In Tune with Opera Philadelphia

Bass-baritone Zachary James and soprano Katrina Thurman talk to Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton about how opera singers in the 21st century are doing more than just singing to make a career, from musical theater to television, voiceovers, and beyond.

DENIS & KATYA composer Philip Venables talks with Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton about creating the O19 world premiere.

Director James Darrah talks with host Michael Bolton about the evolution of his O19 production of Handel's SEMELE and how the Festival fosters creativity and collab oration.

LET ME DIE creator Joseph Keckler sat down with Opera Philadelphia in the spring to talk about his world premiere work for Festival O19.

We Shall Not Be Moved stars Lauren Whitehead and Adam Richardson join Opera Philadelphia's Frank Luzi and Michael Bolton to talk about the O17 hit and bringing it to Opera on the Mall. Discover more at operaonthemall.org.

Director James Darrah and soprano Patricia Racette discuss NE QUITTEZ PAS: A Reimagined La voix humaine with Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton.

Stephanie Blythe (aka Blythely Oratonio), Dito van Reigersberg (aka Martha Graham Cracker), and director and performer John Jarboe sit down with Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton to talk about Queens of the Night, drag, and opera.

A discussion with Opera Philadelphia New Works Administrator Sarah Williams, composer Lembit Beecher, and mezzo-sopranos Frederica von Stade and Marietta Simpson about Sky on Swings and developing new work at Opera Philadelphia, led by Vice President of Community Initiatives Michael Bolton.

Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton talks to conductor Corrado Rovaris, soprano Brenda Rae, and tenor Michael Spyres about bringing a classic – Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor – back to the Academy of Music after more than twenty years.

Like the 411 of O18, but Philly style: This is your guide to Opera Philadelphia's Festival O18, taking place September 20-30. With hosts Frank Luzi, Vice President of Communications at Opera Philadelphia, and Michael Bolton, Vice President of Community Initiatives at Opera Philadelphia, and special guest Kevin Feeley, Communications Manager at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Operatic bass Morris Robinson appears on "The MOJO" with Stephanie Renee on Friday, September 16, to discuss his upcoming recital and his appearance in Puccini's TURANDOT with Opera Philadelphia.

Peter Crimmins reports on Opera Philadelphia's production of CHARLIE PARKER'S YARDBIRD making its NYC premiere at the historic Apollo Theater

CBS Radio coverage of Opera Philadelphia's partnership with the Apollo Theater

Lawrence Brownlee discusses the opera Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD with Dan Reed of WXPN-FM (88.5)

Lawrence Brownlee discusses the world premiere of Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD with Stephanie Renee on The Mojo on WURD-AM (900)

Lawrence Brownlee discusses the world premiere of Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD with Dyana Williams and Derrick Sampson on "Soulful Sundays" on WRNB-FM (100.3)

Lawrence Brownlee and Damien Sneed perform selections from Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD and Spiritual Sketches on Sirius/XM Real Jazz Channel 67.

In this edition of In Tune with Opera Philadelphia, host Michael Bolton provides prepares listeners for the World Premiere of composer Daniel Schnyder and librettist Bridgette A. Wimberly’s CHARLIE PARKER'S YARDBIRD, a commission by Opera Philadelphia as part of its American Repertoire Program. The podcast includes a brief bio of the historic Charlie Parker, reviews the opera’s plot, and shares interviews about the creation of the piece with Daniel Schnyder and conversations with Lawrence Brownlee, Angela Brown, Tamara Mumford, and Will Liverman, about working together and discovering their characters.

Opera Philadelphia’s Michael Bolton hosts this podcast on the Opera’s upcoming production of Verdi’s masterpiece. In this edition, he discusses the creation of DON CARLO, the fascinating Spanish family dramatized in the opera,plot synopsis and musical highlights, plus a several insights into the opera with famed bass-baritone Eric Owens, who stars as King Philip II in the production.

