Podcast appearances and mentions of Virginia Opera

From playing Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” to working with some of the best orchestras in the world, Nathaniel Hackmann has etched his mark as a versatile artist. Nate grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, doing community theater at a very young age which eventually led to his love for theatre and performing arts. He talks about his initial goal of becoming the youngest baritone to make his debut at the Metropolitan Opera and life lessons along the way that made him realize the music theater community and the people who work in music theater are his tribe. Nate looks back on his turning point which came when he auditioned for the NETwork's Beauty and the Beast National Tour in 2010. Currently playing as Biff Tannen in the production of Broadway's “Back to the Future”, he reveals his in-depth knowledge of the film, its production history and the challenges it faced, and his starstruck moment with Huey Lewis. Nate reflects on his motivations as an artist, emphasizing service, community, and spreading joy, and why young artists should find their voice and what motivates them. Nathaniel Hackmann is an incredibly versatile actor who has held many roles alongside many of the world's greatest orchestras. He's played both Jean Valjean and Javert in “Les Misérables” on Broadway in addition to iconic roles like Jekyll and Hyde and Hunchback of Notre Dame for the internationally televised BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall. He was Curly with the John Wilson Orchestra in the acclaimed production of “Oklahoma!”. He's also an opera singer, and an alumnus of the prestigious Merola Opera Program in the San Francisco Opera and has performed with the Virginia Opera, Michigan Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, San Francisco, Lyric Opera, and many others. On the concert stage, he appeared with the John Wilson Orchestra, Sinfonia of London, Hong Kong Symphony, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, and Springfield Symphony. He can now be seen as Biff Tannen in the current production of Broadway's “Back to the Future”. Connect with Nathaniel: Instagram: @n8hackmann TikTok: @nathanielhackmann Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 342: Kurt Krause currently serves as the President and CEO of Visit Norfolk, joining in 2019. He is responsible for directing the effort to improve the quality of life for all residents through the economic and community benefits of tourism. His history in the hotel industry spans over 37 years, including 21 years with Marriott International, eight years with Aramark, and four years with Gold Key PHR. Arriving in Norfolk in 2014, he led the pre-opening efforts of Hilton Norfolk – The Main, followed by re-opening the historic Cavalier Hotel and Cavalier Beach Club in Virginia Beach. As well as his career in the hotel industry, Kurt served our Country initially as a Loaned Executive for the Transportation Security Administration. As a founding member of the largest start-up of any private or public organization, he was specifically responsible for many of the consumer-oriented deliverables. For his effort in the participation of founding the agency, in addition to the consumer element, he was recognized with the Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal by Secretary Norman Minetta in 2002. Kurt then joined his alma mater, Virginia Tech, as Vice President of Business Affairs; responsibilities included Facilities, Personnel, VT Police Department, Department of Environmental Health and Safety Services, Office of the University Architect, and Real Estate Management. On the personal side, after enjoying 20 years of playing amateur baseball (2003-2023), winning two national championships, Kurt found enjoyment on stage, participating in the Hampton Roads Dancing with the Stars, performing with the Virginia Opera, and with Hurrah Players in Annie (2018) and Dames at Sea (2019). On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Kurt Krause about how Visit Norfolk is revisiting a successful collaborative campaign from 2020 to see how they can apply those learnings to new need areas. He shares more about the “City with Bite” and how it has led to engagement with the local community in addition to visitors. Kurt also highlights current plans to tell the authentic history of Norfolk through a program called Pathways to Freedom, which tells the story of the Underground Railroad, recognizes the harrowing experiences of those who sought freedom, the individuals and institutions that aided them, and the historical locations that played a part in their journey.   What You Will Learn in this Episode: What Visit Norfolk is doing to break through the noise of a crowded travel and tourism market, including a collaboration with Virginia Beach that generated $6 million of hotel business in the summer of 2020 How can we apply insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep us moving forward as DMOs in new periods of need Why those that keep their marketing going and continue connecting with their audience, even when times are tough, recover faster when a crisis hits How the “City with Bite” series started, how they produce and market it, and how they envision making it financially sustainable Kurt shares one of the projects that Visit Norfolk is proud of right now, including how they recognize the city's problematic history and sensitively tell the authentic story of enslaved people in the area The “City with Bite” Initiative Kurt discusses the often overlooked but crucial role residents play in destination marketing. It's not solely about attracting out-of-town visitors but also engaging the locals in the activities and experiences the city offers. He shares more about the “City with Bite” initiative, a restaurant series now in its third season, which was invented to motivate residents to patronize local eateries again. The “City with Bite” series has rejuvenated the local culinary scene and enhanced residents' understanding and appreciation of the visitor economy. One distinctive feature of the “City with Bite” series is the inclusion of restaurant customers in their episodes. They are invited to share their experiences, reminiscences, and thoughts about the highlighted restaurants, fostering a deeper connection between the local community and the city's gastronomic landscape. Sharing Untold Stories Kurt also shares some of the upcoming projects Visit Norfolk is undertaking that he's particularly proud of. For the last two years, the team has been working on a project based on “Pathways to Freedom,” a book by Dr. Cassandra Newby Alexander that narrates the tale of the underground railroad in Norfolk. This venture aims to tell the untold stories of those who braved the perilous journey to freedom, a narrative often eclipsed by more popular accounts like those of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. Through this project, Visit Norfolk aims to shed light on the harrowing experiences of those who sought freedom, the individuals and institutions that aided them, and the historical locations that played a part in this journey. One of the most fascinating things about this initiative is the use of augmented reality (AR) to bring these historical narratives to life. For example, the technology can help recreate the imagery of the tunnels under St. Mary's Basilica, where the enslaved were known to escape. It can also show places such as the slave jail or warehouses that no longer exist. The goal here is to foster an understanding of the city's history and how it has progressed, not perfectly but significantly, towards becoming a diverse and inclusive community. Resources: Website: www.Visitnorfolk.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitNorfolkToday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitnorfolkva/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitNorfolkVA Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VisitNorfolkVirginia When This Is Over – VisitNorfolkVA – YouTube Together At Last, Norfolk-Virginia Beach – YouTube Together At Last Review The City with Bite: https://www.citywithbite.com/brothers/ Last Stop to Freedom We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://youtu.be/X562TchJuok Versatile singer/actor Damon Evans is a native of Baltimore, MD. He is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and Brooklyn College where he majored in Africana Studies. He has had an active career on Broadway, Television, and Classical Music. Most American audiences are familiar with his work as an actor on the popular tv sitcom The Jeffersons. He also portrayed Alex Hailey in the mini-series Roots: The Next Generation which is still considered one of the ten most watched mini-series in television history. Prior to his television work he appeared on Broadway in such shows as The Me Nobody Knows, Via Galactica, Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope, and Lost in the Stars. On stage he has toured with Pearl Bailey in Hello Dolly and became the first African-American actor/singer to portray the role of Jesus Christ in the authorized production of Jesus Christ Superstar. He has also appeared on the London stage in Carmen Jones for which he was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He was also active in the Classical Music and has appeared at the New York City Opera, the Tulsa Opera, The Cincinnati Opera, the Virginia Opera, the Canadian Opera Company, the Royal Opera in London, and the Netherlands Opera in Amsterdam. He has appeared as soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, the Boston Pops and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra amongst others. He has also recorded for EMI Records, Chandos Records, and Dorian Records. He's taught Voice and Musical Theater at Marymount Manhattan College and currently resides in Queens, NY with his husband and two dogs Princeton and Seewee.

