Key Change: A COC Podcast Canadian Opera Company

Ahead of its world premiere at the COC in June, 2023, this week’s episode explores Pomegranate with composer Kye Marshall and librettist Amanda Hale! Together, the duo discuss the creative process behind the work, its central time-traveling love story, and its goals for queer representation in opera. 

What’s the best part about playing the bad guy? This week on Key Change, English baritone Roland Wood joins us to explore a thrilling classic from the master of emotional storytelling, Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. Looking ahead to his upcoming role as Scarpia in this season’s production, Roland shares his no-nonsense approach to playing this infamous character. 

Explore this season’s brand-new production of Verdi’s Macbeth alongside the show’s internationally renowned conductor, Speranza Scappucci. Last heard by COC audiences in our acclaimed 2020 production of The Barber of Seville, Scappucci shares her perspective on key moments in the score, and brings both expertise and excitement to discussing the roles of the conductor and orchestra.

Canadian soprano Ambur Braid provides fascinating insights into her upcoming title role in this winter’s Salome—exploring the past, present, and future of one of opera’s most complex leads. Join Braid in conversation with co-hosts Robyn Grant-Moran and Julie McIsaac.

This week on Key Change, Robyn and Julie meet our very own Figaro! Italian bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni, star of this winter’s production of The Marriage of Figaro, joins the show to explore the timeless human connection at the core of Mozart’s greatest comedy.

Co-hosts Robyn Grant-Moran and Julie McIsaac speak with Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, one of two dazzling opera artists singing the iconic title role in Georges Bizet’s Carmen. Bringing her acclaimed experience in the role to the COC stage this fall, Bridges explores her unique relationship to the heroine amidst Carmen’s historically complicated characterization.