Inside Vancouver Opera

Inside Vancouver Opera

By 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.

Find out more at VancouverOpera.ca
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A 'Don Pasquale' set in Fellini's Rome with dozens of Green Cats

Inside Vancouver OperaJan 22, 2024
00:00
16:07
When Two Butterflies Meet

When Two Butterflies Meet

Today we're joined by two extraordinary sopranos, Karen Chia-ling Ho. and Yasko Sato. Karen and Yasko are double cast in the role of Cio-Cio San in our upcoming production of Madama Butterfly, running April 26th to May 4th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Learn More

Credits:

Karen Chia-ling Ho - Cio-Cio San April 27 & May 4

Yasko Sato - Cio-Cio San - Cio-Cio San April 26, May 1 & 3

Ashley Daniel Foot - Host

Mack McGillivray - Producer

Apr 26, 202519:36
Un bel dì, A Life Begins: The World of Puccini
Apr 21, 202513:43
Reclaiming Madama Butterfly
Apr 15, 202522:29
Music That Remembers Us: Together with Amica Senior Lifestyles
Apr 03, 202514:09
Support Sisters: Celebrating International Women’s Day with Perri Lo, Emma Parkinson, & Tabitha Brasso-Ernst

Support Sisters: Celebrating International Women’s Day with Perri Lo, Emma Parkinson, & Tabitha Brasso-Ernst

In this special International Women's Day episode, host Tabitha Brasso-Ernst is joined by two powerhouses in classical music – pianist Perri Lo, and mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson.


Read the full article.


Credits:

Perri Lo - Pianist

Emma Parkinson - Mezzo-Soprano

Tabitha Brasso-Ernst - Host

Mack McGillivray - Producer

Cover Illustration by @barryekko


Music Credits:

A Certain Peace from Tobin Stokes' Rattenbury, performed by Emma Parkinson and Perri Lo

Quintet from Georges Bizet’s Carmen, performed by OperaBox Company with:

  • - Perri Lo, Pianist

    - Luka Kawabata, Baritone – Dancairo

    - Katie McCullough, Soprano – Frasquita

    - Katie Miller, Mezzo-Soprano – Mercedes

    - Nolan Kehler, Tenor – Remendado

    - Emma Parkinson, Mezzo-Soprano – Carmen

    ⁠Entr'acte II⁠ from Georges Bizet's Carmen, performed by Perri Lo

  • Mar 08, 202526:59
    Les Dala and Morris Panych on the Power of 'Flight'

    Les Dala and Morris Panych on the Power of 'Flight'

    Today we’re thrilled to spotlight Flight, once again, Jonathan Dove’s groundbreaking opera. Leading today’s conversation is Flight’s conductor, and Vancouver Opera’s Head of Music/Associate Conductor, Les Dala. Joining him is Flight’s acclaimed Director, Morris Panych, whose vision is bringing this unique production to life. Together they dive into the themes, artistry, and creative process behind this stunning work.

    Read the full article here.

    Credits

    Morris Panych - Director of Flight

    Leslie Dala - Guest Host and Conductor of Flight

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Host of Inside Vancouver Opera

    Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer and Editor

    Illustration by @barryekko

    Jan 21, 202515:10
    Canadian Theatre Legends Morris Panych and Ken MacDonald take "Flight"
    Jan 20, 202520:16
    Composer Jonathan Dove on 'Flight'

    Composer Jonathan Dove on 'Flight'

    Today we'll explore how composer Jonathan Dove turned an airport terminal into a mythic space of drama, humor, and humanity - transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. As Vancouver Opera prepares to take Flight from February 8th to 16th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, today we're thrilled to talk with the composer himself.

    Read the full article.