On this episode, we hear from conductor Brandon Eldredge and soprano Tessa McQueen about Act One of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer's chamber opera, TWO REMAIN. Act One focuses on the true story of Polish poet Krystyna Zywulska surviving the Holocaust – and the psychological trauma she dealt with the rest of her life. It's based on her searing memoir of 1946, “I Survived Auschwitz.” Brandon and Tessa share more about Krystyna's life, about how challenging it is to perform and interpret a story of this magnitude, and how important it is to keep telling these stories. Brandon Eldredge has built a broad-scoped knowledge and experience as a conductor, pianist, and operatic coach, working across the United States, Germany, and Sweden. He is CCO's Associate Conductor and Chorus Master this summer, working on all three productions. During the year, he is on staff at Virginia Opera as Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master. Soprano Tessa McQueen is a first year Studio Artist in the Bonfils-Stanton Artists Training Program, and in addition to her role of Krystyna Zywulska in TWO REMAIN, she is in the chorus of Die Fledermaus and several opera scenes for the Short Works performances. Tessa received her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Oklahoma City University and will begin her Master's degree at Rice University this fall. Have questions or want to provide feedback? Email us at podcast@centralcityopera.org. To hear more stories from inside Central City Opera and buy tickets to the shows, visit us at centralcityopera.org.  

