Doing the Work with Matthan Black

This week we have Erik Bagger on the Podcast. Erik is a gifted tenor, guitar player, and one of the co-founders of New Camerata Opera. We talk about our shared guitar history, the birth of New Camerata, and NCO’s production of The Rape of Lucretia that opens TONIGHT! I’ll be there this evening to see … Continue reading Episode #128: Doing the Work with Erik Bagger →

This week we have Matthew Gemmill on the podcast! Matthew is a dear friend and he happens to be an insanely gifted and dedicated collaborative pianist. Matthew is studying at the Guildhall School and called in to chat about working at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, studying with some of the greatest pianists in classical … Continue reading Episode #127: Doing the Work with Matthew Gemmill →

This week we have Lydia Dahling on the podcast! In addition to being a singer, Lydia co-hosts Straight from the Wolf’s Mouth, a fellow opera podcast fighting the good fight on the internet audio waves. Lydia and I talk stigmas around teaching, why Russian Opera is amazing, and life after singing! Enjoy! Doing the Work … Continue reading Episode #126: Doing the Work with Lydia Dahling →

This week we have David and Francisco Salazar on the podcast!The Salazar Brothers run operawire.com, one of the best, most up-to-date online publications about opera period. They’re also incredibly skilled filmmakers who run La Cuarta Productions, a video production house that specializes in presenting a unique Latino voice in filmmaking. These dudes are awesome! We … Continue reading Episode #124: Doing the Work with David and Francisco Salazar →

This week Rosśa Crean returns! Rosśa and I spent last week at Illinois State University working as artists in residence with the Arts Technology Department. We took some time to talk about technological reinforcement in classical music, the work that’s happening at ISU, and the world premiere of our song cycle Love Songs for the … Continue reading EPISODE #123: ROSŚA CREAN RETURNS! →

This week we have Andreas Hager on the podcast! Andreas is a stage director who is currently mounting a new production of Nico Muhly’s Dark Sisters in Northwest Arkansas with Opera Fayetteville. Andreas and I had a wonderful chat about the beauty of Northwest Arkansas, the flood at Houston Grand Opera, and forcing opera singers … Continue reading Episode #122: Doing the Work with Andreas Hager →

This week Claire DiVizio returns! Claire is the general director of Chicago’s Thompson Street Opera Company and an exquisitely voiced soprano. Claire and I talk about Thompson Street’s mission and closing their current season, evaluating your satisfaction with a life in the arts, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians’ on-going strike. And, yes, I watched … Continue reading Episode #121: Claire DiVizio Returns! →

This week we have countertenor James M. Brown on the podcast! James is a spectacular musician living in D.C. who has a particular affinity for the weird and wonderful in classical music. He’s right at home with all of us. We talk restaurant jobs, re-interpreting our favorite composers’s work, and social media and “cancelled culture” … Continue reading Episode #120: Doing the Work with James Brown →

This week we have Talley Gale on the podcast! Talley is a terrifically skilled actor living here in New York who just happens to be related to my first voice teacher! Talley and I are currently working on a film project together and I thought it would be nice to catch up after so many … Continue reading Episode #119: Doing the Work with Talley Gale →

This week we have composer Felix Jarrar on the podcast! Felix is a prolific composer of experimental music who has a particular fascination with the voice. We talk about his opera, Tabula Rasa, that was premiered last year by CantantiPROJECT, our mutual love of The Fall of the House of Usher, and fondly remembering our … Continue reading Episode #118: Doing the Work with Felix Jarrar →

This week we have literal sunshine on the podcast. Kerriann Otaño is one of the best singers I have ever worked with and is also one of the only singers I’ve met that has a true love for every aspect of the singer life. We recorded this episode during the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production … Continue reading Episode #117: Doing the Work with Kerriann Otaño →

This week we have Madeleine Borg on the podcast! Madeleine and I met working at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and became fast friends! Madeleine works in production management for various arts organizations around the country and just launched a new podcast called Make-Believe. Go. Listen. Now. It’s awesome and different and important and great! … Continue reading Episode #116: Doing the Work with Madeleine Borg →