Opera Philadelphia celebrates the East Coast Premiere of Theodore Morrison and John Cox’s OSCAR, which explores the trial and incarceration of Oscar Wilde. For this podcast, host Michael Bolton, Opera Philadelphia’s Vice President of Community Programs explores the opera's synopsis for patrons preparing to attend the opera during its performances from February 6-15, 2015 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. www.operaphila.org

Opera Philadelphia celebrates the East Coast Premiere of Theodore Morrison and John Cox’s OSCAR, which explores the trial and incarceration of Oscar Wilde. For this podcast, host Michael Bolton, Opera Philadelphia’s Vice President of Community Programs, shares information about the opera’s creation, Oscar Wilde’s history, and more, with brief interview segments with composer Theodore Morrison and David Daniels, who stars in the title role. Oscar is a co-commission between Opera Philadelphia and The Santa Fe Opera and is part of Opera Philadelphia’s American Repertoire Program, a commitment to produce one new American work every season for a decade.

Opera Philadelphia’s Michael Bolton provides a brief insight into the company’s production of Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar with information about Federico Garcia Lorca, the plot, musical style, and more.

Soprano Kelly Kaduce returns to Philadelphia as Anna Sorenson, the Danish soprano who will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of her beloved Nikolaus Sprink. No stranger to contemporary works and new operas, Ms. Kaduce talks about Anna’s strength of character as well as the glories of Kevin Puts’ lush and tuneful score. The Opera’s Michael Bolton hosts. For tickets and more information on Silent Night, visit http://www.operaphila.org/production/silent-night.

For this edition of In Tune, host Michael Bolton speaks to tenor William Burden, who stars in Silent Night as Nikolaus Sprink, an operatic tenor turned soldier inspires a moment of peace through the sound of his voice and the power of music. Mr. Burden talks about the thrill of creating a new opera and losing himself in his characterizations. For tickets and more information on Silent Night, visit http://www.operaphila.org/production/silent-night.

For those attending the East Coast premiere of Silent Night during its February 8-17th performances at the Academy of Music, In Tune host Michael Bolton reviews the major characters who make up the French, German and Scottish contingents in the opera and outlines the opera’s plot in a synopsis.

For this edition of In Tune, co-hosts Michael Bolton and Maren Montalbano interview one of Philadelphia’s favorite baritones, Troy Cook, who stars in the February production of Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell’s Pulitzer Prize winning opera, Silent Night. Mr. Cook talks about his role in the opera as Father Palmer, a role he created at the world premiere of the opera and reprises in Philadelphia, and this fascinating and beautiful new work.

The "material girl" at the heart of Abbé Prévost's novella, Manon Lescaut, is one of literature's most charming yet enigmatic heroines. She has inspired no less than 4 operas, 2 ballets, films and more - including Giacomo Puccini's first major success. In Tune with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, hosted by Michael Bolton and Maren Montalbano, takes a look at Puccini's lush romantic score in preparation for OCP's April 2012 production of the opera. These performances at the Academy of Music mark the first professional Philadelphia performances of the opera in 25 years and stars 2011 Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Winner Michelle Johnson, Thiago Arancam, Troy Cook and Daniel Mobbs. Musical excerpts on the podcast are provided by Allegro Music Group on the Opera d'Oro label, catalogue number 1428.  This complete recording can be purchased online at http://www.allegro-music.com/online_catalog.asp?sku_tag=OPD31428.

For those who find themselves in the company of poet Gregor Mittenhofer, the results may be as dramatic as the deadly snowstorm that swirls around the mountain inn where they find themselves. Hans Werner Henze, considered to be one of the foremost composers of our time, brings us this powerful and acclaimed opera.Listen to In Tune with the Opera Company of Philadelphia to find out more this upcoming production, part of OCP's Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman Theater. A Philadelphia-area Henze enthusiast takes us through this 1961 masterpiece, reviews the genesis of the opera, and provides a musical guide. This podcast is hosted by OCP's Michael Bolton.These performances mark the Philadelphia Premiere of the work, which has not been performed in the U.S. for nearly 20 years. Elegy for Young Lovers is produced in association with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Curtis Opera Theatre, and Kimmel Center Presents.