On this episode, stage director Ken Cazan and conductor Adam Turner share their insights into the musical THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. This is Ken's 20th season directing at Central City Opera, and Adam has worked on the music side for seven seasons since 2011, first as associate conductor, then as guest principal conductor. Ken and Adam dig into the story and sounds of this Tony-Award-winning musical, elaborating on the cast, the universal themes in the story, and the inspiration behind the work. And in celebration of our 90th Anniversary, they share what makes Central City Opera special to them. Ken Cazan is currently a Full Professor, Resident Stage Director, and Chair of Vocal Arts and Opera at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where he has worked since 2004. He is in demand internationally as a stage director and masterclass clinician. In 2017, he was inducted into the Grove Dictionary of Music as an expert in the works of Benjamin Britten. Conductor Adam Turner is currently Artistic Director of Virginia Opera. He is a champion of new works, and first emerged on the international stage at age 25 when he took over conducting responsibilities of a production of Les Miserables in Germany. Find out more about Ken and Adam on past episodes of the Central City Opera Podcast at ccopodcast.org. Have questions or want to provide feedback? Email us at podcast@centralcityopera.org. To hear more stories from inside Central City Opera and buy tickets to the shows, visit us at centralcityopera.org.

Subscribe to the Mindset Forge Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3xKWAqNDr. Jolly sits down with Barton Bryan to discuss her career as an Opera Singer and her work helping aspiring singers overcome performance anxiety and creating a strong mindfulness practice.  They also discuss the  parallels between Singers and Athletes.  Episode Highlights:  Discover the power of having a word or mantra that allows you to relax and reset your body in the middle of performance.Performance habits of singers that can work for any discipline or sportThe importance of not people pleasing and searching for external validation in performance. Soprano Katherine Jolly is an Associate Professor of Music (Voice) at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She has performed with Opera companies including Opera Theatre Saint Louis, Houston Grand Operaco., Florida Grand Opera, New York City Opera,  and appearing with conductors including George Manahan, Stephen Lord, Michael Christie,  and Jerry Steichen. Upcoming appearance include performances with Omaha Symphony, Lima Symphony and the Kingsbury Ensemble.  Katherine made her debut with Houston Grand Opera in 2012, in a world premiere of New Arrivals. “Katherine Jolly, also making her HGO debut, employed tender and expressive soprano vocals to make her portrayal of Iris poignant and unforgettable”, Operaworld.com.  She debuted with Virginia Opera, reprising Yum-Yum, in The Mikado, and returned to New York City Opera in 2010 for performances as Laoula in L'Etoile following her performances in Cendrillon, in 2007, where Variety wrote of her debut, “As the Fairy Godmother, coloratura soprano Katherine Jolly, delights with her endlessly flowing trills, runs and roulades.”    Dr. Jolly received the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Barbara Honn and Thomas Baresel. As certified yoga teacher with research background in music performance anxiety, she has presented workshops on yoga, singing, and performance anxiety at the Voice Foundation Symposium, Performing Arts Medical Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and is a frequent guest clinician with organizations including Schmidt Vocal Arts, Opera Theatre Saint Louis's Spring Training program, NATS, and Arts Bridge. Dr. Jolly is an Associate Professor of Voice at Oberlin Conservatory, where she recently received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching award.  Learn more about Dr. Katherine Jolly at: http://www.katherinejollysoprano.comWatch and Listen to Katherine JollyVideo: https://youtu.be/uks6SYYZ-X0Video: https://youtu.be/7mQLMBro_Z4Audio: https://spoti.fi/3OhLjVEFor more information about Coaching with Barton, contact him at: Email Barton: bgbryan@gmail.com Let's be 1% better each week by Forging a Powerful Athlete's MindsetMindset, Dedication, Athlete, Strength, Consistency, diet, exercise, grit, endurance, cardio, weights, powerlifting, functional strength training, flexibility, CEO, Entrepreneur, Business,  opera, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Classical Voice, Soprano, Coloratura, aria, baritone, basso, Mezzo Soprano, Lyric Opera, Cincinati Opera, New York City Opera, The Met, Metropolitan Opera, Davis, California, Broadway, musical theater, tenor, La Boheme, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Beethoven, Mindfulness practice for singers, Diaphragmatic breathing for singers, Visualization

Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony have announced plans to create an original opera.  As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the project will tell the real-life story of the Virginia couple whose relationship paved the legal pathway for inter-racial and same-sex marriage.

