AA Opera

WE ARE BACK! Season 8 kicks off with International Opera Singer, Stage and Screen Actor, Zachary James!

Ash + Avi chat to Zach about his career in showbiz and how we can as artists can embrace versatility! Such an inspiring episode, we hope you enjoy.

Zach's Links:

This week Ash + Avi are joined by the fantastic world renowned mezzo, Kate Lindsey! Kate’s career is one so many singers aspire to. She shares what her journey has been like, working on special projects like “Handmaids Tale” as well as motherhood as an opera singer. We hope you love this episode as much as we do.

Kate's Links:

This week Ash + Avi sit down with one of Opera's freshest and most celebrated Tenors, Freddie De Tommaso. Freddie reflects on his Opera Journey so far and how it came to be! He also shares the inspiration behind his debut album 'Passione' and his latest chart-topping release Il Tenore.

What a pleasure it was to talk to such a genuine and talented artist.

Enjoy!

Freddie's Links:

This week Ash + Avi welcome Mezzo-Soprano Kitty Whately. We find out about her exciting career and her latest album release ‘Befreit: A Soul Surrendered’. Kitty is also the co-founder of SWAP'ra. A fantastic organisation for women and parents within the Opera industry. Tune in to find out about their mission, values and how to get involved!

This week Ash + Avi chat with Conductor & Chorus Director Aidan Oliver. We talk about the Glyndebourne that we know and love as well as Aidans work with Edinburgh Festival Chorus and Philharmonia Voices. We discuss the joys of choral music and tips on auditioning! 

Aidan's Links:

This week Ash + Avi met up with fellow Royal Academy of Music alumni, Bass-Baritone Ossian Huskinson. Since graduating from RAM Opera school Ossian has been working on the opera stages throughout the UK and Europe. Ossian is currently a Harewood Artist at ENO. Find out more about Ossian's exciting career on the episode.

Ossian's Links: 

This week Ash + Avi chat with international Opera Director Bruno Ravella. Bruno shares his directing story so far, we discuss the importance of languages, the perks of working abroad and advice for aspiring directors.

Make sure you're following Bruno to keep up to date with his latest productions!

Bruno's Links:

This week Ash + Avi met with director Emma Black. Starting out at Opera North as a choir administrator,  Emma has a very unique and interesting journey to her directing career. She has loads of insights and is very involved with education outreach as well. You can now find Emma back at Opera North directing Eugene Onegin. 

Follow Emma

This week Ash + Avi are joined by Rachael Williams, CEO of Streetwise Opera. Rachael shares with us what Streetwise Opera is all about and WOW - what a fantastic organisation. We also chat about what it means to be a good leader within this industry, alongside a few nuggets of advice for emerging producers. 

We hope you enjoy!

Make sure you check out the links below to learn more and support Streetwise Opera. 

Streetwise Links

This week on AA Opera we were joined by Louise Bakker - Stage Director. Louise talks about building a career as a director within Opera, the wonderful production of Orpheus in the Underworld at RCM, her work at Aylesbury Opera and the importance of learning and participation within the Industry.  This episode also tackles tough topics of life at Conservatoire and arts funding cuts.

This week Ash + Avi got to chat with performer, educator and collaborator, Mikael Eliasen.
Mikael has over 30 years of experiences as head of Opera at the Curtis Institue in Philadephia. He also worked closely with San Fransico Opera and has many more years of experience traveling around the world performing recitals.   Mikael has a wealth of knowledge and a love for opera, new and old. You don't want to miss this epsiode!

Support us:

We are delighted to have Rebecca Meltzer with us this week! Rebecca has so many creative strings to her bow. A Director, Movement Director, Teacher, Facilitator and Founding Director of Waterperry Opera. Wow...so much to unpack!  

Hear about Rebecca's journey to her creative career today, starting out at Durham University followed by her studies at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and all of the growth and experiences in between! We have an interesting chat about the importance of Opera & Movement, in short - go to movement class peeps! 

Also tune in to hear about what Waterperry Opera has in store this summer! 

Rebecca's Links:

This week Ash + Avi met with the wonderfully talented and intelligent Bridget Cunningham. She is a conductor, harpsichordist and musicologist with a special focus on Handel. You can find her work in so many places including at Buckingham Palace performing for the Royal Family. Bridget shares what she is currently working on and a little bit more of an insight into the world of Handel and his music. With a new album coming out in June you definitely want to keep your eye out on her socials to see what's up next and where you can see Bridget and her London Early Opera family perform. 

“They are unashamedly intended to please the senses and, in the hands of stylistically informed players they never fail to do so. Bridget Cunningham is just such a player…her ability to entertain unassailable" ★★★★★ Handel’s Eight Great Harpsichord Suites, BBC Music Magazine, January 2022

“Handel has never sounded better”  ★★★★★Handel’s Queens 5 Stars, BBC Music Magazine,  2019.