    Credits:

    Jonathan Dove - Composer of Flight

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Host of Inside Vancouver Opera

    Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer and Editor

    Jonathan Dove Illustration by @barryekko

    Jan 09, 202523:42
    The Stories They Didn't Tell Me
    Nov 26, 202423:56
    The Art of Letting Go: Mireille Lebel's Fearless Approach to Opera

    The Art of Letting Go: Mireille Lebel's Fearless Approach to Opera

    On today's episode, we're proud to welcome the Canadian mezzo-soprano, Mireille Lebel, who's known for her captivating performances across the globe in operas such as Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Barber of Seville. And currently, she's starring as Count Orlofsky in our production of Die Fledermaus on stage October 26 to November 3rd. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

    Full Article

    Credits:

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Host

    Mireille Lebel - Guest

    Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer

    Oct 23, 202417:27
    The Plot Unmasked: Pranks and Revelry in Die Fledermaus

    The Plot Unmasked: Pranks and Revelry in Die Fledermaus

    We are celebrating Vancouver Opera’s 65th anniversary with a truly fabulous season. The season opens with Johann Strauss II’s beloved operetta Die Fledermaus. This charming comedy relies almost entirely on a series of pranks, trickery and disguise as plot devices to illuminate the themes of revenge, love, friendship, and forgiveness and reconciliation. Die Fledermaus runs from October 26th to November 3rd, with a masquerade party performance on Halloween.

    Full article.

    Credits:

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Host Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer Jane Potter - Writer and Narrator Bryan Tran - Miscellaneous Voices

    Oct 04, 202414:52
    Pride Special: Presenting Authentically, without Fear

    Pride Special: Presenting Authentically, without Fear

    A candid conversation about identity, queerness, and joy with UBC voice professor and baritone J. Patrick Raftery and his former student and tenor Spencer Britten. Patrick is about to launch his all-queer reimagining of Maurice Ravel's L'heure espagnole as A Spanish Hour? with two performances on July 27th in the Telus Theatre at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be available soon.

    Read the full article.

    Credits:

    J. Patrick Raftery - Guest

    Spencer Britten - Guest

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Host

    Mack McGillivray - Producer

    Jun 05, 202426:12
    Interweaving Histories: Henry Heng Lu on Vancouver’s Cultural Landscape
    May 24, 202411:33
    Meet the mother and daughter who sing together in the Vancouver Opera Chorus
    Apr 17, 202410:47
    Georges Bizet: Life and Times (Rebroadcast)

    Georges Bizet: Life and Times (Rebroadcast)

    In anticipation of our upcoming production of Carmen we are rebroadcasting our 7-part series on the composer’s life as one episode. Originally aired in October of 2022 ahead of our production of The Pearl Fishers. Vancouver Opera presents Carmen at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from April 27th to May 5th. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca.

    CREDITS

    Written and edited by Kris Epps
    Additional editing by Ashley Daniel Foot and Mack McGillivray
    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

    Apr 09, 202401:00:40
    Finding Voice, Passing the Torch

    Finding Voice, Passing the Torch

    Canadian opera icon Judith Forst and Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Simran Claire share the experiences of being a mezzo-soprano and wearing the pants onstage.

    Read the full article here.

    Credits:

    Simran Claire - Guest

    Judith Forst - Guest

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Host

    Tabitha Brasso-Ernst - Associate Producer

    Mack McGillivray - Producer

    Mar 31, 202421:32
    Bringing the Pieces Together: Jim Wright on engaging community, making tough calls, and advocating for the audience
    Mar 22, 202426:59
    Singing Pictures: The Musical Lives of Jim and Sheila Johnson

    Singing Pictures: The Musical Lives of Jim and Sheila Johnson

    Vancouver Opera honours Black History Month with a special audio documentary about BC Choral legend and music educator Jim Johnson and his wife, choral conductor and teacher Sheila Johnson.

    Recorded, edited and produced by Ashley Daniel Foot

    Music performed by The Concenti Singers and the Cowichan Valley Youth Choir


    Feb 29, 202408:26
    Gaetano Donizetti: King of the Bel Canto Age

    Gaetano Donizetti: King of the Bel Canto Age

    A profile on of one of the kings of the bel canto age, Gaetano Donizetti, the composer of Don Pasquale, on stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre February 10th to 18th. Get your tickets and more information at VancouverOpera.ca.

