What is Opera, Anyway?

In this week's episode, Marcus chats with Jardena Gertler-Jaffe, a soprano from Western Canada who is the creator of “Our Singing Bodies”, an online platform for singers to explore, discuss, and make art about their bodies in singing, while also celebrating the craft and critiquing the discipline in which we make art. They talk about body image and body confidence as a singing artist, and the “super-human” activity that singing artist accomplish every time they perform. To find our more about or to contribute to “Our Singing Bodies,” you can head to oursingingbodies.com and @singingbodies on Instagram. You can keep up with Jardena at jardenasings.com and @jardenagj on Instagram. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this week's episode, Marcus chats with Tyler Bouque—a rising Baritone, Educator, and Musicologist—about the journey of “Modern” and “Experimental” Opera throughout history and how it gave way to the operas we have today that reflect current music and society. To learn more about Tyler and for more details on his upcoming book, you can find him at his website www.tylerbouque.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this week's episode, Marcus chats with Hailey McAvoy, a mezzo-soprano from Massachusetts who is living with Cerebral Palsy. Hailey discusses her journey into the performing world as a differently abled singer, along with some of the changes being made to accommodate more physically diverse singers! To keep up with Hailey and her journey, visit her website: haileymcavoy.com! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this episode, our host Marcus leads a discussion with Emily Martin and Elizabeth McDonald the creators and founders of em2connect—a company that facilitates artist development, provides resources for total inclusion in the arts, and cultivates a community of artists through their online network “From the Voice of” www.from the voice of.com. Listen in to find out how these brilliant women are cultivating the next generation of artists by challenging and connecting them with their process. Their next Group Facilitation starts March 21st and runs for 4 weeks. Find out more about it here https://www.em2connect.com/groupfacilitation --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

Today we bring back our very own Malinda Wagstaff to talk to us about how composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer brought the classic holiday movie, "It's A Wonderful Life," to the operatic stage! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this episode, host Marcus Jefferson and set designer Alex McCargar discuss the rich history of stage design and from a Viennese stage designer's perspective! This episode is sponsored by Opera NexGen in anticipation of their performance of Night Trip, a gripping new one-act opera from composer Carlos Simon and librettist Sandra Seaton. This one-night-only performance will be streamed live and online on Saturday, December 11th at 7:30pm Eastern. Learn more and get your tickets at operanexgen.org/nighttrip. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

Have you ever met a drag queen opera singer? Now you have! Mike Galvin is an operatic bass, but his drag persona Donatella Fermata sings a different tune. Find out how the intersectionality between drag, queerness, and opera opens up new opportunities for Mike as a performer and allows him to explore parts of himself and the opera industry that he never could have before. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

On today's episode of WIOA, collaborative pianist Michele Wong teaches us about Mozart's music and how he uses melodies and themes to paint a picture – with or without any words! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this episode, Marcus discusses the meaning, ins and outs, and impact of being a teaching artist with one of our very own: Stephania Romaniuk.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

Join us in season two as our new host Marcus Jefferson and guest Megan Graves explore the intricacies of studying and performing opera while dealing with the complications of a being a singer during worldwide pandemic! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this second interview with Alex McCargar, we discussed the intricacies of rethinking traditional stage design in the world of opera. To learn more about Alex, you can visit his website: https://www.alexandermccargar.com/ Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In today's episode, I chat again with soprano Malinda Wagstaff, this time about Czechia (a.k.a. the Czech Republic) and the operas that have come from its most prolific composers. We cover all of the bases from the nation's tumultuous beginnings and unfamiliar language to the whimsical motifs that make Czech opera unique. Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In part two of my interview with Jeremy Johnson, we talked about how new operas are created from start to finish, and where his role as dramaturg comes in. Be sure to listen to part one if you haven't already to hear all about what it means to be a dramaturg! To learn more about HGO, you can visit https://houstongrandopera.org Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In today's interview, I got to chat with Jeremy Johnson about what it means to be a dramaturg for the Houston Grand Opera, and how he got to turn his love for opera and historical research into a professional career. Plus, hear a fluke story about how he found the opera industry completely by accident! Be sure to look out for part two of this interview which will be released on June 9, 2021! To learn more about HGO, you can visit https://houstongrandopera.org Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

Initially, we were going to do an episode on the history of the orchestra pit and its sections. But as my conversation with singer and clarinetist Nathaniel Malkow progressed, a deeper story developed that was more personal and meaningful than a history lesson––and without a nod to Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf." We'll hear more about Nate's personal journey from his training as a clarinetist to becoming a baritone, and how his experience as an instrumentalist helps inform how he approaches music as a singer. Credits: Overture - Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors - Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer - Francesca Lionetta Host (and Editor of this episode!) - Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In today's episode, I chat with experienced backstage crew member Sara DeFranco about what it's like to be both a singer and a member of the backstage crew. Want to know what it's like to work on wardrobe, wigs, and hair in Opera and Theater? Listen and find out why the crew is an integral part of any successful production! Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In today's episode, I chat with scenic designer Alex McCargar about the historical significance of the famous Bibiena family and their impact on the opera world. Why was this Italian family of designers and architects so influential and where can we find their influence today? Listen and find out! Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this episode, I talk to WIOA founder and president Francesca Lionetta about the origins of our organization and our goals moving forward! As always, you can learn more about WIOA at www.whatisoperaanyway.org and on our social media @what_is_opera_anyway Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In today's episode, I chat with soprano Malinda Wagstaff about Giacomo Puccini's most prolific heroines and why their stories are important to opera. From Tosca's fiery passion to Mimi's sweet love, we dive into how four of the strongest female characters in opera each navigate their larger-than-life realities. Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

In this episode, I talk to Stephen Carr about what it means to be a stage director in opera. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephen-carr.net Credits: Overture – Reagan Casteel Producers, Technical Directors, Editors – Jeremy Lopez and Noah Sesling Executive Producer – Francesca Lionetta Host – Josh Lau --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support

What is Opera, Anyway? Is a podcast designed for lifelong learners who are interested in learning more about opera! In this trailer episode, our host, Josh Lau, explains who we are and what this podcast will be about. This free offering is made possible by generous donors – thank you! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatisoperaanyway/support