"Handel in Italy....reaching for the heavens" Andrew McGregor, BBC Radio 3, Record Review and Editors Pick in Gramophone Magazine.

This week Ash + Avi chat to British Soprano Nadine Benjamin. We hear about how Nadine's unconventional route into Opera has led to an exciting and successful career in the Music industry. In high demand as a Soprano with major Opera Companies, Nadine is well known for having played some of the most iconic leading ladies such as Musetta, Aida and Countess. Having established this reputation, Nadine looks forward to performing in new Opera's and more contemporary repertoire and recitals... tune in to find out where to catch this!

When Nadine is not on the stage, she can be found on our TV screens, having performed at the BBC Proms and most recently in the Celebration of the Commonwealth Service earlier this week (link below!)

Nadine's artistry is something to be admired and more than ever inspiration is guaranteed in this episode as Nadine is a fully qualified High Performance Coach - she shares with us her vision for Everybody Can! which provides a platform to encourage and support others in recognising and achieving their own visions.

After the interview Avi gives a little shout out to the great Samuel Barber, listen to an insight into his music on the month of his Birthday! 🎈We also discuss our favourite Verdi Heroine, drop yours below! 

Nadine's Links:

This week Ash + Avi met up with Bass-Baritone and Director John Savournin. You can currently find John on the stages of Opera Holland Park, English National Opera, his own company Charles Court Opera and many more!

If you like G&S you are also in for a treat!
This weeks 'Know it All' is  brought to you by Ashleigh!

Joining AA Opera this week is Irish Mezzo-Soprano Tara Erraught! Tara is celebrated as a Bel Canto QUEEN and is critically acclaimed for her performances on the Operatic and Concert Stages across the globe.🌎 👑

Tara sits down and inspires us with her story with some great advice for singers along the way...from demystifying Coloratura to tackling the trouser roles or maybe just having a good old word with yourself and committing to the Opera trade! This episode will leave you feeling empowered as we embrace our individuality as singers. 💜

You're gunna want a big cuppa tea for this one... it's the pep talk we all need. ☕️

P.S  Stay tuned after the interview as we share useful resources to support the Crisis in Ukraine 🇺🇦

Tara's Links:

We are delighted to share our chat with Comedian, Lloyd Griffith. You may recognise Lloyd from your TV screens, making you laugh in his hilarious comic sketches, he can also be found cheering in a Football Stadium near you! ⁣

What brings Lloyd to AA Opera podcast I hear you say? Well, it turns out Lloyd is a choir boy... well he was - today he's still a legit singer (countertenor turned Baritone - yes tune in to hear him explain that one ). This episode promises a geek out on Britain's glorious cathedrals, Opera chat and a few laughs along the way!

In addition Ash has a great 'Know It All' this week, let us know who most surprised you? 

Lloyds Links: 

This week Ash + Avi met up with Soprano Verity Wingate. Verity has just returned to the UK after spending 2 years in the Dutch National Studio.
She also talked about her experience at The Belvedere Singing Competition and she is full of knowledge and wisdom. And most recently she made her English National Opera debut in Philip Glass' Satyagrha. We hope you enjoy! 

Verity's Links:

This week on AA Opera we chat with Tenor, Tom Elwin. Tom shares memories of his early years as a Choir boy followed by his journey to becoming an Opera Singer. As an active career in todays industry, Tom has lots to tell us about working in the UK, Germany, covering roles and an important and insightful chat about vocal health, singers take note!

With Tom's upcoming performance as Rodolfo with English Touring Opera, Ashleigh shares some fun facts about La bohème in our new 'Know it All' Segment!

We hope you enjoy. 

Tom Elwin Links:

This week we are joined by up & coming American Conductor John Paul Jennings 🎶

JP is currently a postgraduate student at the Royal College of Music. He’s making quite a name for himself over here in the UK with regular performances and collaborations with Regents Opera.

JP shares insights into studying abroad, embracing the process of your journey to ‘becoming’ an artist and shares his conducting inspirations and aspirations. 🌍✨

This weeks episode Composer of the Month is back! It's our pleasure to have Joanna Ward share her first extract 'WE'VE GOT HONEY LOVE'

Maestro, Let’s take it from the top… Listen now! 🎧

JP Links:

Hello and we are back this week with the wonderful Baritone Ross Ramgobin.

Ross is a staple figure in today's opera scene preforming on many of the worlds great stages. This episode we discussed learning music, mental health, the love of football and lots about opera of course!

We also had a guest in the background serenading this recording. Let us know if you can figure out what they are singing.

We are with another mini-lecture (please help with a name for this segment!) led by Avi.

Hope you enjoy, Ash + Avi xxx

Ross Links: 

Ash + Avi are BACK!  Season 6 is officially a go and they are here with a new episode... every week!