We all would want to be in class with Virginia-based artist Clayton Singleton. Clayton joins the Studio Noize fam and has a wide-ranging discussion about his colorful layered artwork, the art community in the Virginia area and the fantastic way that he approaches teaching. He tells us some great childhood stories that feed into reoccurring themes in his work. We talk about his use of adinkra symbols and how he balances his personal work and ideas with his robust portrait commission work. It's another great conversation on the Noize. Listen, subscribe, and share!Episode 137 topics include:the Virginia art communityadinkra symbols/meaningteaching with passiontaking care of familydoing portrait commissionsthe business of artthe Soul Finger Project at Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center“You sense what people call passion” when you are around Clayton Singleton. This Virginia resident's blend of verbal and visual art inspires, motivates and educates. In addition to once being a member of the Hampton Roads National Poetry Slam Team, he has been noted in many publications ranging from The Virginian Pilot to Time magazine. Clayton has created public art, won numerous awards, and produced several solo and group shows including Walking on Paper at ArtWorks gallery, Recent Works: ART INSTALLATION PERFORMANCE at SONO gallery and LOOK BEYOND at d'ART Center @The Selden, which benefited The Autism Society of Tidewater. The Virginia Opera commissioned Clayton to design sets for Porgy and Bess and Freedom's Journey. ​Clayton has served as a member of Norfolk's All-City Teaching Team, The d'ART Center Board of Directors and Norfolk Arts Commission. In addition to helping rewrite Norfolk's art curriculum, he produced solo exhibitions DEFINING BEAUTY at The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, CULTURAL SHIFT at The James Wise Gallery at Norfolk State University, LOVE OF THE GAME at The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and VALEDICTORIAN which consists of paintings, mixed media and video; an extension of the group show Looking Both Ways: Roots in African American Art at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. Moreover, Singleton exhibited at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, The Chrysler Museum of Art and has co-curated regional group exhibitions such as NOW: African-American Artists in Tidewater. Most recently he produced a solo exhibition FUTURE LOVE PARADISE which toured for two years beginning at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and ended at his alma mater Virginia Wesleyan University.See More: www.claytonsingleton.com + Clayton Singleton IG @claytonsingletonartistFollow us:StudioNoizePodcast.comIG: @studionoizepodcastJamaal Barber: @JBarberStudioSupport the podcast www.patreon.com/studionoizepodcast

HMS PINAFORE; OR, THE LASS WHO LOVED A SAILOR COMPOSER: Arthur Sullivan LYRICIST: W.S. Gilbert BOOK: W.S. Gilbert DIRECTOR: W.S. Gilbert CHOREOGRAPHER: John D'Auban PRINCIPLE CAST: Blanche Roosevelt (Josephine), J.H. Ryley (Sir Joseph), Hugh Talbert (Ralph Rackstraw) OPENING DATE: December 1st, 1879 CLOSING DATE: December 27th, 1879 PERFORMANCES: 28 SYNOPSIS: Josephine, the daughter of a British Naval Captain, has become the object of two men's desires: Ralph, a lowly Sailor, and Sir Joseph, the First Lord of Admiralty. Trapped between society's expectations and her own heart's desires, Josephine must make a decision on whom to marry. Rupert and Richard Holmes detail the unparalleled significance on musical theatre history by Gilbert and Sullivan's second major collaboration, H.M.S. Pinafore, which established the popularity of witty patter songs and laid a framework for love stories told through operetta. The simplicity of the narrative and clarity of the stock characters has made the show a success which has delighted audiences through the ages. Upon its American premiere, H.M.S. Pinafore was an immediate success, launching a new standard for musical entertainment which would redefine what musical theatre could accomplish. Gilbert and Sullivan's joint and individual oeuvres are detailed through an analysis of their longstanding global popularity. Richard Holmes- A fixture of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players for forty years, he recently performed H.M.S. Pinafore's Captain Corcoran for the 215th time, and has earned kudos in 31 principal roles in all 13 Savoy operas across the United States and England. He made his stage debut in the Metropolitan Opera Childrens' Chorus and his extraordinary half-century career at the Met was recently highlighted in the acclaimed film The Opera House. He has additionally played 160 major roles at such venues as Glimmerglass Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Virginia Opera, countless others, and soloed at major festivals across Europe and Russia. Rupert Holmes- the first person in Broadway history to solely win Tony® awards as author, composer and lyricist of a musical—The Mystery of Edwin Drood—which also won the Tony® for Best Musical. Add identical Drama Desk awards plus their additional category of Best Orchestration. He received the Best Book Drama Desk award for Curtains and Tony® noms for Book and Add'l Lyrics. For Say Goodnight, Gracie he received a Tony® Best Play nom and won LORT's National Broadway Theatre award. Twice a recipient of MWA's “Edgar” Award, his novels are Where the Truth Lies, Swing and The McMaster's Guide to Homicide. TV: Creator-writer of AMC's Remember WENN. SOURCES HMS Pinafore by WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, published by Dover Publications (2002) HMS Pinafore, The D'Oyle Carte Company & Isidore Godfrey, Decca Records (1959) Ayre, Leslie. The Gilbert & Sullivan Companion. London: Papermac, 1985. Gilbert and Sullivan: HMS Pinafore starring Frankie Howerd and Peter Marshall, directed by Rodney Greenberg. Acord Media (1982)   The Topsy Turvy World of Gilbert and Sullivan by Keith Dockray and Alan Sutton, published by Fonthell Media (2020) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Gay Geeks

