Hook, Push, & Pray

We are BACK BABY! On today's episode, I sit down with Juliet Petrus who, in addition to her active singing career, has also recently co-authored (along with Katherine Chu) a Mandarin Diction Guide Book...Yep, you read that right! Join us as we talk all things Mandarin to Michigan in this wonderful interview. And go buy her book!!

On today's episode, I sit down with WolfTrap Opera's Vice President, Lee Anne Myslewski. We discuss all things YAPs and how to become a successful young singer in this business. On a personal note, I went to WolfTrap in 2013 as a YA and it was one of the best experiences of my life, so it was so fun to reminisce with Lee Anne about a place I adore so much. Such a fun conversation! 

On today's episode, I sit down with one of my best buddies and incredible artist, Hailey Clark. Like me and so many other crazy American singers, Hailey made the jump over to Europe and has found an immense amount of success here in Germany. We really get into the nuts and bolts of how to find your place in German Opera world. Also, its just really nice to listen to someone as bright and hopeful as HC!

On today's episode I sit down with artist manager, Alex Fletcher. Alex has owned his own agency, Fletcher Artists, for over a decade and is one of the most respected managers in the opera world today. Incredibly insightful interview with great advice for singers at all stages of their career. Enjoy!!

In this episode, I sat down to talk with Steven LaBrie-- this is a great episode if you're feeling the quarantine blues (it comes in waves for me, personally). Steven is fun, dynamic, and full of life. Editing this episode instantly put me in a better mood, and I hope it will do the same for you. 

On today's episode, I sit down with one of today's most in demand singers, Soprano Marina Costa-Jackson. Part of a trio of singing sisters, we discuss what life's like when the family business is Opera. 

Hook, Push, and Pray is back! On this week's very special episode, Nicholas sits down with three of opera's most influential people (Christopher Koelsch, Joshua Winograde and Paul Curran) to discuss how to revitalize Opera. Taped in front of a live audience at Los Angeles Opera, this podcast is generously funded by the Opera League of Los angeles and co-produced by Martin Gimenez. 

On today's episode I sit down with extraordinary artist and incredible tenor, Derek Taylor. Derek shares his unorthodox path to opera and how he navigated his move to Europe. I had such a good time in this interview- thanks for stopping by Derek!   

We are back! On today’s episode, the first of the summer season, Nicholas sits down with world-class tenor and friend of the show, Jack Swanson. Tune-in for an in-depth interview discussing the mental, financial and technical challenges of being a modern, in-demand, opera singer.   

HPP will be taking a two week summer pause but don't you worry, we will be revisiting two of the most exciting episodes ever. First up is this incredible interview with Director, James Darrah. Such a passionate, fun, INTENSELY opera-centered interview. Hope you enjoy and remember to rate, review and subscribe!   

On today's episode I sit down with star soprano, Sydney Mancasola. We talk about the difference between introverted and extroverted performers, lots of nerdy technique talk and her decades of violin study before she began singing. 

This is part 2 of my interview with the wonderful Baritone, Lucia Lucas. Enjoy! 

On today's two-part episode, Baritone Lucia Lucas stops by to discuss everything from working in Germany vs. America, her french horn roots, single use plastic and how she has navigated coming out and transitioning as a trans woman in the opera world...We really caught everything in this interview! 

On today's episode I sit down with bass-baritone Zachary Altman- Internationally acclaimed singer and long time friend- for a seriously heated debate about the state of Opera. Settle in for an hour of scalding hot takes and aggressive insight. 

On today's episode, Jennifer Feinstein joins me to speak about her recent Österreichischen Musiktheaterpreises nomination and Soprano Uliana Alexyuk and I sit down for a chat about how she went from Moscow to Karlsruhe via Houston. 

On today's episode I sit down with Mexican tenor Rodrigo Porras Garulo! 

Want to hear to two people be very excited about Opera?? On today's episode, I sit down with Bass, Matthew Anchel for a wonderful conversation about the art form we love so much! 

On today's episode, the first one of season two, I sit down with Mexican Tenor and colleague of mine at the Badisches Staatstheater Eleazar Rodriguez. 

Thank you for a great first season! Look out for great guests and fun interviews in season 2! 

Buckle up folks... In this two part interview, I sit down with former world-class Tenor turned front office guru, David Lomeli. He shares his incredible story for this first time with the Hook, Push and Pray audience. 

Soprano Sara Gartland joins me today for an incredibly honest and real interview about her life on and off stage. 

On today's episode, Nicholas sits down with Director James Darrah to solve the world's problems and talk about opera a little.

On today's episode, Nicholas sits down with German Soprano, Dorothea Herbert, just before a performance of Der Freischütz. 

On today's episode, Nicholas sits down with Mezzo-Soprano Wallis Giunta, to discuss working as an opera singer in Germany and beyond. 

In this episode Nicholas discusses the in's and out's of being an opera singer working in Germany.