Podcasts about Opera Omaha

On the April 25 Friday LIVE at Nebraska Public Media, host Genevieve Randall has lively conversations about: the next concert by Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra (1:45); Nebraska Repertory Theatre's production of "Urinetown: the Musical (20:32);" Neihardt Spring Conference (26:30); Jessica Korgie's new book (36:30); and WanderNebraska Adventures (50:07). Also, the poetry of Ted Kooser read by Stephen Buhler (13:36), a Ross film review by Kwakiutl Dreher (45:08) and a preview of Opera Omaha's next production (58:33).

On the April 25 Friday LIVE at Nebraska Public Media, host Genevieve Randall has lively conversations about: the next concert by Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra (1:45); Nebraska Repertory Theatre's production of "Urinetown: the Musical (20:32);" Neihardt Spring Conference (26:30); Jessica Korgie's new book (36:30); and WanderNebraska Adventures (50:07). Also, the poetry of Ted Kooser read by Stephen Buhler (13:36), a Ross film review by Kwakiutl Dreher (45:08) and a preview of Opera Omaha's next production (58:33).

[@1 min] Alright, this week...we go Inside the Huddle with Timothy Murray. The American baritone is having a breakout season which includes his debut at the Met and singing a title role at Opera Omaha this spring! Later this month, he brings his celebrated Don Giovanni to Opera Philadelphia... [@25 min] Then, we review the recording career of an artist who holds the record for Classical Grammy wins…and if you're thinking of The Crossing, not yet…Keep listening to find out who. GET YOUR VOICE HEARD operaboxscore.com facebook.com/obschi1 operaboxscore.bsky.social

[@4 min] Alright, this week...we go Inside the Huddle with Timothy Murray. The American baritone is having a breakout season which includes his debut at the Met and singing a title role at Opera Omaha this spring! Later this month, he brings his celebrated Don Giovanni to Opera Philadelphia... [@29 min] And then…as classically trained church singers head into the busiest week of the year, a galvanizing essay makes us all wonder if our acceptance of the status quo makes us are part of the problem. [@41 min] Plus, in the "Two Minute Drill"…bouncing back from his loss at the Oscars, Ralph Fiennes goes after an International Opera Award, and Anita Rachvelishvili takes Peter Gelb to court, and we're not talking tennis here. GET YOUR VOICE HEARD operaboxscore.com facebook.com/obschi1 operaboxscore.bsky.social

Shaq Jones, aka Scottie Pigeon, is a dancer and DJ.Jones uses his platform to center the experience of Black men in the arts. He grew up in North Omaha and attended Lincoln University of Missouri, a historically Black college, where he led the school's dance troupe before graduating in 2017. He returned to Omaha and began collaborating with various performing arts organizations around town, including AP's Legacy Dance Studio, the annual Omaha Beautillion event, Omaha Performing Arts and Opera Omaha.Scottie Pigeon is Jones' DJ persona. He began teaching himself the skill in 2019 at the encouragement of his father, who is also a DJ. The Union for Contemporary Arts selected Jones for the 2024 Inside/Outside Fellowship, where his work centered on sound and movement exploration.Jones and Michael Griffin are talking about where Jones finds inspiration, how his dance and DJ experiences inform each other, and how he uses his work to curate emotional experiences for an audience.

Artist Lee Emma Running talks about her childhood independence and an insatiable curiosity underpinning a lifetime dedicated to making art. Together with iron, glass, paper or bone, Running illuminates our human intersection with the world's edge spaces and its cabinets of curiosities.Running engages audiences in conversations about the impact of human-built systems on the natural world through the creation of arresting objects and installations using material such as cast iron, enamel, glass, bone, and handmade paper. She has been awarded numerous arts grants and residencies, such as being a Foundry Resident in the Arts/Industry program at Kohler Co. and Artist in Residence with Opera Omaha, as well as being one of the artists partnering in creating art for Omaha Library's new central branch. Running's work is held by numerous museums and other organizations. She was a Professor of Art at Grinnell College from 2005-2021 and now lives and works in Omaha.

It's January 20th, 2025!  And we have the scoop of the year!  Opera Omaha has announced their 2025-2026 season effective today, January 20th, and we have all the information here to share it with you! We talk with Allison Swenson, General Director and Katrina Thurman the Director of Artistic Administration about all of the exciting line-up of productions! Their new season has subscriptions beginning at $38, which is basically 2 for 1 price! We also talked about the events coming up that lead up to their new season and had an enjoyable conversation about each of them! OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO:  Website & Tickets: www.operaomaha.org  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha Opera Omaha, 1850 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 402.346.7372   HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!   ©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.   The Barber of Seville is licensed under Creative Commons  through musopen.org. https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/  

Maggie Wood, executive director of Film Streams, talks about working in the nonprofit world, especially in building welcoming communities and elevating the arts and cultural landscape. wood shares the evolution of her leadership, influenced not only by her work experience but also insights revealed during international travel and a recent career break.Born and raised around Bloomington/Normal, Illinois Maggie Wood came to Omaha in 1997 with the Clark Construction Group, as part of the general contracting team that built the Roman L. Hruska Federal Courthouse and then spent the following decade focusing on business development and operational management within the construction and supplier industry in Omaha. Building on her degree in Theater Arts and Communications from Eureka College, in 2006, Wood transitioned to the non-profit sector with development and operational management roles at Opera Omaha, Film Streams, and Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, before her leadership and strategic acumen took her to Inclusive Communities in 2015, where she served as Executive Director for close to 8 years. Earlier this year, Wood was appointed the new Executive Director of Film Streams.

Opera Omaha is always a pleasure to visit, and their 2024-2025 season promises more Opera to Go, Opera in Conversation, Opera Outdoors, Poetry in Music and so much more.  Plus they will have three productions in their season, with an additional family friendly opera that we will let Allison Swenson, General Manager and Katrina Thurman, DIrector of Artistic Administration tell you all about what's in store! Their season will consist of:  "Don Giovanni",  October 18 & 20.  The Rake's Progress, February 7 and 9, 2025. And "Giulio Cesare" May 1, 2025.  There will be a separate event for families to enjoy opera called "Fantastik Mr. Fox" June 5-8, 2025. Remember to get your tickets for the season now, and just for new subscribers you can get three operas for the price of two, which is as low as $38 for the package. Single tickets go on sale in August.  Tickets can be purchased at operaomaha.org through Ticket Omaha or call their box office 12-5 Monday through Friday at 402-345-0606. And don't miss Opera Outdoors at Midtown Crossing's Turner Park on September 6th! It's a free family friendly event!   OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO:  Website & Tickets: www.operaomaha.org  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha Opera Omaha, 1850 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 402.346.7372   HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!   ©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.   Don Giovanni K 527-9 is licensed under Creative Commons  through musopen.org. https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

On the May 3 Friday LIVE, host Genevieve Randall and guests talk about: violinist Joshua Bell's concert; Norfolk Art Center's 17th Annual Juried Show; “Pictures At An Exhibition” concert by Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra; the next Nebraska Communities Playhouse production; a play at the Lincoln Community Playhouse; Jason Horner's last concert directing Lincoln Choral Artists; and Opera Omaha's final production of the season. Also, more poetry from Siwar Masannat, a Ross film review and a look at a concert by the Omaha Chamber Music Society.

