcast: a meet & greetGuys, Everything Will Be Okay. It's just a pandemic that has closed the entire performing arts industry.
Jenna Simeonov, creator of Schmopera and host of The Everything Will Be Okay Podcast, is checking in with out-of-work artists. Cancelled gigs & online opera are apparently the new normal, and singers just can't help speaking moistly.
So, what can the arts can actually do to help a world in crisis? And will everything be okay?
Artwork: Danika Lorèn
Music: Nate Douglas
2020-05-0903 min
The Classical Music PodUnanswered QuestionsTim and Sam ask questions of Charles Ives, get to grips with hiphopera and discuss ‘leaning in’ to those uncomfortable elements of the operatic canon with director and librettist Laura Attridge. PLUS they review Alison Balsom’s new disc Royal Fireworks and the City of London Sinfonia at Southwark Cathedral.Antonio Banderas conducts students from ESAEM at the Plaza de la Constitución, Malaga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxyQKuPNcB8 Josephine and the Artisans’ new video for ‘If You Want Peace’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_dOo3pTZ_A&feature=youtu...
2019-11-2955 min
Opera Box ScoreSamuel Hasselhorn!The OBS-ers go ‘Inside the Huddle’ with the Samuel Hasselhorn, with the German baritone talking to Oliver about winning the Queen Elizabeth competition and what it's like to have a Fest contract at the Wiener Staatsoper... But first, in ‘Chalk Talk’, the team continues the conversation about sexual harassment and the abuse of power in opera, with reference to Schmopera.com’s recent call for stories about abuse and assault in the world of classical music... In the ‘Two Minute Drill’, there’s a new Music Director coming to Lyric Opera of Chicago...
www.facebook.com/OBSCHI1
www.operaboxscore.com
www.wnur.org/pop
2019-09-181h 03