OPERABIZ PODCAST

OPERABIZ PODCAST

What's it like to work in the opera industry? Hosted by Daniel Welch, OperaBiz Podcast talks with industry professionals actively working in the opera world - sharing stories, talking shop, and openly discussing the ins and outs of opera in the modern age. NEW EPISODES on the 15th of each month

Episodes

Jasmine Habersham - Soprano

March 27, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode of the OperaBiz Podcast, host Daniel Welch speaks with soprano Jasmine Habersham about her experiences in "The Listeners" with the Lyric Opera of Chicago through her character's lens. They also discuss the contrast between performing new works and standard canon, and the importance of mental health in the arts. Jasmine shares insights on finding authenticity in performance, the significance of having a supportive te...
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Samantha Hankey - Mezzo-Soprano

February 7, 2025 • 52 mins
In this episode of the OperaBiz podcast, Daniel Welch and mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey discuss the complexities of balancing a demanding opera career with personal wellbeing. They explore the evolution of their careers, the challenges of learning multiple roles, the importance of language in performance, and the dynamics of live theater. The conversation also delves into mental health, the necessity of taking breaks, and the joys ...
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Melanie Bacaling - Stage Director

December 19, 2024 • 51 mins
Summary In this episode of the OperaBiz Podcast, Daniel Welch and Melanie Bacaling delve into the intricacies of opera directing, what the different roles entail, interactions and workflow with the performers, and the importance of intimacy coordinators in creating a safe and empowering environment for performers. Melanie also shares her knowledge about working behind the scenes are The Metropolitan Opera - what makes it a unique a...
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Leah Hawkins - Soprano

November 14, 2024 • 43 mins
In this episode of the OperaBiz Podcast, host Daniel Welch talks with soprano Leah Hawkins about her journey in the opera world, focusing on themes of identity, mental health, and the challenges faced by artists. Leah shares her experiences with audience engagement, memorable performances, and the importance of taking time off to maintain mental well-being. The conversation also touches on the significance of personal interests out...
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Alex Fletcher - Opera Artist Management

October 17, 2024 • 44 mins
Summary In this episode of the Opera Biz Podcast, Daniel Welch speaks with Alex Fletcher of Fletcher Artist Management (www.fletcherartistmanagement.com) about the intricacies of artist management in the opera industry. They discuss the evolution of management practices, the importance of a holistic approach to artist well-being, and the role of social media in promoting artists. The conversation also touches on the challenges arti...
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Will Liverman: FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES & Creating Opportunity

October 27, 2021 • 42 mins
Fresh off the Met's production of FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES, Will Liverman sits down to chat about the significance of this opera, and takes us behind the scenes of embodying the dynamic role of a living public figure, and how to create opportunity in the industry. We discuss how the role was tailored to him, what that process was like, and a glimpse behind the curtain. A cross-genre musician, Will also talks about other genres, fav...
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Lee Anne Myslewski, VP Wolf Trap Opera: Auditions in the Modern Age

October 7, 2021 • 58 mins
Lee Anne sits down for a realistic discussion about rolling with Covid protocol punches and 21st-century trends in opera auditions. She's heard over 10,000 auditions and she offer great insight to all those making a first impression, even in digital auditions. From self-producing to saving auditions that go awry, this is a must-listen for young artists! Special Guest: Lee Anne Myslewski, Vice President, WOLF TRAP Opera and Classica...
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Jennifer Rowley: Mainstage Auditions & Honing Your Rep

September 26, 2021 • 54 mins
Soprano Jennifer Rowley talks about mainstage auditions, European auditions, and honing your audition offerings for more successful auditions. She defines "contrasting arias" for the working professional and walks us through what it's like to audition for a mainstage role. It's a must-listen for this audition season and the perfect way to kick off the return of the OperaBiz Podcast! Special Guest: Jennifer Rowley.
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Ana De Archuleta, Pres. & CEO of ADA Artists