On the May 3 Friday LIVE, host Genevieve Randall and guests talk about: violinist Joshua Bell's concert; Norfolk Art Center's 17th Annual Juried Show; “Pictures At An Exhibition” concert by Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra; the next Nebraska Communities Playhouse production; a play at the Lincoln Community Playhouse; Jason Horner's last concert directing Lincoln Choral Artists; and Opera Omaha's final production of the season. Also, more poetry from Siwar Masannat, a Ross film review and a look at a concert by the Omaha Chamber Music Society.

On this week's "Friday LIVE Extra" Opera Omaha, Lincoln Literacy and Sandhills Symphony.

On this week's "Friday LIVE Extra" Opera Omaha, Lincoln Literacy and Sandhills Symphony.

Lee Emma Running is an artist who sculpts with animal bones, glass and precious metals. She uses her work to engage audiences in conversations about the impact of human-built systems on the natural world, and explore the intersection of art and science. Running's work “Opera Coat” was unveiled on Nov. 11 at Kaneko, the culmination of her year-long residency with Opera Omaha. “Opera Coat” is an enameled cast iron sculpture, embellished with copper and bronze. It's a direct cast of a coat in Opera Omaha's costume wardrobe, meaning each piece of the sculpture is cast exactly from the fabric. The piece is on display at Kaneko through Feb. 11 and here is Running's conversation with Michael Griffin. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/riversidechats/support

On the Dec. 8 Friday LIVE from Nebraska Public Media, host Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: "Elf: The Musical" in Hickman; events at The BLUEBARN Theatre in Omaha; a production by the Beatrice Community Players; Yorkshire Playhouse's holiday performances; The Wildwoods concert at The Lark in Hastings; Lincoln Community Playhouse's presentation of "Finding Nemo, Jr.;" events at Olde Glory Theatre in Seward; and the Lincoln Choral Artists' holiday concert. Also, poetry from Katie Marya, another Ross film review and a preview of a performance by Opera Omaha.

On the Dec. 8 Friday LIVE from Nebraska Public Media, host Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: "Elf: The Musical" in Hickman; events at The BLUEBARN Theatre in Omaha; a production by the Beatrice Community Players; Yorkshire Playhouse's holiday performances; The Wildwoods concert at The Lark in Hastings; Lincoln Community Playhouse's presentation of "Finding Nemo, Jr.;" events at Olde Glory Theatre in Seward; and the Lincoln Choral Artists' holiday concert. Also, poetry from Katie Marya, another Ross film review and a preview of a performance by Opera Omaha.

On this week's Friday LIVE Nov. 17 from Nebraska Public Media, Andy Hermann, Dave Hughes, and guests have lively conversations about: Chase Hasty The Magician's performance in Holdrege; the next Lincoln Organ Showcase concert with Eldred Marshall; Keri Chryst and the French Connection in Grand Island; Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble concert in Lincoln; Ted Wheeler's new book and appearance; “Loosely Assembled, “ the exhibit curated by Karissa Johnson at WallSpace-LNK; Keri Chryst's residency in Hastings; and Opera Omaha and Nebraska Writers Collective's Poetry & Music Project. Also, poetry from Jessica Poli and a preview of Voices of Omaha's "Messiah" performance.

On this week's Friday LIVE Nov. 17 from Nebraska Public Media, Andy Hermann, Dave Hughes, and guests have lively conversations about: Chase Hasty The Magician's performance in Holdrege; the next Lincoln Organ Showcase concert with Eldred Marshall; Keri Chryst and the French Connection in Grand Island; Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble concert in Lincoln; Ted Wheeler's new book and appearance; “Loosely Assembled, “ the exhibit curated by Karissa Johnson at WallSpace-LNK; Keri Chryst's residency in Hastings; and Opera Omaha and Nebraska Writers Collective's Poetry & Music Project. Also, poetry from Jessica Poli and a preview of Voices of Omaha's "Messiah" performance.

On this week's Friday LIVE Oct. 27 from Nebraska Public Media, Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: Nebraska Storytelling Festival; "Dracula's Ship" in McCook; Peter Flaherty at the Carson Center; Anna Bemis Palmer Museum grand opening celebration in York; Opera Omaha's production of "Don Pasquale;" and Arts for the Soul's "Sing from the Heart: The Power of Words (& Music!)" with Matt Mason. Also, poetry from Kimberly Reyes.

On this week's Friday LIVE Oct. 27 from Nebraska Public Media, Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: Nebraska Storytelling Festival; "Dracula's Ship" in McCook; Peter Flaherty at the Carson Center; Anna Bemis Palmer Museum grand opening celebration in York; Opera Omaha's production of "Don Pasquale;" and Arts for the Soul's "Sing from the Heart: The Power of Words (& Music!)" with Matt Mason. Also, poetry from Kimberly Reyes.

Ballet dancer and founder of American Midwest Ballet, Erika Overturff, shares her journey as a professional ballet dancer, the demands on the body and mind, and the rewards of creative expression. She also talks about ballet's importance and the motivations behind founding a professional ballet company.Erika Overturff began her training in Iowa at the Academy of Ballet, studying at various summer programs, then after graduating high school early as valedictorian, She earned in just three years her B.F.A. in ballet performance and teaching from the University of Utah. Overturrf went on to dance with various ballet companies performing principal and soloist roles in a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire. She has also been a faculty member and guest teacher for schools around the United States. Overturff has collaborated with Omaha Theater Ballet, Opera Omaha, Omaha Symphony, and Joslyn Art Museum in choreographing completely original ballets and fresh interpretations of classic works.