David Sabella is known for originating the co-starring role "Mary Sunshine" in the 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago The Musical, which is Broadway's longest running American Musical. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, David brings his show David Sabella Sings Kander & Ebb: 25Chicago25 to Feinstein's/54 Below on November 17 at 7pm. In this short form interview, David Sabella is Baring It Slightly. David's Feinstein's/54 Below show will in-person & also live streamed via BroadwayWorld. In-Person Tickets Live Stream Tickets Connect with David: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Connect with Feinstein's 54 Below: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Like What You Hear? Join my Patreon Family to get backstage perks including advanced notice of interviews, the ability to submit a question to my guests, behind-the-scene videos, and so much more! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit: https://callmeadam.com for more my print/video interviews Special Thanks: My Patreon Family for their continued support: Angelo, Reva and Alan, Marianne, Danielle, Tara, Alex, and The Golden Gays NYC. Join the fun at https://patreon.com/callmeadamnyc. Theme Song by Bobby Cronin (https://bit.ly/2MaADvQ) Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell (https://bit.ly/2YNI9CY) Edited by Adam Rothenberg Outro Music Underscore by CueTique (Website: https://bit.ly/31luGmT, Facebook: @CueTique) More on David: David Sabella has enjoyed a long & varied career in performance. In 1996 he originated the starring role of “Mary Sunshine” in the 1996 revival of CHICAGO, with Bebe Neuwirth, Ann Reinking & Joel Grey. He returned to the Broadway company, to appear with Melanie Griffith as "Roxie Hart" & continued to return, as needed for the Broadway & National Touring Companies, until 2006. He is also appeared in workshops of Kander & Ebb's last collaboration, The Visit, with both Angela Landsbury & Chita Rivera. Off-Broadway, David performed leading roles in The Phillie Trilogy (Winner – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play, Fresh Fruit Festival 2017); Jules – (the life of Julian Eltinge) Laurie Beechman Theater, October, 2012 & La Tea Theater 2014; Kiss and Make Up at the Lucile Lortel Theater, (New York International Fringe Festival); The Green Room (HBO Prods), as well as Hexed in The City, Foxy, Watch Your Step, So Long 174th Street (Musicals Tonight!), and O'Henry's Lovers (New York Musical Theater Festival). His regional theater credits include: A Little Night Music, Seesaw, Godspell, Merrily We Roll Along, The Gingerbread Lady & The Lisbon Traviata. As a voice-over artist David worked on several network television cartoon series, including Peter Pan and the Pirates for FOX &Teacher's Pet for Disney. In classical music, David won several prestigious voice competitions including The Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition, The Metropolitan Opera Eastern Regional Auditions & The New York Oratorio Society Competition at Carnegie Hall. He starred in the title role of Giulio Cesare with Virginia Opera (available on Koch International Label), L' incoronazione di Poppea (Utah opera) & Die Fledermaus (Lincoln Center). He has appeared numerous times at both Carnegie Hall & Lincoln Center as a principal soloist in such works as the Bach B-Minor Mass, Handel's Messiah & Peter Schickele's comical Three Bargain-Counter Tenors. He toured internationally with the now legendary La Gran Scena Opera Company. David appeared twice on the Rosie O'Donnell Show & has been featured in national magazines such as Opera News, In Theater, Entertainment Weekly, A&U (Cover), OUT, and Next. After the phenomenal success of CHICAGO, David's personal caricature was unveiled (June 1998) and hangs in the world-famous theater restaurant, Sardi's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Virginia Arts Festival and Virginia Opera present Leonard Bernstein's one-act opera "Trouble in Tahiti" the weekend of May 7. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the leads, mezzo-soprano Marissa Simmons, and bass-baritone Eric McConnell, about the show.

A fantastic podcast recorded with Rich Coburn and Elias-Axel Pettersson! We discuss piano, organ, artist advocacy, and his new project: morebipocvoices.com. A very productive conversation!! www.morebipocvoices.com For Richard's Consulting Services www.richcoburn.com Rich Coburn is a freelance pianist, vocal coach, organist, arranger, and composer. He is a founding member of the vocal chamber ensemble Quintus 4. He also trains freelancers to improve their negotiation and communication. Known for his “subtle and nuanced playing,” Rich made his orchestral debut at 17 with the Youth Symphony of the Kootenays and has since appeared in concert throughout Canada, the United States, Italy, France, Austria, and China. He has worked as a coach at Virginia Opera, L’Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and Opera McGill, as well as Music Director for Jeunesses Musicales du Canada and Cowtown Opera. He is currently Music Director and Organist at the Anglican Parish of St. Lawrence. His favourite musical experience is playing two piano repertoire with his twin brother. Fed up with his own difficulty negotiating contracts, Rich decided to study negotiation and mediation. He now helps others negotiate better through workshops and coaching. His clients range from students at McGill University to the young artists of the Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra Montréal, to administrators at Selkirk College.