This week we have soprano and entrepreneur Eugenia Forteza on the podcast! Eugenia and I met last year working on a few projects with Bare Opera. Little did I know, she’s involved with all sorts of amazing projects! In addition to being a wonderful musician, Eugenia runs the blog 360 of Opera, created one of … Continue reading Episode #115: Doing the Work with Eugenia Forteza →

This week we have harpsichordist Dylan Sauerwald on the podcast! Dylan is a spectacular musician and friend and we have a lovely conversation that ranges from historical performance and figured bass to Aikido and meditation. Dylan performed on Frission’s soon-to-be-released short film, L’eraclito Amoroso, and will be at our screening at The Arete Venue and … Continue reading Episode #114: Doing the Work with Dylan Sauerwald →

This week we have Ryan Rivard on the podcast! Ryan is a kind and talented filmmaker that I met through collaborating on Frisson’s new classical music film project, L’eraclito Amoroso. Ryan and I had a spectacular time talking about playing guitar, dream states, and his short film, Blush. Come see a free screening of L’eraclito … Continue reading Episode #113: Doing the Work with Ryan Rivard →

This week Elly Kakacek returns to talk about her new group, Frission, and the release of their first project on January 19th! Frission is an arts collective whose goal is to capture the magic of classical music on film in new and beautiful ways and we’re going to be featuring a few of their collaborators … Continue reading Episode #112: Doing the Work with Elyse Kakacek →

This week we have Bobby Mellon on the podcast! Bobby is a killer baritone and the host of his own opera podcast, Opera Reality. Bobby and I talk about podcasting, making the art world a better place, and lot’s of baseball! Enjoy this episode and make sure to subscribe to Opera Reality wherever you listen … Continue reading Episode #111: Doing the Work with Bobby Mellon →

This week we have Clark Evans on the podcast! Clark is one of the best baritones of our generation and I was SUPER excited to have him over to chat music, family, and selling used cars. Seriously. In addition to his work in opera houses all over the world, Clark is a Lyric Opera of … Continue reading Episode #110: Doing the Work with Anthony Clark Evans →

This week we have Peter Szep on the podcast! Peter is the founder of The New York Opera Alliance and the creator of New York Opera Fest. In addition to being an astute conductor, Peter is also the host of the Indie Opera Podcast, one of the longest running opera podcasts out there. Peter knows … Continue reading Episode #109: Doing the Work with Peter Szep →

 This week we have our first countertenor! Jordan Rutter is a vastly talented and bright individual and I’m grateful to call him my friend. Jordan was one of the first people to make me feel at home here in New York because of his warmth and passion. Jordan and I have a CRAZY conversation … Continue reading Episode #108: Doing the Work with Jordan Rutter →

 This week we have Brittany Goodwin on the podcast! Brittany is  a ridiculously entrepreneurial actor/director/librettist and valiant artist of all kinds! We talk about her including frivolity in your life and work, nurturing a safe and productive rehearsal space, and creating elegant art with … Continue reading Episode #107: Doing the Work with Brittany Goodwin →

 This week we have Jess Marlor on the podcast! Jess is a strong voice for change and empathy in the new music world. She is a skilled composer, the lead singer and guitar player of Tenderheart Bitches,  and one of the fascinating minds behind Riot Antigone. We talk guitar, if Sheryl Crow can read … Continue reading Episode #106: Doing the Work with Jess Marlor →

 It’s the day of the show, y’all! And for our last installment in Bare Opera Week we have Soprano Ariadne Greif on the podcast. Ariadne is a spectacular human. She was so much fun to talk to and you, YES YOU,  can see here … Continue reading Episode #105: Doing the Work with Ariadne Greif →

 This week we have soprano Maria Lacey on the podcast for our second installment of Bare Opera Week! Maria is a wonderful musician and a delightful human being. We talk Bare Opera’s Poppea, balancing the line between student and professional, and our mutual love for musical theater. Come see Maria rock the stage as … Continue reading Episode #104: Doing the Work with Maria Lacey →

 Doing the Work is back! This week we have Laetitia Ruccolo on the podcast! Laetitia is the Music Director of Bare Opera and is currently working on their production of Montiverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea that opens this weekend at The Blue Building in Manhattan. You have to see this show! Politics, violence, and gratuitous … Continue reading Episode #103: Doing the Work with Laetitia Ruccolo →

This week we have baritone Jonathan Wilson on the podcast. Jonathan just finished staring in Chicago Fringe Opera’s production of As One and has a non-traditional story of how he came to opera. We talk As One, Motorola Razrs, and defining your own success. Enjoy!