    Full Article

    Credits:

    Jane Potter - Writer and Narrator

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Voice of Gaetano Donizetti

    Richard Wolfe - Voice of Felix Mendelssohn

    Tom Wright - Voice of Giuseppe Verdi

    Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer, Voice of Hector Berlioz

    Feb 04, 202415:15
    Air is Everything: Baritone Gregory Dahl on Lessons from Opera's Biggest Roles

    Air is Everything: Baritone Gregory Dahl on Lessons from Opera's Biggest Roles

    Today, we're talking with baritone extraordinaire, Gregory Dahl. Audiences from Vancouver will remember him last season as the lead role in The Flying Dutchman. And he's back in Vancouver for as the titular role in Don Pasquale, from February 10th to 18th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets are available at VancouverOpera.ca

    Full Story

    Gregory Dahl - Guest, Baritone

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Host

    Mack McGillivray - Producer

    Jan 29, 202415:15
    A 'Don Pasquale' set in Fellini's Rome with dozens of Green Cats

    A 'Don Pasquale' set in Fellini's Rome with dozens of Green Cats

    Operatic creative partners André Barbe and Renaud Doucet discuss the timeless appeal of Don Pasquale with guest host Luka Kawabata.

    Don Pasquale runs from February 10th to 18th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets available at VancouverOpera.ca.

    Full Story

    Credits

    André Barbe - Guest, Costume & Set Designer

    Renaud Doucet - Guest, Stage Director and Choreographer

    Luka Kawabata - Host

    Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer

    Jan 22, 202416:07
    Ignite something new: Vancouver Opera launches OperaSparks Artist Development Workshop this summer
    Dec 12, 202312:13
    The Echo of Silence: Finding Voice with Carole Côté
    Nov 30, 202331:05
    Tracey Talks Tickets

    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.

    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.

    Full Transcript

    Credits:

    • Tracey Flattes - Database and Ticket Centre Manager
    • Ashley Daniel Foot - Host
    • Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer
    Nov 23, 202307:39
    The One About the Opera at the Planetarium

    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.

    Transcript

    Sanctuary & Storm, our new collaboration with re:Naissance Opera, runs from November 17th to 19th at the H.R MacMillan Space Centre. Head to VancouverOpera.ca to grab your tickets.

    Credits

    • Ashley Daniel Foot - Host
    • Tawnie Olson - Composer, Sanctuary & Storm
    • Arianne Abela - Conductor, Sanctuary & Storm
    • Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer
    Nov 10, 202313:12
    A Musician that Leads: Jacques Lacombe on Unlocking the Power of Creativity and Collaboration
    Nov 02, 202315:54
    Mozart: 15 Things You Didn't Know

    Mozart: 15 Things You Didn't Know

    Mozart. The very name reminds us of soaring arias, evocative melodies, and musical mastery. 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 VancouverOpera.ca

    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 - Audio Producer

    Oct 18, 202311:33
    Mozart: The Freemason Influence

    Mozart: The Freemason Influence

    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 VancouverOpera.ca

    Credits:

    Jane Potter - Writer and Narrator

    David Bloom - Voice of Goethe, Leopold Mozart, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Ashley Daniel Foot - Voice of Voltaire

    Kent Wilson - Voice of George Washington

    Mack McGillivray - Audio Producer

    Oct 16, 202314:49
    Making the Magic

    Making the Magic

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

    Credits

    Host - Ashley Daniel Foot

    Guest - Stephen Elgar

    Editor - Mack McGillivray

    Oct 15, 202309:09
    Transporting Worlds through Costume

    Transporting Worlds through Costume

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

    Credits

    Host - Ashley Daniel Foot

    Guest - Roberta Doylend

    Editor - Mack McGillivray

    Oct 12, 202311:03
    Fast Forward to the Emotion: Risk and Reward in Mozart's 'Magic Flute'

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

    Vancouver Opera presents ⁠The Magic Flute⁠ - October 21st to 29th, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

    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.

    For tickets and more information visit ⁠VancouverOpera.ca⁠

    Credits

    Host - Ashley Daniel Foot

    Guest - Ashlie Corcoran

    Editor - Mack McGillivray


    Oct 05, 202316:16
    Harmonizing Queer Voices

    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.

