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Inside Vancouver Opera

PODCAST | Inside Vancouver Opera

Inside Vancouver Opera is a unique backstage glimpse into the world of Vancouver Opera. Join us as we chat with opera experts, artists, Vancouver Opera staff and others to explore the world of opera on and off the stage. This podcast offers an insider’s glimpse into the artistry, experiences, and perspectives of the talent involved in taking breathtaking opera productions from the page to the stage.

Latest Episode: November 23, 2023.

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Add us on these popular services! New episodes can be found on Anchor.fm,  Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Deezer, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, and Listen Notes. For those listening from the US, we’re also available now on Pandora!

New episodes are posted as they release on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter; so continue the discussion on social media with our hashtag #InsideVO!

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Latest Episode

November 23, 2023 | Episode 50

Tracey Talks Tickets

Vancouver Opera’s Database and Ticket Centre Manager Tracey Flattes shares her unique brand of hard-earned wisdom, humour, and stories from the trenches of the ticketing world.

Tracey’s career has taken her all over the world, both as a teacher and as an arts professional. Learn more about Tracey’s story and some of the changes that have taken place in the ticketing industry.

ALSO, we’re celebrating Black Friday with our best ticket offer of the season: Save 50% Off Duet Subscriptions! You’ll enjoy the rest of our blockbuster 2023-2024 season: our wild, pop-art, technicolour production of Donizetti’s comedic romp, Don Pasquale and Bizet’s timeless classic Carmen.

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Tracey Flattes
Audio Producer – Mack McGillivray

November 13, 2023 | Episode 49

The One About the Opera at the Planetarium

Composer Tawnie Olson and conductor Arianne Abela discuss ‘Sanctuary & Storm’ and the state of women in opera.

We’re talking about Sanctuary & Storm, our new collaboration with re:Naissance Opera and the H.R MacMillan Space Centre from November 17th to 19th. Tickets are already going very quickly, so be sure to head to VancouverOpera.ca to grab your tickets. Sanctuary & Storm is truly an unusual creation that imagines a conversation that took place between medieval luminaries, Hildegard of Bingen and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Tawnie Olson (Guest and Composer of Sanctuary & Storm)
Guest – Arianne Abela (Guest and Conductor of Sanctuary & Storm)
Audio Producer – Mack McGillivray

November 2, 2023 | Episode 48

A Musician that Leads

Jacques Lacombe on Unlocking the Power of Creativity and Collaboration.

Vancouver Opera’s new Music Director shares his unique path to the podium and the lessons of teamwork he’s learned along the way.

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Jacques Lacombe
Editing – Mack McGillivray

October 19, 2023 | Episode 47

Mozart: 15 Things You Didn’t Know

Exploring the life of a true genius.

In this episode we explore 15 things you may not have known about the ingenious composer.

Vancouver Opera presents The Magic Flute – October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit www.vancouveropera.ca.

CREDITS

Jane Potter – Writer and Narrator
David Bloom – Voice of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven
Ashley Daniel Foot – Voice of Antonio Salieri
Mack McGillivray – Editor

October 18, 2023 | Episode 46

Mozart: The Freemason Influence

Exploring the life of a true genius.

Mozart. The very name reminds us of soaring arias, evocative melodies, and musical mastery. In this episode we explore Mozart’s life and the Freemason influence.

Vancouver Opera presents The Magic Flute – October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit www.vancouveropera.ca.

CREDITS

Jane Potter – Writer and Narrator
Kent Wilson – Voice of George Washington
David Bloom – Voice of Goethe, Leopold Mozart, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ashley Daniel Foot – Voice of Voltaire
Mack McGillivray – Editor

October 15, 2023 | Episode 45

Making the Magic

Step into the workshop with Stephen Elgar, Head of Properties at Vancouver Opera.

Stephen Elgar, Vancouver Opera’s Head of Properties, opens the workshop to share how he brings magic to the mundane, creating objects fit for the stage. Stephen discusses his career from restoring furniture to preparing “pony-trikes” and a “three-headed dragon” for The Magic Flute.

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Stephen Elgar
Editing – Mack McGillivray

October 12, 2023 | Episode 44

Transporting Worlds through Costume

Roberta Doylend, Vancouver Opera’s Head of Wardrobe, discusses the power of textiles.

Through costuming Roberta Doylend has built cohesive worlds for over 400 shows. Roberta discusses her remarkable career, her role as Vancouver Opera’s Head of Wardrobe, and the visual candy store awaiting audiences in The Magic Flute.

