web01.fireside.fm Sun, 17 May 2026 02:43:18 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) OPERABIZ PODCAST - Episodes Tagged with “Mezzo” https://www.operabiz.com/tags/mezzo Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500 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. en-us episodic industry pros: transparent talk OperaBiz 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. yes opera, classical music, musician, music, singer, actor OperaBiz operabizpodcast@gmail.com Samantha Hankey - Mezzo-Soprano https://www.operabiz.com/1029 53c33419-d3f9-4eb8-92ec-5d91e2e43fd1 Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500 OperaBiz full OperaBiz 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 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 and challenges of traveling as an artist. 52:43 no <p>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 and challenges of traveling as an artist. In this engaging conversation, Daniel and Samantha share insights on travel essentials, self-care, and the nuances of being an opera singer. They discuss the importance of trusting one's instincts in performance, and memorable moments in her opera career.</p> <p>Takeaways</p> <ul> <li>Mental health is a significant concern for artists in high-pressure environments.</li> <li>Taking breaks is essential for maintaining performance quality.</li> <li>Physical health impacts artistic performance and mental clarity.</li> <li>Routine and consistency are vital for artists on the road.</li> <li>The opera industry requires juggling multiple roles and responsibilities.</li> <li>Learning roles back-to-back can be a trial by fire experience.</li> <li>Preparation is crucial for performers to avoid anxiety.</li> <li>Language proficiency enhances performance and connection with colleagues.</li> <li>Artists owe it to their audience to deliver authentic performances.</li> <li>Self-care is crucial for artists to perform well.</li> <li>Avoid giving unsolicited advice to colleagues.</li> <li>Trust your instincts when choosing repertoire.</li> <li>Traveling day of a performance can be detrimental.</li> <li>Memorable moments in opera often extend beyond the stage.</li> <li>Some roles come with high expectations.</li> <li>Authenticity in performance can redefine iconic roles.</li> </ul> <p>Chapters<br> 00:00 Introduction to the Opera Biz Podcast<br> 03:02 The Evolution of Careers in Opera<br> 05:47 The Challenges of Learning Multiple Roles<br> 09:12 The Importance of Language in Performance<br> 12:00 Navigating Live Theater Dynamics<br> 15:05 Mental Health and Artist Wellbeing<br> 22:04 Finding Balance in a Demanding Career<br> 30:00 The Joys and Challenges of Travel as an Artist<br> 34:13 Culinary Discoveries and Travel Essentials<br> 36:07 Do's and Don'ts for Opera Singers<br> 42:16 Trusting Your Instincts in Performance<br> 49:47 Self-Care and Travel Tips for Performers<br> 52:44 Memorable Moments in the Opera Career<br> 58:55 Upcoming Performances and Role Preparation</p> <p>Special Guest: Samantha Hankey.</p> Keywords opera, artist management, mental health, performance, language, travel, work-life balance, artist wellbeing, live theater, career development, Sriracha, travel essentials, opera singer tips, self-care, performance preparation, memorable moments, Carmen, opera career 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 and challenges of traveling as an artist. In this engaging conversation, Daniel and Samantha share insights on travel essentials, self-care, and the nuances of being an opera singer. They discuss the importance of trusting one's instincts in performance, and memorable moments in her opera career.

Takeaways

  • Mental health is a significant concern for artists in high-pressure environments.
  • Taking breaks is essential for maintaining performance quality.
  • Physical health impacts artistic performance and mental clarity.
  • Routine and consistency are vital for artists on the road.
  • The opera industry requires juggling multiple roles and responsibilities.
  • Learning roles back-to-back can be a trial by fire experience.
  • Preparation is crucial for performers to avoid anxiety.
  • Language proficiency enhances performance and connection with colleagues.
  • Artists owe it to their audience to deliver authentic performances.
  • Self-care is crucial for artists to perform well.
  • Avoid giving unsolicited advice to colleagues.
  • Trust your instincts when choosing repertoire.
  • Traveling day of a performance can be detrimental.
  • Memorable moments in opera often extend beyond the stage.
  • Some roles come with high expectations.
  • Authenticity in performance can redefine iconic roles.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Opera Biz Podcast
03:02 The Evolution of Careers in Opera
05:47 The Challenges of Learning Multiple Roles
09:12 The Importance of Language in Performance
12:00 Navigating Live Theater Dynamics
15:05 Mental Health and Artist Wellbeing
22:04 Finding Balance in a Demanding Career
30:00 The Joys and Challenges of Travel as an Artist
34:13 Culinary Discoveries and Travel Essentials
36:07 Do's and Don'ts for Opera Singers
42:16 Trusting Your Instincts in Performance
49:47 Self-Care and Travel Tips for Performers
52:44 Memorable Moments in the Opera Career
58:55 Upcoming Performances and Role Preparation

Special Guest: Samantha Hankey.