Virginia Opera brought in four emerging operatic artists for a residency beginning with a two-week quarantine. Now the group will perform weekly concerts outside of the Harrison Opera House, in addition to programming at the Virginia Zoo and a virtual showcase. Rebecca spoke with singers Symone Harcum and Nick Martorano about their upcoming performances.

Virginia Opera brought in four emerging operatic artists for a residency beginning with a two-week quarantine. Now the group will perform weekly concerts outside of the Harrison Opera House, in addition to programming at the Virginia Zoo and a virtual showcase. Rebecca spoke with singers Symone Harcum and Nick Martorano about their upcoming performances.

Today's guest, Zachary James brings a wise and insightful approach to crisis. Having experienced different crisis in his personal life. Zachary James: International opera singer, Broadway & TV actor. BWAY/OFF-BWAY: Lurch in The Addams Family (Original Cast), Hassinger in South Pacific (Original Cast), Pasquale in The Most Happy Fella, Jo-Jo in Irma La Douce, Sweeney Todd, Coram Boy, Pirates of Penzance. TV/FILM: 30 Rock, Murphy Brown, The Gift, ESPN Great Outdoor Games, Medici TV, Iowa Public Television, David Letterman, Tony Awards, Macy's Parade, CBS, NBC, PBS, WB, ESPN. OPERA/CONCERT: Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra Tokyo, Teatro Real, Opera Philadelphia, LA Opera, Arizona Opera, Virginia Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Nashville Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Opera Roanoke, Anchorage Opera, Central City Opera, Union Avenue Opera, Shreveport Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Opera Ithaca, Knoxville Opera, American Lyric Theatre, Prototype Festival, Phoenicia Festival and more. “Friendships are such a reflection of our own selves and growing with friends is really special.” ~Zachary James Follow Zachary: Instagram: @_zachary_james_ Website: www.ZachJames.com Show Support & Sponsors: Become a Supporter of the Podcast Join me with YogaRenew Teacher Training Looking to use the same sound gear as I do in the show? My Microphone My Mic Preamp My Ring Light Connect with me on Instagram: Rumor_in_StPetersburg --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theluxuryofselfcare/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theluxuryofselfcare/support

Virginia Opera was forced to cancel its production of Aida due to COVID-19, but the company is still working to stay connected with opera lovers across Virginia. This Thursday, April 30, Virginia Opera will stream a production of La Boheme from 2015 on YouTube. Rebecca interviewed Artistic Director Adam Turner about how the company is coping during these tough times.

Dr. Glenn Winters discusses the final Virginia Opera production of this season, Verdi's epic masterpiece Aida.

On January 31, Virginia Opera opened its production of “Cinderella,” a whimsical, heartfelt take on the classic tale with an exuberant score by Rossini. Rebecca Evans shares her review.

On November 8, Virginia Opera opened its first production in its new “From Screen to Stage” initiative with the Spanish opera Il Postino. Rebecca Evans shares her review of the dress rehearsal on November 6.

opera discussion

On October 4, Virginia Opera opened its new season with a production of Puccini's Tosca.

Gregory Gale is a two-time Tony Award nominated designer for Rock of Ages, and Cyrano de Bergerac featuring Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garnerwhich can be seen on Amazon. Other Broadway designs include: The Wedding Singer, Urinetown, Arcadia, and Band in Berlin. Off-Broadway he designed the costumes for the world premieres of Douglas Carter Beane’s To Wong Foo, Hood, and Fairycakes. His work at the Atlantic Theater with The Voysey Inheritance earned him a Lucille Lortel Award. Mr. Gale has an Irene Sharaff Young Master Award and has multiple Lucille Lortel and Henry Hewes Design Award nominations. His opera productions include world premieres of The Prince of Players by Carlisle Floyd for Houston Grand Opera and An American Soldier by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang for Opera Theater of St. Louis. Other opera designs include: The Magic Flute for Chicago Opera Theater, Camelot for Virginia Opera, and La Rondine for Opera Theater of Saint Louis.Mr. Gale designed two films that will be released in 2019: The Mental State and Real Drag. He is currently designing the feature film Blinded by Ed.

On April 6, Virginia Opera presented the final offering of its new Variations season of short, casual, and contemporary opera in English. The chamber opera, called “An American Dream,” by composer Jack Perla and librettist Jessica Murphy Moo, centered on two women in America during World War II: a Japanese American young woman sent to an internment camp and a German-Jewish immigrant tormented by thoughts of her parents still in Germany.