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Roberta Doylend
Editing – Mack McGillivray

October 8, 2023 | Episode 43

Fast Forward to the Emotion: Risk and Reward in Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’

Director Ashlie Corcoran talks about her love for directing and celebrates the act of creation.

Director Ashlie Corcoran returns to Vancouver Opera to direct this remount production of Mozart’s ultimate opera. Join us for an early glimpse into what awaits you on the stage.

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Ashlie Corcoran
Editing – Mack McGillivray

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June 27, 2023 | Episode 42

Harmonizing Queer Voices

In this episode we explore the intersection of identity and opera with University of Florida musicologist Leo Walker.

Opera, with its grandeur, emotion, and powerful storytelling, has been a stage for human experiences throughout history. Amidst the vast repertoire of operatic works, there are narratives that explore the diverse spectrum of queer identities. These stories, often overlooked or overshadowed, have found their place within the canon, enriching the operatic landscape.

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Leo Walker
Editing – Mack McGillivray

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June 16, 2023 | Episode 41

Talking With Tom Wright

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Vancouver Opera’s General Director, Tom Wright. Tom reflects on the past opera season, the challenges the art form faces, and the future of opera in Vancouver. 

“In today’s world, we shouldn’t be cancelling great art. And any singer will say that, any artist will say that. We should be having the dialogue about why we’re doing it, what’s wrong with it, highlight the errors of the past, and try and improve where we can make those changes.” — Tom Wright

CREDITS

Host – Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest – Tom Wright
Editing – Mack McGillivray

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May 22, 2023 | Episode 40

Luka Kawabata: The Hafu ハーフ Project

Join us in a fascinating and insightful conversation with baritone, and Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist, Luka Kawabata. Luka talks passionately about his Hafu ハーフ Project and the unique intersection between family, memory, and music. We also discuss the state of modern opera and how to confront our operatic canon. 

“It’s important to tell updated stories because why were these pieces of music popular or successful or people loved them at the time was because people connected to them.” — Luka Kawabata

CREDITS

Host — Ashley Daniel Foot
Guest — Luka Kawabata
Editing — Mack McGillivray
Cover Photo — Mark Yammine

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May 12, 2023 | Episode 39

Introducing: Singing Stories

The 2022–2023 Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program toured ten elementary schools performing their show Singing Stories, a fun and exciting operatic experience designed for elementary school students. 

This year’s School Tour is supported by Telus Friendly Future Foundation, CIBC Wood Gundy, Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, and the Diamond Foundation.

CREDITS

Join host Ashley Daniel Foot in a discussion about Singing Stories with five members of the Young Artists Program: Sawyer Craig, Luka Kawabata, Amy Seulky Lee, Jeremy Scinocca, and Hillary Tufford.

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May 05, 2023 | Episode 38

Wagner: Life and Times

Richard Wagner is known today as one of the greatest, most influential composers to have lived. But his life, anything but easy and straightforward, was as tumultuous as the age he was born into. Join us on our exploration of the life and times of Richard Wagner. 

Join us for a three-episode look at the sometimes turbulent, often unrestrained, but always inspired life that shaped the man.

CREDITS

Written and presented by Jane Potter
With David Bloom as the voice of Richard Wagner and Charles Baudelaire
Audio editing by Mack McGillivray
Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot

Listen Now:

February 21, 2023 | Episode 37

Holding Space, Giving Voice, and Uplifting Black Voices

Honouring Black History Month in conversation with Ashley Daniel Foot, Debi Wong, Rocky Jones, Morgan-Paige Melbourne, and Dawn Pemberton. 

Bell Hooks said, “To be loving, we willingly hear the others’ truth. And most important, we affirm the value of truth. Telling lies may make people feel better, but they do not help them to know love.”

CREDITS

Dawn Pemberton, Morgan-Paige Melbourne, and Rocky Jones

Listen Now:

February 11, 2023 | Episode 36

Benjamin Britten: Life and Times

Discover the fascinating story of Benjamin Britten in our brand new two part series that explores his musical life, influences, and complicated identity. 

The date is June 7, 1945, just one month after Victory over Europe Day marked the end of WW2. The location is the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, newly reopened after wartime closure, and the event is the first performance of Benjamin Britten’s new opera, Peter Grimes…

CREDITS

Written and presented by Jane Potter
with Roger Carr as the voice of Britten
audio editing and sound design by Jack Goodison
produced by Ashley Daniel Foot and Jane Potter

Listen Now:

October 20, 2022 | Episode 35

Bizet: Life and Times – Acts 1 – 7

You probably know that French composer Georges Bizet wrote Carmen, but did you know that he was also a musical prodigy who started composing at the age of nine? Or that composers such as Liszt, Rossini, and Gounod immediately recognized his musical brilliance? Dig into the life of Bizet and meet his musical family. 