Recorded September 19th, 2023. *Please note that this discussion contains topics of sexual violence and graphic descriptions of war. Please listen at your own discretion. ‘Women and War' is the theme of the 2023 Wexford Festival Opera (24 Oct-5 Nov). Developed by Wexford's Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi, this year's programme uses the medium of opera to explore how war is experienced, endured, and articulated by women. The three main stage operas at Wexford will be: Zoraida di Granata (1822) by Gaetano Donizetti; L'Aube Rouge (1911) by Camille Erlanger; and La Ciociara (Two Women) (2015) by Marco Tutino, based on the novel by Alberto Moravia. In anticipation of this innovative programme, the Trinity Long Room Hub is hosting a special discussion to explore the representation of ‘Women and War' in literature, theatre, music, and visual art. The Festival's acclaimed Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi will join the celebrated Irish Times foreign correspondent Lara Marlowe and the Trinity Long Room Hub Director, Eve Patten, for a wide-ranging conversation on the themes and vision behind this year's Wexford Festival Opera. This unique collaboration event, which will include both film and music excerpts from the opera programme itself, is open to all and not to be missed. Speakers: Rosetta Cucchi is the Artistic Director of the Wexford Festival Opera and an experienced director in many of the world's greatest opera houses. She is also a pianist, and has a master's degree in Theatre Studies from the University of Bologna. From 2006 to 2018, she was the Artistic Director of Fondazione and Symphonic Orchestra Arturo Toscanini, Parma. Her most recent and future directing projects include Tutino's La Ciociara, Wexford Festival, Figaro and La Bohème, Boston Lyric Opera, Adriana Lecouvreur, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Rossini's Otello, Rossini Festival Pesaro, Eugene Onegin, Opera Omaha, USA, and L'Amico Fritz, Teatro del Maggio Musical Fiorentino. Lara Marlowe became a foreign correspondent for The Irish Times in 1996. Since her official retirement in April 2023 she has continued to contribute regularly to the Irish Times and radio stations in France, Ireland and the UK. She has worked extensively in France, the Middle East and the US, and reported on the war in Ukraine in 2022. Before the Irish Times, she wrote for Time Magazine, the Financial Times and the International Herald Tribune, covering many major world events and conflicts. Lara has received four press awards for her work for The Irish Times and was also awarded a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur for her contribution to Franco-Irish relations. In 2020, she published the best-selling memoir Love in a Time of War, My Years with Robert Fisk. Eve Patten is Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute and Professor of English at Trinity College, Dublin. She lectures and writes in the area of nineteenth and twentieth-century British and Irish literary history and has a special interest in the literature of war. Her most recent book is Ireland, Revolution, and the English Modernist Imagination (2022), and previous publications include Imperial Refugee: Olivia Manning's Fictions of War (2012), and, as co-editor with Richard Pine, Literatures of War (2008).

Artist Nathaniel Ruleaux talks about a life exploring identity, influenced by his indigenous Oglala Lakota Nation artistic heritage, rural western Nebraska life, and a love for theater, which he pursued academically and professionally across the country. Ruleaux also shares his personal awakening to indigenous rights and lore, which he explores in a fusion of contemporary and traditional visual arts.Nathaniel Ruleaux is an award-winning artist and culture worker currently located on unceded land of the Umónhon & Očhéthi Šakówiŋ in Nebraska. A partner, father, and member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, his work combines modern art with traditional indigenous imagery. He is a founding member of Unceded Artist Collective. Recently, he created work for Opera Omaha's 2023-2024 season and the national 2022 Indigenous Futures Survey. In addition to creating visual art, he is a classically-trained actor and educator. He received his MFA in Theatre from the University of Houston's School of Theatre and Dance after receiving a BA in Theatre Performance at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

We are basking in the after-glow of The Marriage of Figaro, and the best part is there's even more opera-goodness coming in Opera Omaha's 2023-24 Season!  We spoke with Lauren Medici, Director of Engagement Programs and Kurt Howard, Producing Director at Opera Omaha.  We have the line up of everything they have in store for us, so don't miss this amazing behind-the-scenes chat with Kurt and Lauren.  Their next event is Poetry & Music at the Benson Theatre on May 7th from 1PM to 3PM.  And in June, Opera to Go will have outdoor concerts in in three neighborhoods:  June 9th at Elkhorn Days June 16th at Gifford Park Neighborhood Market June 25th Florence Mill Farmer's Market And, Opera Omaha's Annual Opera Outdoors will be September 8th.  Opera Outdoors is a family-friendly outdoor concert featuring a sampling of opera's greatest hits and previews of Opera Omaha's upcoming season.  And then in October, their 2023-24 Season begins - so be sure to listen in to the operas they will be bringing to Omaha for us to enjoy. And don't forget their free Opera in Conversation Events and After the Curtain events to discuss the season operas!   OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO: For Tickets:  ticketomaha.com Website: www.operaomaha.org  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!   Francesco Maria Plave - La Traviata Act 1a courtesy of https://musopen.org.  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.  

This week on the March 24 "Friday LIVE" from The Mill in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket, Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: Beatrice Community Players new production; Queer Choir LNK's performance; and the next Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert. Also, a concert roundup, featuring music sponsored by: LAFTA, The Listening Room, Nebraska Chamber Players, Nebraska Wesleyan, and Polley Music Library. And, look at two arts events in Red Cloud and Norfolk, poetry from David Wyatt and a preview of Opera Omaha's production of "The Marriage of Figaro."

This week on the March 24 "Friday LIVE" from The Mill in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket, Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: Beatrice Community Players new production; Queer Choir LNK's performance; and the next Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert. Also, a concert roundup, featuring music sponsored by: LAFTA, The Listening Room, Nebraska Chamber Players, Nebraska Wesleyan, and Polley Music Library. And, look at two arts events in Red Cloud and Norfolk, poetry from David Wyatt and a preview of Opera Omaha's production of "The Marriage of Figaro."