This week we have conductor Alex Enyart on the podcast! Alex is a recent transplant to Chicago by way of Kentucky and, along with friend-of-the-show Claire DiVizio, is one of the powerhouses behind Thompson Street Opera Company. In addition to her work at Thompson Street, Alex is conducting the Chicago premiere of Mark Campbell, Laura … Continue reading Episode #101: Doing the Work with Alex Enyart →

We’re back! I’m so sorry for the long absence but I couldn’t let episode 100 go by without doing something special! I won’t be taking another break without telling you and I’m excited for some new developments for DTW and building a new community of listeners. This week Ross Crean joins me to celebrate what … Continue reading Episode #100: Celebrating with Ross Crean →

This week we have Tobias Wright on the podcast to help celebrate the album release of The Great God Pan! Toby has been busy traveling all over the country singing his heart out and making all the art and we’re very lucky that he took the time to Skype in from Hiawatha, Kansas. We talk … Continue reading Episode #99: Tobias Wright Returns! →

This week we have Soprano Allison Nicholas on the podcast! Allison and I share a mutual love for all things stationary and productivity, so we talk about organizing your life using a Passion Planner and how to keep your mind right while still being ridiculously busy. I also share another teaser from The Great God … Continue reading Episode #98: Doing the Work with Allison Nicholas →

This week we have Yuri Lysoivanov on the podcast! Yuri is the the chair of the Recording Arts Department Tribeca Flashpoint College here in Chicago. In addition to his recording work, Yuri is also a composer and pianist. We talk about immigrating to the U.S., Third Coast Baroque, Russian music teachers, and being forever unsatisfied … Continue reading Episode #97: Doing the Work with Yuri Lysoivanov →

This week we have your favorite Chicago artists from the Navona Records recording of The Great God Pan by Ross Crean! We take a moment to catch up with Ross Crean, Sarah Thompson Johansen, Andrew Fisher, and Vince Wallace. We talk all about the recording process, what we’ve been up to since December, and our … Continue reading Episode #96: Doing the Work with The Great God Pan →

This week we have Lauren Auge on the podcast! Lauren is a fantastic Mezzo who has a wonderfully unique perspective on #artlyfe and how to develop a satisfying career in the arts. Lauren and I talk work/life balance, chorus work, and powerlifting! Enjoy!

This week we have a very special guest episode! George Cederquist and I sit down to record an episode of Opera Box Score where we chat about the International Opera Awards, everything you need to know about summer festivals, and Jonas Kaufmann! Enjoy the episode and we’ll be back with your regularly scheduled interviews next … Continue reading Episode #94: Opera Box Score Summer Spectacular! →

Jared’s back! And in his over-all shorts, no less! Jared and I talk about The Grant Park Music Festival’s Project Inclusion, The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Chorus, and how our brains contextualize music. We also spend way too much time brain-storming how to start a business making romp-hims for Jared to wear. Shout-outs to Ashley … Continue reading Episode #93: Jared Esguerra Returns! →

This week we have Jacquelyn Stucker on the podcast! Jacquelyn is a fantastic soprano who just finished her DMA at the New England Conservatory, is spending her summer at Santa Fe Opera, and will be moving the London in the fall to join the Jette Parker Young Artist Program at the Royal Opera House. Intimidated yet? … Continue reading Episode #92: Doing the Work with Jacquelyn Stucker →

This week we have Justin Werner on the podcast! Justin is one of the co-founders of Couret & Werner Artist Management and the founder of New York Opera Exchange. He and I sit down to talk about transitioning from singer to artist manager, artist specialization, and the role of management in making the art world a … Continue reading Episode #91: Doing the Work with Justin Werner →

This week we have Ashley Kay Armstrong on the Podcast! Ashley currently stars in Chicago Fringe Opera’s Lucrezia at the Chopin Theater. You have two more chances to see Ashley kill it in this show: May 11th and 13th. Use offer code JOIN@50 for $20 tickets to the May 11th performance. Ashley and I talk … Continue reading Episode #90: Doing the Work with Ashley Kay Armstrong →