Listen in for a preview of OCP's February production of Mozart's comic gem, including interviews with OCP Artistic Director Robert B. Driver, soprano Elizabeth Reiter, musical excerpts, plot synopsis and more.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia will host the local premieres of two exciting new American operas over the next several months: Nico Muhly and Stephen Karam's Dark Sisters and Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell's Silent Night. Both operas had their world premiere in November 2011. Podcast hosts Michael Bolton and Maren Montalbano talk with two Philadelphia favorites, soprano Jennifer Check (Almera in Dark Sisters) and baritone Troy Cook (Father Palmer in Silent Night) about these operas and their experience working with the amazingly gifted creators of these operas.

Opera’s ultimate temptress opens the season with a sizzle in this classic production that transports you to sultry Seville. The story of a beguiling gypsy who sets her sights on a naïve but passionate young corporal, Carmen traces a tale of seduction, obsession, and deadly betrayal. Bizet’s masterpiece features many of opera’s most powerful melodies, from the bewitching “Habanera,” to the passionate “Seguidilla,” and the bravura of the “Toreador” song, capturing the imagination from the first notes of its renowned overture. Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton, this edition of In Tune with the Opera Company of Philadelphia features interviews with Carmen cast members Rinat Shaham, David Pomeroy and Ailyn Pérez and provides in depth information about the Company's free public HD screen simulcast of Bizet's opera at Independence Mall in the Independence National Historical Park.

Opera’s ultimate temptress opens the season with a sizzle in this classic production that transports you to sultry Seville. The story of a beguiling gypsy who sets her sights on a naïve but passionate young corporal, Carmen traces a tale of seduction, obsession, and deadly betrayal. Bizet’s masterpiece features many of opera’s most powerful melodies, from the bewitching “Habañera,” to the passionate “Seguidilla,” and the bravura of the “Toreador” song, capturing the imagination from the first notes of its renowned overture. Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, In Tune features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!

This arresting opera is based on the classic Greek myth of Phaedra, wife of Theseus, the Athenian King who vanquished the dreaded Minotaur. Phaedra’s forbidden and unrequited love for her stepson, Hippolyt, embroils her in a tragic battle between feuding goddesses Aphrodite and Artemis for his affections, and ultimately results in Hippolyt’s demise at his father’s hand and Phaedra’s death at her own. The New York Times praised its 2007 World Premiere for “... a consistent rhythmic vitality and often an otherworldly beauty that is hard to resist.” A new production for the American Premiere is conceived by Artistic Director Robert B. Driver with designer Philippe Amand, creators of the June 2010 new production of Orphée et Eurydice for the Opera at the Perelman Series. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts. Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, In Tune features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!

From Madama Butterfly and Turandot to La bohème’s Mimi, composer giant Giacomo Puccini is famous for the grace and strength of his glorious heroines. Enter Floria Tosca, a diva with flashing eyes and a jealous heart who loves only one man – Mario Cavaradossi. When he is taken as a political prisoner, his captor, Baron Scarpia, has met his match in Cavaradossi’s faithful Tosca. Featuring the breathtaking Te Deum chorus and the renowned tenor anthem E lucevan le stelle, plus one of the most famed soprano arias in all of operatic repertoire, Vissi d’arte, Puccini’s beloved work has not been seen at the Opera Company of Philadelphia for over ten years. Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, each edition features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, each edition features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more! Never in the history of romance were two lovers more star-crossed than Shakespeare’s passionate Romeo and Juliet. This universal story has been adapted in countless plays and films, in popular culture and in dance, but perhaps no medium better expresses the love, longing and ultimate tragedy of this fated pair than Gounod’s sweeping and supreme opera. Replete with ecstatic French melodies, this heartbreakingly beautiful production arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, each edition features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!