To kick it off we have Opera Director Amy Lane! Tune in to hear about her fascinating career path from starting out as a professional singer, to finding a passion for Stage Management all before having a successful Directing career. Amy has such a wealth of knowledge and experience to share! 💡

Alongside her directing engagements worldwide, she is now the Artistic Director of the Copenhagen Opera Festival.

I don't think we've ever had an episode filled with so much variety! There's something for everyone.

Enjoy!

Amy's Links:

This week Ash + Avi are signing off season 5 with a BANG! This weeks guest is non other than Grammy award winner Soprano Angel Blue!

Angel has one of the most exciting contemporary careers with a schedule filled with performances on all the major stages in the world. She shares overcoming rejection, focusing on your craft and approaching everything with a positive smile and an open heart!

You most definitely do not want to miss this episode! And follow Angel on her social media so you do not miss a thing she does!

Angel's Links: 

Hello and here we go! This episode is mostly just Ash  + Avi have the best time! In addition to the last segment from this weeks 'Composer of the Month' Harry Baker!

But this episode is really quizzical! have a listen and we would love to hear your answers and what was the most surprising thing you learned about us?

Harry's Links:

Get ready to have a good time everybody! On this week's episode, we are joined by Mexican Tenor, Eleazar Rodríguez. An acclaimed international opera singer celebrated for his vibrancy, and he certainly brings smiles to us in this interview.

You may also know him as a comedy extraordinaire riding the wave of Reels over on Instagram, we really have him to thank for bringing some much-needed humour through what has been a difficult year in the Opera industry.

Listen in for insights into his career and invaluable advice for artists!

Our composer of the month Harry Baker is also here to showcase his second piece ''Seven Swans A-Swimming"

Check out all links below!

Eleazar's Links:

We are delighted to be joined by Mezzo-Soprano Claire Barnett-Jones! Claire has been a busy bee since we recorded this interview... Winning the Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize in Cardiff Singer of the World 2021 has been a particular highlight! What a treat to be joined by such a wonderful lady who is taking the Operatic world by storm!

We chat about Claire's early steps in the industry, insights into the Harewood Artist Program at ENO, and we chat about performing in a pandemic! Also, hear about how you can join the Opera community over on Clubhouse!

That's not all, composer of the month is BACK! Harry Baker will be with us throughout August, tune in and check out the links below to discover his music! 

Claire's Links:

This week Ash + Avi had a wonderful time chatting with Director Laura Attridge! Laura is a director and poet on a mission to empower singers and to define what opera can be in the 21st century! We talk audition tips and more about Laura's incredible workshops for singers. In addition to her amazing directorial work and incredible writing as well! You defintely want to check out this episode and follow Laura as well!

Laura's Links: 

This week we chat with composer Will Todd! His music is celebrated all over the world from Mass in Blue being one of the most famous choral pieces, to his arrangement of Amazing Grace being performed at President Obama's inauguration day- Yes, this guy is pretty special!

Will's music is valued for being super exciting as he blends genres together! We chat specifically about his Opera compositions and collaborations but be sure to check out Will's full collection of Choral, Orchestral, and musical theatre works, there's so much to explore!

Will's Links:

We are delighted to bring you our interview with Soprano- Channa Malkin, this conversation has everything from the success of 'Handel goes Tinder' to life as an 'Opera Mum'! Also, find out more about Channa's latest album, 'This is not a lullaby'.

We are once again joined by our Composer of the month Anna Appleby and this week's quiz will make you want to get glammed up and head out to an Opera party... but which one will it be?

Channa's Links:

Ash + Avi chat with tenor and writer Christopher Gillett. 

If there's anyone who shares our love of Benjamin Britten, Chris is the guy! So much so, he's got a brand new book all about 'Knowing Britten'.Tune in for some top-notch Britten chat, industry insights, and hear about the wonderful work of  Wild Plum Arts! 

We are also delighted to launch our brand new segment "Composer of the month". Our first shining star is Anna Appleby!

This week Ash + Avi met up with Soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn. Elizabeth has just released her new album Heart and Hereafter a collection of song cycle by composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Elizabeth shares with them all about how the album came to be plus a bit more! 

This week Ash + Avi had tea/coffee with Dresden Semperoper Ensemble member Michal Doron. They talked moving to a new city the importance of honest conversation and more... You don't want to miss this episode. 

This week Ash + Avi had the pleasure of talking to director Julia Burbach. From small scale fringe to fully staged productions on the main opera houses around the world Julia has so much knowledge about the industry and her passion is contagious! You definitely want to listen to this one!   

This week Ash + Avi got talking with Soprano Samantha Crawford all about motherhood and the opera industry. 

This week Ash + Avi sat down with Director Louisa Muller. This conversation is full of amazing insight and Louisa has so many amazing tools and is so open to share. 

This week Ash + Avi gotten chatting with Baritone Simon Wallfisch. He has so much insight this is surely an episode no one wants to miss.