This week we have Mark Campbell on the Podcast! Mark is one of the most successful and prolific librettists of our time and he sits down to TALK WITH US! We talk about so many of his operas: “As one,” “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs,” “The Summer King,” “Silent Night,” “The Shining,” and many more! … Continue reading Episode #89: Doing the Work with Mark Campbell →

This week we have Matt Peckham on the podcast! In addition to being a talented and hard-working singer, Matt is a founder of the Chicago Vocal Arts Consortium, a community of musicians and educators that exists to create a supportive community and subsidize continuing education for Chicago singing artists. Matt and I talk about CVAC’s life-philosophy … Continue reading Episode #88: Doing the Work with Matthew Peckham →

This week we have composer Philip Thompson on the podcast! Philip and I sat down a few months back to chat about his opera The Final Battle for Love and it’s Chicago premiere with Thompson Street Opera. Philip and I talk about Mahler, writing for voice, and playing guitar for Jesus. Enjoy!

This week we have Bernard Holcomb and Cecilia Violetta Lopez! These two just starred in Loft Opera’s production of Rossini’s Otello and it was a smash hit! Devotees of the podcast will remember Bernard, and on his recommendation, I sat down with Cecilia. She’s so great! We talk Music Ed degrees, Forgetting Words, and Beverly … Continue reading Episode #86: Doing the Work with Bernard Holcomb and Cecilia Violetta Lopez →

This week we have Kirsten Scott on the podcast! Kirsten is a fantastic mezzo and the Artistic Director of New York’s Bare Opera. We sit down to talk about indie opera, crossover technique, and rattlesnakes! We also talk about Bare Opera’s new production of The Magic Flute that opens on June 1st. Tickets and info … Continue reading Episode #85: Doing the Work with Kirsten Scott →

This week we have Dennis Kalup and Aaron Wardell! Devotees of the podcast will remember Aaron from EPISODE #9!!!! Back when we were babies… Aaron and I sit down with Dennis to talk Auditioning, Failure, and taking bets on how many times we’ll get interrupted while recording! The three of us are currently making art in … Continue reading Episode #84: Doing the Work with Dennis Kalup and Aaron Wardell →

We’re back! With new intro music and Bethany Brautigam! Bethany, I’m sorry it took so long to post this. You’re wonderful. Bethany and I chat music, personal training, and the world under our new governmental regime. Bethany is so charming, smart, and productive! Follow her on FB and Insta for a deeper look into her … Continue reading Episode #83: Doing the Work with Bethany Brautigam →

This week we chat with Claire DiVizio from Thompson Street Opera! Claire is a great singer and innovative administrator who recently moved her opera company here to Chicago. We talk championing modern music, relocating for work, and why Detroit is still a killer city for art. Come see Thompson Street’s production of Philip Thompson’s The … Continue reading Episode #83: Doing the Work with Claire DiVizio →

We start the New Year off right with more jolly co-operation! This week’s episode is an interview I did with George Cederquist and three of the founding ladies of New York’s Bare Opera for Zack Singerman’s podcast VOiCEtalks! Zack is a great friend of our show and is out there on the front lines Doing the … Continue reading Episode #82: VOiCEtalks with Fringe and Bare →

It’s almost a New Year! 2016 has been… interesting. George Cederquist of Opera Box Score and I sit down to chat all things opera in 2016 in this collaborative episode of DTW/OBS! We also get a bit introspective as to our own careers and think up predictions for a new world of opera in 2017. … Continue reading Episode #81: Doing The Work Year In Review 2016 →

This week I’m re-releasing episode #51 with Jon Clements in honor of the life and death of Weston Noble. I had the honor of singing with Dr. Noble in an All-State Choir back in High School and he had a profound musical impact on me even then. Jon and his wife Barbara sang under Dr. … Continue reading Episode #80: Jon Clements Re-Release →

This week we talk with Sarah Thompson Johansen! Sarah is a highly skilled soprano and hedgehog lover. We talk modern opera, extended technique, and how to spend your time in the practice room. You can check her out on the upcoming Parma recording of Ross Crean’s The Great God Pan, slated for release July 2017. … Continue reading Episode #79: Doing the Work with Sarah Thompson Johansen →