The excitement is brewing!  Opera Omaha is ending this season with The Marriage of Figaro, and we had a lovely conversation with Michael Adams and Mary Feminear, who play the Count and the Countess in this beloved opera.  Mary and Michael are married in real life as well as their characters onstage, and it made for a great interview.  Our conversation was cut short because of technical problems, and we hope to talk with them again in the future. Both of these Creatives are immensely experienced and talented and it was an honor to talk with them.  Don't miss this famous and timeless opera, which is Directed by Dean Anthony and Conducted by Steven White.   Performances are March 31st and April 2nd and ticket prices begin at $19. You can get your tickets to this beloved opera, The Marriage of Figaro at ticketomaha.com.    Opera Omaha also offers their Opera in Conversation, The Art of Comedy: "Comedic Tropes at Types" which will be held at the Blackstone Theatre March 21st at 6PM.  And for a talkback after the opera, Opera in Conversation:  "After The Curtain Call" on April 4th at the Benson Theatre at 6PM.  These events are free of charge. OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO: For Tickets:  ticketomaha.com Website: www.operaomaha.org  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha Soprano Mary Feminear returns to Opera Omaha after last performing in Opera Under the Stars. This season Ms. Feminear will also perform the title role of Carlisle Floyd's Susannah with Wichita Grand Opera and Alice Ford in Verdi's Falstaff with Maryland Lyric Opera. Her previous performances include the Countess Almaviva with Maryland Lyric Opera, Micaëla in Bizet's Carmen and Zerlina in Mozart's Don Giovanni at the Grand Théâtre de Genève, where she was also a member of the Troupe des Jeunes Solistes, Ginevra in a workshop of Handel's Ariodante at the Opera Omaha One Festival, the soprano soloist in Mariana Sadovska's The Wreck at the Opera Omaha ONE Festival, and Amore in Cavalli's Il Giasone at the Château de Versailles. Other opera credits include the title role in Handel's Semele at Opera Omaha and Seattle Opera, Pamina in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte with Pacific MusicWorks, Proserpine in Charpentier's La Descente d'Orphee aux Enfers with Gotham Chamber Opera, and Polissena in Handel's Radamisto at Juilliard.   Baritone Michael Adams returns to Opera Omaha after last performing in Opera Under the Stars. This season, Mr. Adams will also sing the Count in Le nozze di Figaro with Madison Opera, Castro in La fanciulla del West with the Cleveland Orchestra, Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Opera Idaho, and Eugene Onegin with Vallejo Festival Orchestra. Last season, he made two company and role debuts: Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with Dallas Opera and Count in Le nozze di Figaro with Austin Opera. He also returned to the Deutsche Oper Berlin as the Count and Herald in Der Schatzgräber and Utah Opera for Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Other recent performances include Les pêcheurs de perles with Gran Teatre del Liceu; Eugene Onegin, Così fan tutte, and L'elisir d'amore with Seattle Opera; La bohème, Alcina, and Don Giovanni with Grand Théâtre de Genève; Die Zauberflöte, Silent Night, Alcina and The Little Prince with Washington National Opera; Manon with Des Moines Metro Opera, Pagliacci, Il barbiere di Siviglia, and La bohème with Utah Opera; and Show Boat at Glimmerglass Festival. ***** HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!   Music provided by musopen.com: Public Domain Mark 1.0 Le Nozze di Figaro - No. 11 Cavatina 'Porgi, Amor' Overture to The marriage of Figaro, K. 492 https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

This week on the Feb. 10 "Friday LIVE" from The Mill in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket, Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: new books by Dana Fritz, Joy Castro and Marylou Luther, who has also been featured on "Nebraska Stories:" Jazzmeia Horn's concert; the next concert by Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra; Opera Omaha's performance; and the premiere of Eric Ewazen's "Piano Concerto." Also, new poetry from Lucy Adkins and a preview of a new exhibit at the Durham Museum.

This week on the Feb. 10 "Friday LIVE" from The Mill in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket, Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: new books by Dana Fritz, Joy Castro and Marylou Luther, who has also been featured on "Nebraska Stories:" Jazzmeia Horn's concert; the next concert by Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra; Opera Omaha's performance; and the premiere of Eric Ewazen's "Piano Concerto." Also, new poetry from Lucy Adkins and a preview of a new exhibit at the Durham Museum.

In 1986 composer Anthony Davis and librettist Thulani Davis created an opera about the civil rights activist, with a story by Christopher Davis. The revised version comes to Seattle for the first time in winter/spring 2024, in a co-production shared with Detroit Opera, Opera Omaha, the Metropolitan Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Seattle Opera Dramaturg Jonathan Dean introduces X: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X 101, with musical examples from from the 2022 Boston Modern Orchestra Project recording of the opera conducted by Gil Rose and starring Davone Tines, Whitney Morrison, Ronnita Miller, Victor Robertson, Joshua Conyers, and Jonathan Harris. Special thanks to Glenn Hare.

Artist Catherine Ferguson reflects on her informal pathway into what has become for her a lifetime with an artistic practice. She talks about some of her particular exhibitions and pieces, such as work democratizing everyday objects, her installation in Barcelona, and the aesthetic design of the Opera Omaha production of Aida. Ferguson also talks about her fascination with alchemy and how in exploring that artistically she has also explored that for her own life.Catherine Ferguson is an artist whose work is featured in public and private collections across the region, including major Nebraska museums and at public venues. Ferguson is particularly well known for installations that are transcendent and transformative. Ferguson has also dedicated herself to benefitting the visual arts in the community serving on numerous public bodies and nonprofit boards.

Opera Now Magazine in their article, “Written in the Stars” profiled Hilary Ginther in May 2016 as one of ten young American singers intent on taking the opera world by storm, calling attention to her “substantial and richly colored instrument”. This was followed by her Philadelphia Orchestra debut in Bernstein's MASS under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, which was recorded by Deutsche Grammophon and released in March 2018, in commemoration of the composer's centenary. Most recent engagements include Olga in Eugene Onegin for Opera Omaha, Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia for Opera on the James, Adalgisa in Norma for Musica Viva Hong Kong, and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Santa Fe. My gratitude goes out to Hannah Boissonneault who edits our Masterclass episodes and to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode. You can help support the creation of these episodes when you join the Sybaritic Camerata on Patreon. Get started at patreon.com/mezzoihnen. Be on the Studio Class Podcast Megan Ihnen is a professional mezzo-soprano, teacher, writer, and arts entrepreneur who is passionate about helping other musicians and creative professionals live their best lives. Studio Class is an outgrowth of her popular #29DaystoDiva series from The Sybaritic Singer. Let your emerging professionals be part of the podcast! Invite Megan to your studio class for a taping of an episode. Your students ask questions and informative, fun conversation ensues. Special Guest: Hilary Ginther.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Detroit-based Jazz Pianist Michael Karloff on Anthony Davis's Malcolm X Opera .. After lying dormant for 36 years following its New York City Opera premiere, X was recently resurrected, with performances by Detroit Opera and BMOP to be followed nationwide by Opera Omaha, Seattle Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera for 2023-24 season. According to composer Anthony Davis, winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Music for The Central Park Five, there is no better time than now to revive X .. Michael talks his full involvement in this project and so much more .. Enjoy ..  Click here to listen.Thanks for listening and tuning into yet another Neon Jazz interview .. where we give you a bit of insight into the finest players and minds around the world giving fans all that jazz ..  If you want to hear more interviews, go to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino on the iTunes store, visit the YouTube Neon Jazz  Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/neonjazzkc, go The Home of Neon Jazz at  http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ and for everything Joe Dimino related go to www.joedimino.com When you are there, you can donate to the Neon Jazz cause via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ERA4C4TTVKLR4 or through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/neonjazzkc - Until next time .. enjoy the music my friends .. 