    Unveiling the queer threads in the operatic fabric allows us to appreciate the richness and diversity of human experiences. Composers like Benjamin Britten, Leonard Bernstein, and many others, have contributed to this exploration, often drawing inspiration from their own lives and relationships. By examining their music, letters, and historical context, scholars like Leo Walker have shed light on the queerness within the works of these composers, deepening our understanding and appreciation of their contributions to the art form.

    These narratives illuminate the beauty and struggles of love, desire, and self-discovery. They transcend boundaries and foster belonging for audiences of all backgrounds and identities.

    Episode Credits:

    Host - Ashley Daniel Foot
    Guest - Leo Walker
    Editor - Mack McGillivray

    Music Credits:

    Adziu! Adziu!” from Act I of Benjamin Britten’s Death in Venice. Performed by the English National Opera with John Graham Hall as Aschenbach. Conducted by Edward Gardner.

    “To Know” from Laura Kaminsky’s As One. Performed by Sasha Cooke, Kelly Markgraf, and The Fry Street Quartet. Produced by American Opera Projects in association with BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music).

    “Without You What Am I” from Act III of Rufus Wainright’s Hadrian. Performed by the Canadian Opera Company with Thomas Hampson as Hadrian and Isaiah Bell as Antinous.


    Jun 27, 202309:39
    Talking with Tom Wright
    Jun 13, 202315:03
    Luka Kawabata: The Hafu ハーフ Project
    May 18, 202319:44
    Introducing: Singing Stories

    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 that asks the question, what if the show goes wrong but in the best possible way?

    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.

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


    Episode Credits:

    Host - Ashley Daniel Foot

    Guests from the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program - Sawyer Craig, Luka Kawabata, Amy Seulky Lee, Jeremy Scinocca, and Hillary Tufford

    Audio Editing - Mack McGillivray


    Music Credits:

    Japanese Lullaby 竹田の子守唄 (Takeda No Komoriuta) Performed by Japonské Trio - Natsuko Bručková, Tomoko Kanda, and Yukie Ichimura

    Doll Song “Les oiseaux dans la charmille” from Jacques Offenbach’s Les contes d'Hoffmann, performed by Katarzyna Dondalska

    Overture to Richard Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer, performed by the University of Illinois Symphonic Band


    May 10, 202321:02
    Wagner: Life and Times - 15 Strange and Surprising Discoveries About Herr Wagner
    May 02, 202314:42
    Wagner: Life and Times - Act 2

    Wagner: Life and Times - Act 2

    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 now for the second half of our exploration of the life and times of Richard Wagner. When we left him at the end of episode one, Wagner and his wife, Minna, had just returned to Germany following 12 years in exile.

    Vancouver Opera presents The Flying Dutchman - April 29th to May 7th, 2023, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vancouveropera.ca


    Episode Credits:

    Written and presented by - Jane Potter

    Voice of Richard Wagner - David Bloom

    Produced by - Ashley Daniel Foot

    Audio editing by - Mack McGillivray

    Apr 29, 202309:35
    Wagner: Life and Times - Act 1

    Wagner: Life and Times - Act 1

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

    Vancouver Opera presents The Flying Dutchman - April 29th to May 7th, 2023, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vancouveropera.ca


    Episode Credits:

    Written and presented by - Jane Potter

    Voice of Richard Wagner and Charles Baudelaire - David Bloom

    Produced by - Ashley Daniel Foot

    Audio editing by - Mack McGillivray

    Apr 26, 202311:06
    Talking Dutchman

    Talking Dutchman

    We were honoured to welcome an incredible panel of Wagnerian singers, artists, and fans to a robust discussion of The Flying Dutchman.