Conductor Adam Turner recently became the Artistic Director and Conductor for Virginia Opera, making him one of the youngest AD's in the American opera world. This is his third time at the helm for Jake Heggie's Three Decembers, and in this interview he reflects on the piece, on chamber opera generally, and on his career. Enjoy this fifth and final interview of the principals in this production!

Last weekend, Virginia Opera kicked off its 2018-2019 season with Kurt Weill’s Street Scene. Street Scene narrates 24 hours of family life in front of a tenement in 1940s New York City, encompassing themes like domestic violence, immigration, and wealth inequality that could have been torn from 2018 headlines.

Dwight Davis talks with Virginia Opera conductor Adam Turner about Weill’s “Street Scene”

"Street Scene"

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.

Dwight Davis interviews Rachele Gilmore, who will be playing Lucia in Virginia Opera's Lucia di Lammermoor, opening March 23!

Dwight Davis talks with Rachele Gilmore, who is singing the title role in Donizetti’s masterpiece.

Rebecca reviews Virginia Opera’s latest production, Benjamin Britten’s operatic adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” complete with shimmering music and colorful fairies.

Tomorrow night at 9:00 p.m., President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address. Today at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM, we’re looking to get your thoughts on the state of the union. Join us at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. Later in the broadcast, we’ll talk with Michael Shell about the Virginia Opera's rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A preview of Virginia Opera's upcoming production of Puccini's The Girl of the Golden West with Dr. Glenn Winters

Virginia Opera launched its 43rd season with Camille Saint-Saëns’ Samson and Delilah, and the production made a number of bold choices. Was the staging insightful or merely crafted for shock value? Rebecca gives us her take. For upcoming Virginia Opera performances, visit vaopera.org.

This week in Mal’s World, Mal Vincent visits the Virginia Opera to preview its upcoming “Samson and Delilah by Camille Saint-Saëns.” We’ll find out why this opera has a special place in Mal’s history as a reviewer and critic. For more information on the performance visit https://vaopera.org/experience/samson-and-delilah.

Virginia Opera preview with Glenn Winters – Saint-Saens Samson and Delilah

On this episode of the podcast, Adam Turner talks about how he’s looking forward to his first Carmen as principal conductor after being the Associate Conductor/Chorusmaster on many other productions. He tells us what he thinks we should listen for and why Carmen is one of those operas that will never fade from the repertoire. Adam also describes his main gig at Virginia Opera and shares how he got started in conducting, how he thinks opera companies can adapt and keep moving forward, and why he’s become addicted to long distance running after Central City Opera’s music director took him on a run in Idaho Springs 6 years ago. Have questions or want to provide feedback? Email us at podcast@centralcityopera.org. Remember to subscribe to our podcast to get the latest episodes delivered directly to your device. To hear more stories from inside Central City Opera and buy tickets to the shows, visit us at www.centralcityopera.org.

Dwight Davis Talks with Principal Conductor Adam Turner about this first-ever Virginia Opera production of von Weber’s opera.

How prevalent is voter fraud in America? We'll discuss its impact on the 2016 election with Jennifer Clark, Counsel for the Brennan Center's Democracy Program and Tobias Konitzer. And later, we're joined by Director Michael Shell and cast members from the Virginia Opera's production of the Barber of Seville.

The Seven Deadly Sins and Pagliacci.

For over 40 years, Virginia Opera has been committed to bringing music to the masses. On September 10th, the scope is widening with their 8th annual Opera in the Park, a collaboration with the Virginia Symphony -- a free event filled with fun prizes, artisan food, and of course, music. We’ll be chatting with some conductors and musicians about their event, and their experience contributing to the world-class theater.

Virginia Opera’s Romeo and Juliet

Virginia Opera preview with Dr. Glen Winters – Puccini’s “La Boheme”

Virginia Opera

With a steamy combination of biblical themes, sexual tension and murder, Richard Strauss' Salome surprised opera audiences when it appeared in 1905. Virginia Opera's upcoming Salome, co-produced with Portland Opera in Oregon, brings those themes to the modern-day Middle East. The timing is impeccable, and showcases the power of the arts to create a new lens through which we view our existence and place in the world. We're joined today by the creative minds behind the Virginia Opera's production of Salome for a look at the ever-changing role the arts play in shaping our understanding of major cultural, religious and current events.

Ellen Cockerham and Virginia Opera singer Fran Coleman talk about Sunday's Mozart Festival in Carytown. Also, the second installment of "Death Club Radio" with special guest host Alane Cameron Miles.