Beautifully brought to life by actor Felix LeBlanc as the voice of Bizet, this seven part audio series reveals the hidden story behind one of opera’s greatest composers. This exciting podcast is produced in celebration of Vancouver Opera’s production of The Pearl Fishers onstage from October 22-30, 2022.

CREDITS

Written and edited by Kris Epps
Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot
Music Supervisor and Clearances: Kris Epps and Ashley Daniel Foot

Sound design by Kris Epps
Associate Producer: Vincent Huynh

Voice cast:

Bizet: Felix LeBlanc
Narrator: Jane Potter
Additional Voices: Ashley Daniel Foot, Travis Baugh Allen, Vincent Huynh

Listen Now:

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April 20, 2022 | Episode 34

Inside: HMS Pinafore

Join Vancouver Opera teaching artist Eve Daniell in conversation with director Brenna Corner about the ins and outs of creating a new vision of a classic operetta, the challenges of directing comedy, and the ongoing need for art in our culture. 

Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedic tale is a delightful combination of forbidden love across class divides and the shenanigans that take place along the way. Poking fun at social hierarchies and packed with absurd characters, this wildly popular operetta delivers plenty of laughs and memorable music. This joyful production is directed by Brenna Corner and conducted by Rosemary Thomson and features the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

AUDIO CREDITS:

Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot

Interim Director of Marketing: Jennifer Lee

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February 24, 2022 | Episode 33

Black History Month

Inside Vancouver Opera honours Black History Month with an illuminating and candid conversation with two exemplary Black Canadian sopranos – Othalie Graham and Jonelle Sills who recently were part of our performance of Cavalleria Rusticana In Concert

The latest conversation delves into the question of race and representation in opera, and features the hard-won insights of both Othalie and Jonelle’s experience of being a Black singer in today’s world. 

AUDIO CREDITS:

Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot

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February 1, 2022 | Episode 32
Cavalleria Rusticana in Concert

Join Vancouver Opera’s Ashley Daniel Foot and discover the passionate opera that is Mascagni’s CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

Inside-Vancouver-Opera-Podcast-Jonathan-Darlington

Vancouver Opera presents CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA IN CONCERT – Feb 12 and 13, 2022 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Explore the hot and glorious masterwork of everyday Sicilian life with Vancouver Opera Music Director Emeritus Jonathan Darlington and hear his thoughts on staging an opera in concert, his life during COVID, and his unique perspective on how opera needs to meet the moment and ask itself tough questions.

AUDIO CREDITS:

Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot

Director of Marketing and Communications: Sarah Hitner

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November 29, 2021 | Episode 31
Orfeo Ed Euridice

Join Vancouver Opera’s Ashley Daniel Foot and discover the magical world of Gluck’s OREO ED EURIDICE

Inside Opera Podcast - Vancouver Opera - Vancouver Arts

Vancouver Opera presents ORFEO ED EURIDICE – December 4 and 5, 2021 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Maestro Leslie Dala speaks with sopranos Krisztina Szabó and Mireille Asselin and mezzo soprano Mireille Lebel. We also check in with opera scholar Leah Giselle Field for a little history on the opera and hear briefly from director Idan Cohen about the unique way he has blended opera and dance into this new production.

AUDIO CREDITS:

Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot

Director of Marketing and Communications: Sarah Hitner

 

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Past Episodes of Inside Vancouver Opera

Previous episodes:

Vancouver Opera Offstage - Season One

Listen to Vancouver Opera Offstage, Season One (2020–2021) – 30 Episodes

Series Overview:

Credits:

Vancouver Opera Offstage Host & Co-Producer:
Leslie Dala
Vancouver Opera Co-Producer & Editor:
Vincent Wong
Vancouver Opera Offstage logo design:
Annie Mack
Season 01 | Episode 30
Episode Recorded:
Tuesday, July 12, 2021
Episode interviews are recorded entirely remotely using Zoom and hosted on Anchor.fm.
(Originally on Buzzsprout).

Cover photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash
Podcast opening and closing music: 
“Habanera” from Carmen. Sung by Jenny Lee Mitchell.
Habanera Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons:
By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0