On the Oct. 28 program, Genevieve Randall, Shannon Claire and guests have lively conversations about: Opera Omaha's production of "Malcolm X;" Hannah Porter Occeña's flute concert; Concordia String Trio's concert; String Fling at The Most Unlikely Place; the next Carson Lecture; and the next Hastings Symphony concert. Also, poetry from Grace Bauer and a look at this weekend's Omaha Symphonic Chorus performance.

On the Oct. 28 program, Genevieve Randall, Shannon Claire and guests have lively conversations about: Opera Omaha's production of "Malcolm X;" Hannah Porter Occeña's flute concert; Concordia String Trio's concert; String Fling at The Most Unlikely Place; the next Carson Lecture; and the next Hastings Symphony concert. Also, poetry from Grace Bauer and a look at this weekend's Omaha Symphonic Chorus performance.

Getting it right is always important to us, and in this particular instance we took a bit more time to make sure we brought you the right podcast with all the right things.  Finally, we were able to meet Lauren Medici, Director of Engagement Programs, live and in-person after doing two years of podcasts remotely. And we had the pleasure of meeting Andrea Joy Pearson, Director of Belonging and Inclusion.  Together, we had a deep dive into their 2022-2023 Season and their new Opera, "The Life and Times of Malcolm X."  Opera Omaha is bringing this new work to the birthplace of Malcolm X:  here in Omaha.  And as always, they are working diligently to make sure that Opera is available to everyone.  Join us for this deep dive and lovely conversation with Lauren and Andrea.  You won't want to miss it!   2022-2023 Season Shows:  The Life and Times of Malcolm X Suor Angelica The Marriage of Figaro   OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO:  Website & Tickets: www.operaomaha.org  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha Opera Omaha, 1850 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 402.346.7372   HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!   Music is used with permission by ©Screaming Skull Productions ©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.   Terms of use:  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Generic License.  It is attributed to NonCommerical-NoDerivs and can be found here.   Terms of use:  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Generic License.  It is attributed to NonCommerical-NoDerivs and can be found here.   Terms of use:  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Generic License.  It is attributed to NonCommerical-NoDerivs and can be found here.   Royalty and Copyright Free Music provided by Musopen.org:  https://musopen.org/ 

Soprano, musician, performer, and singing teacher https://www.vannordstrandvoice.com/ (Shelby VanNordstrand) shares her love for singing and her passion for expressing stories through music. As well as her classical background, VanNordstrand also creates and performs avant garde music, including r u ok (created with Seth Shafer) which they performed at the 2022 https://www.undertheradaromaha.com/ (Omaha Under the Radar Festival). You can watch a video of that performance via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFNnGY1l0Y0 (this link here). https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media/about-us/faculty/music/shelby-vannordstrand.php (Shelby VanNordstrand) has appeared as a soloist with a wide range of ensembles and companies; including Lorin Maazel's Castleton Festival, New York Lyric Opera Theatre, Opera Omaha, Omaha Symphony, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, and the Simon Estes Young Artist Program.  VanNordstrand is passionate about connecting song and opera repertoire to today's audience. Her recital project “The Giving Voice Project: Ophelia” examines the gendered oppression of Hamlet's Ophelia from a twenty-first century view point through song, opera, and dance. She continues to share her love of song across the globe at many locations including Indonesia, Japan, China, Hawaii, and Lithuania. She is an alumnus of the SongFest program and is Associate Professor of Voice, Vocal Area Coordinator, and Director of Opera at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

On the Aug. 19 program Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: Blues on the Banks at Rowe Sanctuary; Flatwater Shakespeare Company's production of “Julius Caesar;" "Residual Stripes" art exhibit by Shannon Sargent at Wayne State; Janet Jeffries' performance at the Foundation Garden Performance Series; Jo Nelson's assemblage sculptures at Hastings College; Summerfest at The Lux Center. Also, poetry by Frank S. O'Neal, and Opera Omaha does "Opera Outdoors."

On the Aug. 19 program Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: Blues on the Banks at Rowe Sanctuary; Flatwater Shakespeare Company's production of “Julius Caesar;" "Residual Stripes" art exhibit by Shannon Sargent at Wayne State; Janet Jeffries' performance at the Foundation Garden Performance Series; Jo Nelson's assemblage sculptures at Hastings College; Summerfest at The Lux Center. Also, poetry by Frank S. O'Neal, and Opera Omaha does "Opera Outdoors."

Whether it's building a career or establishing successful working relationships, the importance of networking as a music professional cannot be undermined.In today's episode, stage director Stephanie Havey provides aspiring music professionals with the knowledge and first-hand experience. She discusses the inner workings of a stage director, her love for the art, the importance of artist collaborations, the shifting world of opera, navigating through collaborations with varying ideas, and her advice to anyone interested in directing.Winner of the Adelaide Bishop award for artistic quality and winner of the Opera America Director-Designer Showcase, Stephanie Havey has staged productions for Seattle Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Arizona Opera, Opera de Montreal, Atlanta Opera, Opera Omaha, New York City Opera, and Hawai'i Opera Theatre, among others.  Ms. Havey has created new productions for Boston Lyric Opera, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, the Lyrique-en-mer International Festival de Belle-Ile, The Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Charlottesville Opera, and Tulsa Opera.  She has also been a member of the staging staff at San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and The Santa Fe Opera. Upcoming engagements include debuts with Utah Opera, Dallas Opera, and Madison Opera, as well as returning to Opera de Montreal, Pittsburgh Opera, Atlanta Opera, Arizona Opera, Charlottesville Opera, and Finger Lakes Opera. Ms. Havey is a frequent collaborator for the development of new opera, staging new works with Opera Philadelphia for their Double Exposure event, OPERA America's New Works Forum, and three seasons as the Resident Stage Director for North American New Opera Workshop.

The Two Gay Geeks

For over 60 years, Opera Omaha has brought audiences outstanding production quality, artistry, and educational opportunities. Join us for an informative conversation with Opera Omaha's enthusiastic Director of Engagement Programs, Lauren Medici, and learn about their FREE Event, Opera Outdoors, which will be held August 20th, 2021 at Turner Park in Omaha! CONTACT INFORMATION FOR OPERA OMAHA:  Website: www.operaomaha.org  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha Opera Omaha, 1850 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 402.346.7372 ****** HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://www.platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!