Ellen Cockerham and Virginia Opera singer Fran Coleman talk about Sunday's Mozart Festival in Carytown. Also, the second installment of "Death Club Radio" with special guest host Alane Cameron Miles.

Glenn Winter previews “Carousel,” the next offering from Virginia Opera

Glenn Winters previews Virginia Opera’s “A Streetcar Named Desire”

Virginia Opera preview with Glenn Winters

For its first production of the new season, Virginia Opera presented a lyrical but seldom-produced early opera by Bizet – “The Pearl Fishers”. Our critic found much to like in the singing, but was less enThu,siastic about the staging.

Virginia Opera opens the 2012-2013 season with its first-ever production of “The Pearl Fishers” by George Bizet. The Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Glenn Winters, offers this insightful preview of a tuneful and colorful early effort by the young genius composer, Bizet.

The Virginia’s Opera’s final production of the season, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” lived up to it rollicking reputation, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge

For its final production of the season, Virginia Opera turns to the rollicking Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “The Mikado.” On just about anyone’s little list of lighthearted musical favorites, this work stands near the top. Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Dr. Glenn Winters, gives us many reasons why this is so.

Virginia Opera’s third offering of the season is a fascinating re-telling of the legend of Orpheus, with the libretto from the screenplay of Jean Cocteau’s film and music by contemporary composer Philip Glass. Dr. Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, previews Glass’s opera “Orphee,” deMon,strating how the music is perfectly matched to the story.

THE CELEBRITY SERIES welcomes opera superstar, tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the first interview of the new year. Brownlee is perhaps one of the most internationally acclaimed singers on opera stages around the world. Proudly carrying the torch passed by the legendary tenor, George Shirley, Mr. Brownlee majestically carries forth the rich legacy set by his predecessor. Superstar Metropolitan Opera tenor  Lawrence Brownlee is one of the most consistently sought-after artists on the international scene. He is lauded continually for the beauty of his voice, his seemingly effortless technical agility, and his dynamic and engaging dramatic skills. Mr. Brownlee’s professional stage debut took place in 2002 as Almaviva in Barbiere with Virginia Opera, a role he subsequently performed in: Vienna, Milan, Berlin, Madrid, Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Baden-Baden, Hamburg, Tokyo, New York, Washington, San Diego and Boston, among other memorable engagements.   A native of Youngstown Ohio, Mr. Brownlee received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Anderson University and a Master of Music degree from Indiana University.  

Virginia Opera’s second production of the season is a beloved favorite in a new setting. Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” is updated and transplanted, but still retains its charm and features a fine young cast. Our reviewer, M.D. Ridge, explains.

The next offering from Virginia Opera is Humperdinck’s beloved “Hansel and Gretel.” Dr. Glenn Winters, the Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, examines the opera and the fairy tale it is based on, presenting musical excerpts and offering insight into the plot.

The Virginia Opera’s 2011-2012 season opens with the grandest of all grand operas, “Aida.” This will be the first production of the Verdi masterpiece by the company. The story centers on a love triangle, set against the splendor and pageantry of ancient Egypt. Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Dr. Glenn Winters, tells the story and present musical excerpts in this preview.

On Sat,urday, the Virginia Opera presents its 3rd annual "Opera in the Park," a fun-filled and music-filled family festival. Dwight Davis spoke with Virginia Opera’s Producing Director John Kennelly about the event.

This week, the Virginia Opera opens a new production to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, Rappahannock County. On Monday's HearSay, Cathy talks with members of the cast and crew about this period piece, which transforms the stage with projections of the Civil War and evocative songs.

The final production of the season for Virginia Opera is the beloved “Madama Butterfly” by Puccini. Dr. Glenn Winters, Community Outreach Musical Director for Virginia Opera, offers his unique insight into this perennial favorite, with musical examples and commentary.

Dr. Glenn Winters, the Community Outreach Musical Director of Virginia Opera, offers background and insight into Richard Wagner’s exciting music drama “The Valkyrie,” the second production of the season for Virginia Opera.

Virginia Opera’s second production of the season is the sparkling comedy “Cosi fan Tutte” by Mozart. Dr. Glenn Winters, the Opera’s Community Outreach Music Director, offers a preview of this delightful Mozart masterpiece, with music and insightful commentary.

For its final production of the season, Virginia Opera will present the great American opera, Porgy and Bess, opening April 10 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk. Dr. Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, offers insight into this operatic masterpiece.

On February 13th, the Curtain goes up on the Virginia Opera production of one of the greatest operas ever written – Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The Community Outreach Musical Director of Virginia Opera, Dr. Glenn Winters, offers this preview of Mozart’s masterpiece.

Hope Mihilap, former secretary to the Director of the Metropolitan Opera, offers a preview of the Virginia Opera production of Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” with a plot outline and musical examples.