Shows
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaChristos Makridis — Behind the Economics of Arts and CultureSend us a textWhat happens when rigorous economic research meets the world of classical music? Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as Soula Parassidis interviews economist Christos Makridis about his groundbreaking research quantifying the true value of arts and culture in our communities.With seven degrees (including two PhDs from Stanford) and over 80 published academic papers, Christos brings unprecedented analytical rigor to questions the arts sector has long struggled to answer quantitatively. How much do people actually value living near theaters and cultural venues? The answer, according to his research...2025-04-0423 min
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaMichael Hofstetter: The Music Between The NotesSend us a textStillness and intuition play pivotal roles in the heartbeat of a performance for conductor Michael Hofstetter. His insights shed light on how the music industry has evolved over the last 40 years and why maintaining a deep connection to the art form is essential for both conductors and performers alike. He engages us with personal anecdotes from his life, revealing how childhood experiences ignited his passion for music and shaped his career.Diving deep into the emotional landscapes of Baroque and Classical periods, Hofstetter shares the profound impact these composers had in...2025-03-2821 min
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaNavigating the Business Side of SingingSend us a textIn this Behind The Curtain episode, Soula Parassidis and Norman Reinhardt talk about the multifaceted realities of pursuing an opera career, especially regarding often overlooked financial aspects. By sharing personal experiences and shedding light on hidden costs, to goal of this episode is to empower aspiring artists to understand better what lies ahead, emphasizing hope and education.• Exploring a young artist's question about the worth of pursuing opera • The complexity of measuring 'worth' in an artistic career • Discussing the realities of financial expectations in the arts • Highlightin...2025-01-2237 min
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaMaddalena Del Gobbo's Artistic EvolutionSend us a textIn this episode of Behind The Curtain, hosted by Soula Parassidis, Maddalena Del Gobbo takes us on a captivating journey through her life in music, tracing her evolution from the cello to the viola da gamba and back again. She shares the deeply personal impact of family and pivotal life events on her artistic identity, revealing how music has been both a refuge and a source of healing. Delve into Maddalena's profound connection with both instruments, her resilience in the face of challenges, and the inspiration behind her upcoming album, which beautifully encapsulates...2025-01-1437 min
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaFuture-Proofing Opera and Classical MusicSend us a textThis episode centers on the concept of future-proofing in the arts, exploring the grim employment statistics facing musicians and the need for adaptability and innovation. The discussion emphasizes mentorship, personal branding, and proactive roles for artists to reshape their futures in an evolving landscape.• Exploring the concept of future-proofing and its relevance to opera • Analyzing employment growth trends in the arts sector • Discussing the disconnect between education and real-world demands • Highlighting the significance of mentorship and networking opportunities • Emphasizing the importance of personal branding in the digital age •...2025-01-0739 min
Behind the Curtain by Living Opera2025 Predictions in Opera – The Digital RenaissanceSend us a textWe explore optimistic predictions for the opera industry in 2025, discussing the importance of digital transformation, operational efficiency, regional engagement, collaboration, and audience education. The conversation emphasizes finding creative solutions to empower artists, connect with communities, and revitalize the art form.• Digital platforms will enhance audience reach through on-demand content • Organizations need to streamline operational costs to support artists better • Regional markets will provide new opportunities for community engagement • Co-productions and resource sharing are predicted to rise for greater creative output • Strategic audience development through outreach and immersive experiences is...2025-01-0226 min
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaA Living Opera Christmas Special – Unveiling "All is Bright"Send us a textWhat if the warmth of Christmas music could bridge gaps and foster global connections? As we unveil our mini Christmas special and launch our album All is Bright, we invite you to join us on a melodic journey that captures the true spirit of the season. This episode offers a performance of Silent Night, including a special verse in German for our Vienna audience, and a rendition of What Child Is This? Discover how our humble beginnings on Instagram evolved into a worldwide artistic community, and how...2024-12-2427 min
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaThe Spotlight – Navigating High Notes and Finding Your VoiceSend us a textImagine standing on stage, the spotlight burning down on you, as you prepare to hit that elusive high note—your personal Roman Emplire, constantly looming in your thoughts. In our latest episode, we promise an eye-opening journey into the minds and souls of opera singers, exploring the immense mental and physical preparation required for these critical moments. Through candid reflections, we uncover how the pressure of high notes is not just an opera singer's challenge but a universal struggle shared by anyone in a high-stakes profession.We also take a lighthearted lo...2024-12-1745 min
Behind the Curtain by Living OperaDissecting Artist Economics with Christos MakridisSend us a textWhat happens when the worlds of economics and opera collide? Christos Makridis, professor, entrepreneur, social scientist, and co-founder of Living Opera, joins us to explore this unique intersection and reveal why the arts often go unnoticed by those who study numbers and markets. Christos takes us on his journey from the realms of economics and engineering into the intricate world of the performing arts, sharing his research on artists' labor market experiences and the fascinating challenges of interpreting artistic careers through data. We uncover why understanding the...2024-12-1046 min