    Join host Ashley Daniel Foot alongside:

    • Les Dala, Conductor of The Flying Dutchman
    • Marjorie Owens, Senta in The Flying Dutchman
    • J. Patrick Raftery, singer, UBC professor, and expert on all things Wagner
    • Stanis Smith, musician, architect, and super fan

    Vancouver Opera presents The Flying Dutchman - April 29th to May 7th, 2023, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vancouveropera.ca


    Produced by Ashley Daniel Foot

    Audio Editing by Mack McGillivray



    Apr 21, 202331:01
    Holding Space, Giving Voice, and Uplifting Black Voices with Dawn Pemberton, Morgan-Paige Melbourne, Rocky Jones, and Debi Wong

    Holding Space, Giving Voice, and Uplifting Black Voices with Dawn Pemberton, Morgan-Paige Melbourne, Rocky Jones, and Debi Wong

    “To be loving we willingly hear the other’s 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.” ~bell hooks

    Vancouver Opera honours Black History Month and shares a conversation that took place during Indie Fest 2022, co-hosted by Debi Wong of re:Naissance Opera and Ashley Daniel Foot the Senior Manager of Partnerships, Engagement, and EDI. 


    Featuring: 

    -Rocky Jones, Minnesota Opera’s Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

    -Dawn Pemberton, Vancouver’s own Queen of Soul.

    -Morgan-Paige Melbourne, Toronto-based queer interdisciplinary artist.


    This profoundly powerful conversation, a truth-telling reflects on the state of Black Opera and performance in North America, and the way forward to end cultural and urban erasures in communities of colour.


    Feb 18, 202349:28
    Britten: Life and Times - Act 2

    Britten: Life and Times - Act 2

    In the second episode of our two part series on Benjamin Britten, we talk to the composer himself (played by Roger Carr) in the form of a Proust questionnaire. 


    Written and presented by Jane Potter
    Britten: Roger Carr

    produced by Ashley Daniel Foot and Jane Potter
    audio editing by Jack Goodison

    musical clearances: Ashley Daniel Foot and Vancouver Opera

    Feb 11, 202310:26
    Britten: Life and Times - Act 1

    Britten: Life and Times - Act 1

    In the first episode of our two part series on Benjamin Britten, we get a brief overview of Britten’s prolific musical output, his musical influences, and the huge impact that Peter Pears had on his life and work.


    Written and presented by Jane Potter
    Britten: Roger Carr

    produced by Ashley Daniel Foot and Jane Potter
    audio editing by Jack Goodison


    musical clearances: Ashley Daniel Foot and Vancouver Opera 

    Feb 09, 202310:22
    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 7

    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 7

    In the conclusion to our series on the life of Georges Bizet we hear of the disastrous premiere of Carmen, and learn of Bizet's sudden death. 

    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

    Oct 20, 202212:03
    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 6

    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 6

    All's fair in love and war -- until there's an actual war.  

    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

    Narrated by Jane Potter
    Bizet: Felix LeBlanc

    Oct 20, 202205:15
    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 5

    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 5

    Bizet's prize expires -- and now he has to make a living.  Not so easy. 

    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

    Narrated by Jane Potter
    Bizet: Felix LeBlanc 

    Oct 14, 202208:36
    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 4

    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 4

    Opera + Critics + Paris.    What could go wrong? Oh so many things.  Bonus special appearance by Liszt! 


    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

    Oct 14, 202210:10
    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 3

    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 3

    Leaving Paris for Rome, Bizet's career has been properly launched. But he learns all too soon that life can radically shift in the blink of an eye.


    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

    Oct 07, 202211:31
    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 2

    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 2

    Lessons and Prizes and Rome, OH MY! Bizet takes the Paris Conservatoire by storm—culminating in an all-expense trip to sunny Italy!


    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 

    Oct 07, 202205:43
    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 1

    Bizet: Life and Times - Act 1

    Parisian, prodigious, precocious, the composer George Bizet was born at the dawn of the Victorian Era. A, B, C—easy as Do, Re, Mi. The opera world will soon be changed forever.

    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

    Oct 07, 202210:07
    Introducing: Vancouver Opera 101 - Life and Times: Bizet | Trailer

    Introducing: Vancouver Opera 101 - Life and Times: Bizet | Trailer

    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.



    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


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

    Oct 04, 202203:45