Our sponsor - Houghton Hornswww.houghtonhorns.comMichael Anderson is Professor of Trumpet at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University. He is a member of the International Trumpet Guild Board of Directors and ITG Journal editorial committee, Executive Director of the Guild’s web site, and chairman of the ITG technology committee. He is the ITG Journal columnist for Trumpet Technology and has presented and performed at several ITG Conferences. Previously to his OCU appointment, he was on the music faculty of Dana College in Blair, Nebraska.Anderson was project manager of the ITG Journal anniversary CD-ROM, distributed to guild members in 2001 and is currently working on a DVD of all Journal articles and music supplements for the membership to be released in 2008. He founded and administrates the Trumpet Players’ International Network (TPIN), the oldest and most active Internet discussion list dedicated to the trumpet.His degrees are from Illinois State University (BM), and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MM). Primary teachers have been Dennis Schneider, Herbert Koerselman, and Arnold Jacobs. During his 2003 sabbatical, Anderson observed and studied with master teachers including Bill Adam, Vincent DiMartino, Ronald Romm, Michael Ewald, Karl Sievers, and William Pfund.Anderson is a tenured member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Lyric Theater Orchestra and the New Covenant Methodist Church Band. He performs regularly as a duo with Oklahoma City University Organist Timothy Olsen. He was a member of the Lincoln (Nebraska) Symphony Orchestra for 21 years, and performed often with the Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha. He was a founding member of the Omaha Brass Ensemble, and the Nebraska Brass, and was a member of the Palladium Brass Quintet. He was musical director for the Omaha Big Band and the Omaha Jazz Youth Project. He is an active freelance trumpeter, and has played for countless national tours; recording sessions; and jazz, orchestra and chamber music events.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Welcome to the fall 2020 season of SolTalk! In this episode, Sol Project Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal and Associate Producer Joey Reyes chat with director Lileana Blain-Cruz about some of her most recent projects, being a theatre artist in the time of sheltering-in-place, and what it means to create a safe rehearsal space.  Lileana Blain-Cruz (she/her) is a director from New York City and Miami and was recently announced as resident director at Lincoln Center Theater. She is a recipient of a Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and an Obie Award for Marys Seacole at LCT3. Recent projects include Anatomy of a Suicide at The Atlantic Theater Company, Fefu and Her Friends at Theater For a New Audience, Girls at Yale Repertory Theater, Faust at Opera Omaha, and The House That Will Not Stand at New York Theater Workshop.  She was a member of the Lincoln Center Director’s Lab, an Allen Lee Hughes Directing Fellow at Arena Stage, and a Usual Suspect of New York Theater Workshop. She was awarded a 2018 United States Artist Fellowship and the Josephine Abady Award from the League of Professional Theater Women.   She received her BA from Princeton and her MFA in directing from the Yale School of Drama, where she received both the Julian Milton Kaufman Memorial Prize and the Pierre-Andre Salim Prize for her leadership and directing. Upcoming projects include Dreaming Zenzille at St. Louis Repertory Theater and McCarter, and The Listeners, a new opera by Missy Mazzoli which will premiere at Opera Norway and Opera Philadelphia. Learn more at www.lileanablaincruz.com.  David Mendizábal (he/him) is an NYC based director, designer, one of the Producing Artistic Leaders of The Movement Theatre Company, and Associate Artistic Director of The Sol Project. Learn more about David and his work at www.davidmendizabal.com.   Joey Reyes (they/them) is a queer and non-binary grandchild of a Mexican immigrant, born and raised in Southern California with six younger siblings. In addition to being The Sol Project's Associate Producer, they also serve as the Executive Assistant and Line Producer at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, CT. Follow them on IG & Twitter at @mxjoeyreyes. Follow us on Facebook at The Sol Project and Instagram and Twitter at @solprojectnyc!

For over 60 years, Opera Omaha has brought audiences outstanding production quality, artistry, and educational opportunities. Join us for an informative conversation with Opera Omaha's delightful Director of Engagement Programs, Lauren Medici, and learn about all of the things Opera Omaha is continuing to offer in these unusual times.  There are still plenty of ways to learn and enjoy Opera!  Lauren will explain how! HCOF Creativity Prompts:  https://operaomaha.org/blogVirtual Prelude Talks:  https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/ or the Met stream: https://www.metopera.org/user-in…/nightly-met-opera-streams/Virtual Opera in Conversations:  https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/videos/1116766968697697/Poetry and Music Project, Facebook Live event May 17th at 11:30AM:  https://www.facebook.com/events/257745482277177/The Holland Community Fellowship:  https://operaomaha.org/community/engagement-programs/poetry-music-projectWebsite: www.operaomaha.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomahaYou Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha#VirtualOperaOmaha #meetopera #DontRushChallenge #operaomaha #virtualopera#artistsunderquarantineOpera Omaha, 1850 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 402.346.7372Info: opera@operaomaha.org **************************The Platte River Bard info:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theplatteriverbard Instagram: platteriverbard Twitter:  @platteriverbard Hashtags:  #theplatteriverbard  #platteriverbard  #communitytheatre  #nebraskatheatre #livetheatre  #nebraska  #performingarts  #community Email:  platteriverbard@gmail.comMusic is used with permission by Screaming Skull Productions. www.jollyrogerskc.com© The Platte River Bard Podcast, 2019, Chris and Sheri Berger

Maestroe Ed Polochick and Principal Horn Greg Helseth discuss this weekend's performance with Jack. KLIN listeners are invited to join LSO for an intimate performance of Britten’s poetic Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, featuring tenor Taylor Stayton (most recently seen by Nebraska audiences as Nemorino in Opera Omaha’s production of The Elixir of Love) and LSO’s Principal Horn Gregory Helseth. Bookending the Britten will be Brahms’ turbulent Tragic Overture and his intensely lyrical Symphony No. 3.

