OPERABIZ PODCAST

Samantha Hankey - Mezzo-Soprano

7 February 2025  |  52 mins 43 secs

mezzo, opera, 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 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.

Leah Hawkins - Soprano

14 November 2024  |  43 mins 14 secs

arizona opera, memphis opera, metropolitan opera, opera, opera singer, professional artist, santa fe opera, soprano

In this episode of the OperaBiz Podcast, host Daniel Welch talks with soprano Leah Hawkins about her journey in the opera world, focusing on themes of identity, mental health, and the challenges faced by artists. Leah shares her experiences with audience engagement, memorable performances, and the importance of taking time off to maintain mental well-being. The conversation also touches on the significance of personal interests outside of opera and covers Leah's upcoming performances and advice for aspiring artists.

Andrew Ousley - PR

3 September 2019  |  48 mins 59 secs

opera, pr, social media, social media marketing

Kicking off Season 2 of the OperaBiz podcast: PR guru Andrew Ousley joins the conversation for an informative talk about the state of social media for singers, what a PR firm actually does in classical music, and where he thinks this corner of the industry is going.

Zachary James

11 June 2019  |  1 hr 1 min

bass, broadway, opera, singer

From MT to opera, off to Broadway and TV, and now back on the opera stage again, Zachary James brings a unique and fresh perspective on the opera industry.

Recorded on-location at Gebhard's Beer Culture on West 72nd.

Lila Palmer, Librettist

29 April 2019  |  1 hr 19 mins

classical music, collaboration, composer, libretto, opera

Lila Palmer, librettist, comes on to discuss the side of the industry many people take for granted: the text. From creating new works, to collaborative efforts, to crafting a story, Lila brings a unique perspective to the world of opera.

Timothy Myers, Conductor

15 April 2019  |  1 hr 3 mins

conductor, opera, symphony

Conductor Timothy Myers (Santa Fe, HGO, Washington National Opera, MNOp, et al.) sits down to discuss working on world premiers, the collaborative effort of opera, and taking the road less traveled to a career. Recorded at Minnesota Opera, one day before the world premier of The Fix.

Lucas Meachem

5 February 2019  |  46 mins 39 secs

baritone, classical music, classical singer, new york, nyc, opera, opera singer, podcast, social media, social media for singers, social media marketing

From singing with your own voice to his blog and social media engagement, baritone Lucas Meachem covers the ins and outs of being a modern singer.

Ben Bliss

20 January 2019  |  51 mins 3 secs

met opera, opera, social media, social media for singers, social media marketing, soprano, tenor

Ben Bliss chats about his transition from Hollywood production to the Met stage, about tenacity, and the importance of knowing when to pivot.

The Chautauqua Opera Company

7 January 2019  |  1 hr 12 mins

chautauqua opera, classical music, classical singer, new york, nyc, opera, opera singer, podcast, social media, social media for singers, social media marketing

Steven Osgood, Michael Berg, and Sara Noble from The Chautauqua Opera Company join the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of their company and the Young Artist program.

Dísella Lárusdóttir

11 December 2018  |  1 hr 4 mins

met opera, opera, social media, social media for singers, social media marketing, soprano

Dísella hangs out and talks about Iceland, the opera-industry equation myth, Marnie, and balancing the life of an artist and being a mom.