]]> 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 and challenges of traveling as an artist. In this engaging conversation, Daniel and Samantha share insights on travel essentials, self-care, and the nuances of being an opera singer. They discuss the importance of trusting one's instincts in performance, and memorable moments in her opera career.

Takeaways

  • Mental health is a significant concern for artists in high-pressure environments.
  • Taking breaks is essential for maintaining performance quality.
  • Physical health impacts artistic performance and mental clarity.
  • Routine and consistency are vital for artists on the road.
  • The opera industry requires juggling multiple roles and responsibilities.
  • Learning roles back-to-back can be a trial by fire experience.
  • Preparation is crucial for performers to avoid anxiety.
  • Language proficiency enhances performance and connection with colleagues.
  • Artists owe it to their audience to deliver authentic performances.
  • Self-care is crucial for artists to perform well.
  • Avoid giving unsolicited advice to colleagues.
  • Trust your instincts when choosing repertoire.
  • Traveling day of a performance can be detrimental.
  • Memorable moments in opera often extend beyond the stage.
  • Some roles come with high expectations.
  • Authenticity in performance can redefine iconic roles.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Opera Biz Podcast
03:02 The Evolution of Careers in Opera
05:47 The Challenges of Learning Multiple Roles
09:12 The Importance of Language in Performance
12:00 Navigating Live Theater Dynamics
15:05 Mental Health and Artist Wellbeing
22:04 Finding Balance in a Demanding Career
30:00 The Joys and Challenges of Travel as an Artist
34:13 Culinary Discoveries and Travel Essentials
36:07 Do's and Don'ts for Opera Singers
42:16 Trusting Your Instincts in Performance
49:47 Self-Care and Travel Tips for Performers
52:44 Memorable Moments in the Opera Career
58:55 Upcoming Performances and Role Preparation

Special Guest: Samantha Hankey.

]]> J'Nai Bridges, Mezzo https://www.operabiz.com/1021 96733058-3ab4-44a8-8ad1-481da86de891 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 10:00:00 -0500 OperaBiz full OperaBiz J'Nai Bridges sits down for an informal talk 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. 57:50 yes <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> opera, mezzo, Met opera 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Krysty Swann: Part 2 https://www.operabiz.com/1001-2 cfa34498-b3f4-4ddc-b0c4-221c8c155870 Sun, 30 Sep 2018 21:00:00 -0400 OperaBiz full OperaBiz Krysty Swann, mezzo-soprano, talks about her favorite comics, the humanizing of opera idols, and the path to a professional opera career. 47:36 yes <p>Krysty Swann is a mezzo-soprano, total nerd, and charismatic performer with credits that include Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Metropolitan Opera. </p> <p>Krysty talks about casting, being prepared, and just being yourself in the opera world...along with a little D&amp;D and comics chat.</p> <p>photo cred: Theodore Samuels Special Guest: Krysty Swann.</p> opera, opera singer, Met Opera, podcast, classical music, classical singer, NYC, New York Krysty Swann is a mezzo-soprano, total nerd, and charismatic performer with credits that include Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Metropolitan Opera.

Krysty talks about casting, being prepared, and just being yourself in the opera world...along with a little D&D and comics chat.

photo cred: Theodore Samuels

Special Guest: Krysty Swann.

]]> Krysty Swann is a mezzo-soprano, total nerd, and charismatic performer with credits that include Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Metropolitan Opera.

Krysty talks about casting, being prepared, and just being yourself in the opera world...along with a little D&D and comics chat.

photo cred: Theodore Samuels

Special Guest: Krysty Swann.

]]> Krysty Swann: Part 1 https://www.operabiz.com/1001 a55bb554-db61-46f4-8e0d-f8784cc446f5 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 OperaBiz full OperaBiz Krysty Swann, mezzo-soprano, talks about her favorite comics, the humanizing of opera idols, and the path to a professional opera career. 53:09 yes <p>Krysty Swann is a mezzo-soprano, total nerd, and charismatic performer with credits that include Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Metropolitan Opera. </p> <p>Krysty talks about casting, being prepared, and just being yourself in the opera world...along with a little D&amp;D and comics chat.</p> <p>photo cred: Theodore Samuels Special Guest: Krysty Swann.</p> opera, opera singer, Met Opera, podcast, classical music, classical singer, NYC, New York Krysty Swann is a mezzo-soprano, total nerd, and charismatic performer with credits that include Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Metropolitan Opera.

Krysty talks about casting, being prepared, and just being yourself in the opera world...along with a little D&D and comics chat.

photo cred: Theodore Samuels

Special Guest: Krysty Swann.

]]> Krysty Swann is a mezzo-soprano, total nerd, and charismatic performer with credits that include Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Metropolitan Opera.

Krysty talks about casting, being prepared, and just being yourself in the opera world...along with a little D&D and comics chat.

photo cred: Theodore Samuels

Special Guest: Krysty Swann.

]]>