In this episode, Carlos answers the question "What is an orchestra's role in serving the community it is in?" In my journey to find out why musicians think classical music is relevant and important, Carlos' answer provides some important insight and wisdom as to why a community should care about having a symphony orchestra as part of it's culture.Mastering engineer - Brandon JochumCarlos' bio -Carlos Izcaray is Music Director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and of the American Youth Symphony. Praised by the international press as inspiring, spirited and conducting with nuanced sensitivity, he has appeared with numerous ensembles across five continents and is now firmly established as one of the leading conductors of his generation. Throughout his career Izcaray has shown special interest and prowess in tackling some of the most complex scores in the symphonic repertoire, while also championing a historically informed approach.On the symphonic platform he is leading ensembles such as the Pacific, St. Louis, North Carolina, Grand Rapids and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphonies, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Orchester der Komischen Oper Berlin, Malmö Symfoniorkester, Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música, Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá, Orchestra Regionale dell’Emilia-Romagna, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Macedonian Philharmonic, Orquestra Sinfônica da Bahia, Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia, Venezuela Symphony Orchestra, and Orquesta Sinfónica Municipal de Caracas, among others. Izcaray’s latest recording, ‘Through the Lens of Time’, featuring Max Richter’s Recomposed: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and violinist Francisco Fullana, was released in March 2018 on the Orchid Classics label, and has garnered widespread attention and praise.Izcaray is equally at home with opera repertoire, receiving rave reviews for his performances at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Utah Opera, Opera Omaha, International Opera Festival Alejandro Granda in Peru, and in particular at the Wexford Festival Opera, where he has led many productions since the opening of Ireland’s National Opera House. His 2010 performances of Virginia by Mercadante won the Best Opera prize at the Irish Theatre Awards.A strong believer of supporting the younger generations, Izcaray has worked extensively with the world’s top talents and leading music institutions, including his country’s own El Sistema. In 2014 he led a tour of the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, and he has additionally worked with the Fundación Batuta, Neojiba in Brazil, London Schools Symphony Orchestra, and Cambridge University Music Society, where he has also taught conducting workshops. Following a project at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in summer 2015 he returned there for a performance with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2017. Building on his passion for music education, he became the Music Director of the American Youth Symphony in autumn 2016.A distinguished instrumentalist himself, Izcaray has featured as concert soloist and chamber musician worldwide, and served as Principal Cello and Artistic President of the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra prior to dedicating his career fully to the podium. Increasingly active as a composer, Izcaray’s orchestral work Cota Mil was premiered by the Orquesta Sinfónica Municipal de Caracas. April 2018 saw the premiere of his Strike Fugaz by the American Youth Symphony, commissioned in association with the Human Rights Watch to commemorate, and celebrate, the campaign for worldwide social justice, equality and freedom - a cause for which Izcaray is a proud and committed advocate. Izcaray’s Cello Concerto receSupport the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

   Professor Kenyon serves as Head of the Lighting Design Program at Penn State.  An active professional designer with over 150 designs for theatre, dance, opera, and musicals to his credit, Prof. Kenyon has recently designed the lighting for several Penn State locations, including the 2013 re-creation of the iconic Nittany Lion Shrine, the Art Room in Schreyer House, and the new theatre space incorporated into the Tank 5 water tower adjacent to the SALA Building.   Prof. Kenyon is also the author of the new textbook, Theatre & Stage Photography, and offers stage photo workshops around the world.  His recent production work includes performances at The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Wolftrap, and the Qatar International Arts Festival. He has also designed for The Hangar Theatre, The Metropolitan Playhouse, Opera Delaware, Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania, Nebraska Rep, Russian Ballet Theatre of Delaware, Opera Omaha, University of Iowa, and MTI-Disney.  Prof. Kenyon has been involved in Native American theatre and dance for over 15 years, serving as resident LD for the American Indian Dance Theatre, and was involved in the complete reimagining of “Unto These Hills”, a massive outdoor spectacle celebrating the history of the Cherokee.   Prior to Penn State, William taught Lighting & Sound Design at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Prof. Kenyon received his BFA from the University of Connecticut, having studied with Jim Franklin, and his MFA from Brandeis University, having studied with Bob Moody, Dennis Parichy, and Karl Eigsti.  Prof. Kenyon serves as Chair of the History & Heritage Committee with USITT, and was recently elected Chair of the OISTAT Education Commission.  Member of USITT, OISTAT, IALD, IESNA, and USAA Local #829 in the areas of Lighting and Sound Design. I had the opportunity to meet William through our mutual interest in Technical Theater History. He helped introduce me to the George Izenour and George Thayer lighting collections currently residing at Penn State. It is also because of him that I have become more active in both USITT and OISTAT respectively in historical and heritage research, education, and publication.    It was great to finally sit down with him in Berlin, Germany at the Stage Set Scenery Event this past June and catch up.  

Yi Zhao is a Beijing-born, Paris-raised and U.S.-educated lighting designer currently based in Berlin and working internationally, whose designs for theater, opera, live music and dance are informed by a rigorous background in fine art photography and a passion for music. His lighting designs have been seen at Lincoln Center Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, Signature Theatre, Soho Rep., Ars Nova, the Guthrie Theater, Mark Taper Forum, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, American Conservatory Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, The Wilma Theater, Yale Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Huntington Theatre Company, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Opera Omaha, Hong Kong Arts Festival, Curtis Institute of Music, ArtsEmerson, Philadelphia FringeArts, Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and Ballet de Lorraine in France, among others. He has collaborated with directors & choreographers Lileana Blain-Cruz, Sarah Benson, Blanka Zizka, Les Waters, Liz Diamond, Joel Ferrell, James Bundy, Miguel Guttierrez, Michael Counts, Desdemona Chiang, Ralph Peña, Chris Bayes, Alec Duffy, Charlotte Brathwaite, and Nicole Canuso, among others. He holds degrees from the Yale School of Drama and the University of Chicago, and is a recipient of the 2016 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Theatre.

A collaboration that combines young poets and opera will showcase a project that’s teaching fledgling writers how their words can be made into music. Opera Omaha’s Poetry and Music concert takes place on Sunday at Kaneko in Omaha.

In Sidenote, Opera San José director of marketing and development (and retired opera singer) Aaron St. Clair Nicholson sits down with members of the opera world about the work of putting a production on the stage. In this episode, Nicholson talks with Michael Shell, directing of OSJ's season opener, Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio. About Michael Shell: Michael Shell returns in the 2018-19 season to direct the company premiere of Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio. Previously, Mr. Shell received critical acclaim for his direction of OSJ’s West Coast premiere of Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell’s Silent Night and Puccini’s La bohème. He made his OSJ debut as stage director of Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers in the 2014-15 season. Mr. Shell’s “visionary” and “masterful storytelling” is steadily leading him to be one of the most sought after directors in the United States. His “thoughtful and detailed score study” is shown in character development and relationships onstage as well as the complete visual world he creates. Shell has directed productions for Atlanta Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, Opera Omaha, Opera Tampa, Opera North, Virginia Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. He made his international directing debut at the Wexford Festival Opera in 2010 with a production of “Winners,” by American composer Richard Wargo and returned the next fall to direct Double Trouble – Trouble in Tahiti & The Telephone. He has written and directed three cabarets, including All About Love and The Glamorous Life – A group therapy session for Opera Singers, both for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Shell holds a BM and MM in Music/Vocal Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He was a Corbett Scholar at The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, as well as studying Acting and Scene Study on a school awarded scholarship at the internationally renowned H.B. Studios in NYC. He has been a guest faculty member at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Florida State University and Webster University, St. Louis, teaching Opera Workshop and directing Undergraduate Opera Workshop performances. In addition, he has been guest director at The A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute, Oklahoma University and is a frequent guest director at Indiana University.