February 6, 2020 • 48 mins
Jump into a conversation with Ana De Archuleta, where we discuss approaching managers, making statements in auditions, and the de-stigmatization of the "Slash" (side gig/day job) that is a necessity for young and emerging singers in the industry today. Special Guest: Ana De Archuleta - Pres. & CEO of ADA Artists.
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J. Patrick Raftery - Tenor

January 13, 2020 • 58 mins
J. Patrick Raftery and I sit down for a casual conversation while working together at Taos Opera Institute, June 2019. He shares insights about the ever-changing industry, his transition from baritone to tenor, and anecdotes from his 4 decades in opera.
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J'Nai Bridges, Mezzo

November 26, 2019 • 57 mins
J'Nai Bridges sits down for an informal discussion after her first day working at the Met on Akhnaten. We talk modern singer life, the legacy of Jessye Norman, and long-needed changes in the opera industry. A bit more casual than the usual episode, J'Nai and Daniel hang out outside the Met for a real chat about where she's been, how she got here, and where we're all going. Special Guest: J'Nai Bridges.
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Karen Kamensek, Conductor

October 30, 2019 • 53 mins
Making her Metropolitan Opera conducting debut this season, Karen Kamensek sits down to discuss her road to conducting, her collaboration with Philip Glass, and a largely European career. She shares her insights on Glass' music as well as a fresh perspective on life on the podium. For more info, visit her at www.karenkamensek.com Special Guest: Karen Kamensek, Conductor.
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Frederick Ballentine - Tenor

October 15, 2019 • 35 mins
At the Met this season for Porgy and Bess as Sportin' Life, Frederick Ballentine talks about playing the villain, on-stage community, and his advice for young singers. Special Guest: Frederick Ballentine.
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Sidney Outlaw - Baritone

September 16, 2019 • 57 mins
Sidney discusses the life of a modern singer, the joys of teaching, and his journey from seeing his first opera to a life on stage. Recorded March, 2019. Special Guest: Sidney Outlaw.
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Andrew Ousley - PR

September 3, 2019 • 48 mins
Kicking off Season 2 of the OperaBiz podcast: PR guru Andrew Ousley joins the conversation for an informative talk about the state of social media for singers, what a PR firm actually does in classical music, and where he thinks this corner of the industry is going. From analytics to trends to what gets you noticed, Andrew has some great insight for singers at any level of their profession. Special Guest: Andrew Ousley.
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Zachary James

June 11, 2019 • 61 mins
From MT to opera, off to Broadway and TV, and now back on the opera stage again, Zachary James brings a unique and fresh perspective on the opera industry. Special Guest: Zachary James.
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Susanna Phillips

May 28, 2019 • 44 mins
Susanna Phillips, soprano, known to most MetOpera fans as Musetta in La Bohème (11 consecutive seasons). We talk about the process of preparing a role, favorite roles, and when it's time to retire a role and move on to others. Special Guest: Susanna Phillips.
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Peter Szep: NY Opera Alliance / NY OperaFest

May 12, 2019 • 56 mins
Peter Szep comes on to talk about what's happening in the NYC opera scene, chat about new works and premiers during NY OperaFest 2019, and the great collaboration of opera. Special Guest: Peter Szep.
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Lila Palmer, Librettist

April 29, 2019 • 79 mins
Lila Palmer, librettist, comes on to discuss the side of the industry many people take for granted: the text. From creating new works, to collaborative efforts, to crafting a story, Lila brings a unique perspective to the world of opera. Special Guest: Lila Palmer.
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Timothy Myers, Conductor

April 15, 2019 • 63 mins
Conductor Timothy Myers (Santa Fe, HGO, Washington National Opera, MNOp, et al.) sits down to discuss working on world premiers, the collaborative effort of opera, and taking the road less traveled to a career. Recorded at Minnesota Opera, one day before the world premier of The Fix. Special Guest: Timothy Myers.
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