Opera in the Real World

Kelly and returning guests Sylvia (@cowboyverismo) and Keaton (@lixstrm) talk all about everyone's favorite cowboy western opera La Fanciulla del West. They discuss everything from the unintentionally hilarious name of the tenor lead Dick Johnson, blatant plagiarism of the main love theme in The Phantom of the Opera, and various reason as to why this opera is not as popular as some of Puccini's other works but the composer still considers it his magnum opus.

Kelly and Zen (@wetropolitan) talk about sacred music written for the secular stage, including how different composers treat famous texts such as "Ave Maria", and how the lines between what is "sacred" and what is "secular" music can become blurred. They also discuss how religion and spirituality are used as a storytelling device or highlight the morality of a (usually female) opera character to the audience.

Kelly and Jerrell (@datbassjawn) discuss their mutual love for La Bohème. First, they talk about the history and background of the opera, including Puccini's feud with fellow Italian composer Leoncavallo, then dive into sharing some of their favorite scenes and arias. They also talk about character interpretations, how the orchestra helps to tell the story, some of their favorite (and not so favorite) productions, and why the ending always makes them cry no matter how many times they watch it!

Kelly interviews Michigan-based composer Griffin Candey (@griffincandey) about his background and inspirations as a composer and his upcoming projects. They also discuss American opera, its history and how it compares to the American musical theater industry, and discuss the term "modern American verismo opera", as well as how the opera industry views American opera and how that is reflected in what kinds of American operas are shown on the country's largest stages.

Kelly interviews Sarah Jacob (@sarahjacob11), a co-founder of The Artist's Table, about the work the organization is doing to amplify the voices of BIPOC artists and make the opera industry more accessible to all. They also talk about current issues within the opera and classical music industry, speculate on why the industry as a whole is so resistant to change, and offer thoughts about what needs to change and the future of the industry going forward.