Hi Friend, welcome to the blog and show notes for Episode 41 of Sally’s Performing Arts Lab Podcast. On Episode 41, my awesome guest is Stage Manager Cynthia Hennon Marino.  Her work with the ground-breaking immersive-devised opera, The Wreck, is just one of the things we discuss.   I’m your SallyPAL podcast host, Sally Adams. And every week I talk to people about creating original work for a live audience. Send an email anytime to Sally@sallypal.com. Because your ideas keep great conversations coming every week.   Check out sallypal.com/join for a cool free theatre resource called the Creator’s Notebook. You can also be a Sally ‘pal’ just by joining. There are other good reasons to join. Members get theatre cartoons, inside scoop on fresh productions, and entry into a larger creator community.   Stage Manager Cynthia Hennon Marino hit the ground running after getting an MFA in Stage Management from the College-Conservatory of Music. She went to New York and got hired almost immediately. She became a production assistant on the Broadway production of Equus starring Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe in 2008.   Cindy's journey started when she and her identical twin, Stacy Hennon Stone, did props for the musical Anything Goes their freshmen year of high school. The two now host a podcast called Twins Talk Theatre. The show is a series of great convos about working backstage.   Sister Stacy is a professional technical director in Long Beach, California. But neither twin planned on becoming a theatre professional. Cindy started by pursuing a degree in math. Stacy started in the business school. But theatre has powerful magnetic pull.   Each Hennon sister graduated from a different college with a theatre degree. Cindy’s sister headed to Southern California. Cindy followed when she found work with Palos Verdes Performing Arts.   Cindy and I talk about Long Beach Opera, the opera, Nixon in China, the LA opera, Hopscotch, and Portland Opera. She currently stage manages the opera, Faust, with the Oregon company. This latest venture features 3-D projections based on the work of sculptor John Frame.   The projections and projection mapping are a collaboration among designers Frame, Vita Tzykun, David Adam Moore, and Duane Schuler. It’s received a lot of attention from a previous reveal with Lyric opera in Chicago. Opera Wire called this production “a visual feast for the ages.”   But Portland’s production isn’t the most progressive thing Cindy’s done this year. In March, she and a small contingent with Opera Omaha embarked on a rare journey. The work they created is unique.   The Wreck is an immersive devised opera created in only 10 days. The Wreck borrows music and other bits from Slavik mythology and mermaid folklore. It features the writings of Anne Sexton, Alice Walker, and Adrienne Rich. It also floats on the music of Donizetti, Schubert, and Von Bingen. Ukrainian composer Mariana Sadovska adds new music creating an eclectic, otherwordly piece set in Omaha… sort of.   I know you’re going to enjoy what Cynthia has to say about stage managing and opera. There’s plenty of fresh ideas in the world of live opera performance. I can’t wait to see what she does next. Be sure and listen until the end of the interview for Concise Advice from the Interview, and Words of Wisdom from George.   Concise Advice from the Interview 7) Stage manage a show as opposed to a genre of theatre 6) Help the designers make a safe working environment for the performers 5) Focus on the show and focus on the people and everything else will fall into place 4) Go see opera! 3) Use physical cues to show you are open to a conversation 2) Experiment and have fun! 1) Think outside of the box   Thank you for following, sharing, subscribing, reviewing and joining. And thank you for listening. Download the SallyPAL podcast and listen on your drive to work. Or fall asleep to my recitatives like my sister does. Just be sure to let me know you’re out there.   Storytelling through plays, dances, opera, and other types of performances is the most important thing we do as a culture. That’s why I encourage you to share your stories. You’re the only one with your particular point of view. And SallyPAL is here with resources, encouragement, and a growing community of storytellers.   I want to help you tell your stories. All the stories ever expressed once lived only in someone’s imagination. Now… Think outside the box!

This week we welcome Anthony Rivera, singer and aspiring stage manager. He recently worked at Opera Omaha on Proving Up in the ONE Festival, the same festival Cindy worked at on The Wreck. He has worked previously with both Stacy and Cindy. We speak to him on how he transitioned from singing to backstage work, his desires to still perform, fulfillment in creating, and more! Attribution:   ----more---- Logo:Theater Masks by Nikita Kozin / Licence: CC BY 3.0thenounproject.com/term/theater-masks/516808/ Ritzy Remix font by Nick Curtis - www.nicksfonts.com/index.html Music and Soundcello_tuning by flcellogrl / Licence: CC BY 3.0freesound.org/people/flcellogrl/sounds/195138/ Flute Play C - 08 by cms4f / Licence: CC0 1.0freesound.org/people/cms4f/sounds/159123/ "Danse Macabre - Violin Hook" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) / Licence: CC BY 3.0 LicensesCC BY 3.0 - creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/CC0 1.0 - creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/  

Opera singer and Jew by choice, Marques Hollie discusses his journey and musical inspiration. Operatic tenor Marques Hollie, whose voice has been noted for its power, range, and triumphant qualities, has been singing professionally since 2008. Since his debut in Opera Omaha’s production of Verdi’s Aïda, he has gone on to perform more than 20 roles in the operatic canon, including rarely performed and new works. Additionally, he has made multiple appearances on the concert and recital stage (including, but not limited to, a New York Fashion Week runway). After a particularly meaningful Passover experience several years ago, he began seeking out opportunities (musical and non) to explore his identities as a Jew and a person of color. As an emerging Jewish leader, Marques was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Union for Reform Judaism’s JewV’Nation Fellowship, where he began developing Go Down, Moshe; a one man show that tells the Passover story through the musical tradition of Negro spirituals and slave narratives. In addition to his work on Go Down, Moshe, Marques has been a soloist for High Holidays services, spoken on panels about Jewish seeker-hood and the diversity of Jewish identity, and has helped facilitate creative Jewish ritual that is both meaningful and relevant.

Today we welcome Sound Designer Cricket S Myers to the show. She has recently worked with Stacy on Allegiance for Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and East West Players, and with Cindy on The Wreck for Opera Omaha. We talk to her about her trek through theater with sound design, her more recent shows, and how hard work, passion, and some luck can lead to success.Find more about Cricket and her upcoming shows at cricketsmyers.com. Attribution:   ----more---- Logo:Theater Masks by Nikita Kozin / Licence: CC BY 3.0thenounproject.com/term/theater-masks/516808/ Ritzy Remix font by Nick Curtis - www.nicksfonts.com/index.html Music and Soundcello_tuning by flcellogrl / Licence: CC BY 3.0freesound.org/people/flcellogrl/sounds/195138/ Flute Play C - 08 by cms4f / Licence: CC0 1.0freesound.org/people/cms4f/sounds/159123/ "Danse Macabre - Violin Hook" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) / Licence: CC BY 3.0 LicensesCC BY 3.0 - creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/CC0 1.0 - creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/