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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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:
Listen to Vancouver Opera Offstage, Season One (2020–2021) – 30 Episodes
- Episode 1 | April 29, 2020 | An Interview with Tom Wright, General Director of Vancouver Opera
- Episode 2 | May 6, 2020 | Catching up with Jonathan Darlington, Music Director Emeritus of Vancouver Opera
- Episode 3 | May 13, 2020 | A Chat with Canadian Stage Director Rachel Peake on her process and vision as a director from theatre to opera
- Episode 4 | May 20, 2020 | Sharing stories from legendary Canadian mezzo-soprano Judith Forst
- Episode 5 | May 27, 2020 | Perspectives on performance with Canadian bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch
- Episode 6 | June 3, 2020 | In the Spotlight with Vancouver-born lyric soprano Simone Osborne
- Episode 7 | June 10, 2020 | Breaking barriers in the digital world with Victoria’s own Rachel Fenlon
- Episode 8 | June 17, 2020 | From Countertenor to Executive Director: Matthew White of Early Music Vancouver
- Episode 9 | June 24, 2020 | Coaches in Conversation: Demystifying the role of the répétiteur with Kinza Tyrrell and Tina Chang
- Episode 10 | July 1, 2020 | Canadian Visions with Tapestry Opera’s Michael Hidetoshi Mori and mezzo-soprano Marion Newman of Amplified Opera
- Episode 11 | July 15, 2020 | Shaping tomorrow’s voices with UBC Opera’s legendary Nancy Hermiston
- Episode 12 | July 29, 2020 | Imagining the future for opera with Teiya Kasahara & Asitha Tennekoon, co-founders of Amplified Opera
- Episode 13 | August 12, 2020 | Keeping pace with internationally respected conductor and former VO Music Director David Agler
- Episode 14 | August 26, 2020 | Sharing the love of performance with Hungarian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó
- Episode 15 | September 9, 2020 |Transforming adversity to creative inspiration with The Kettle Society and the Can You Hear Me? Project’s Lesley Sutherland, Jerry LaFaery, and Coreen Douglas
- Episode 16 |September 23, 2020 | Introductions from Vancouver Opera’s 2020–2021 Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists
- Episode 17 | October 7, 2020 | Singing with the Greats with Tenor and UBC Voice and Opera Professor J. Patrick Raftery
- Episode 18 | October 21, 2020 | An inspirational journey with mezzo-soprano and star of La Voix humaine, Mirelle Lebel
- Episode 19 | November 4, 2020 | Highlights of two decades with former VO General Director Jim Wright
- Episode 20 | November 18, 2020 | Adventures in Stage Management: Behind the Scenes with Theresa Tsang & Marijka Asbeek Brusse
- Episode 21 | December 2, 2020 | Special Guests from Vancouver Opera’s Amahl and the Night Visitors
- Episode 22 | December 16, 2020 | A Holiday Treat for our Listeners!
- Episode 23 | January 13, 2021 | A Storied Career with Canadian baritone Brett Polegato
- Episode 24 | February 3, 2021 | Bringing it home with Royal Swedish Opera Artistic Director and prolific Canadian Stage Director Michael Cavanagh
- Episode 25 | March 3, 2021 | The Music Shop Pre-Show Podcast with Composer & Librettist Richard Wargo
- Episode 26 | April 7, 2021 | Carmen: Up Close and Personal Preview Podcast with Director Brenna Corner
- Episode 27 | May 5, 2021 | Behind the Camera Lens on the Digital Season with Mike Southworth
- Episode 28 | June 2, 2021 | Musical Excellence with Early Music Vancouver’s Suzie LeBlanc, C.M.
- Episode 29 | July 7, 2021 | The Power of Heroes with Canadian Sports Icon and Opera Fan Valerie Jerome
- Episode 30 | August 4, 2021 | Magic in the Music with Vancouver Recital Society founder and Artistic Director Leila Getz
- Episode 31 | November 29, 2021 | Join Vancouver Opera’s Ashley Daniel Foot and discover the magical world of Gluck’s ORFEO ED
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