The Opera Glasses Podcast

Michael Jones, Elizabeth Bowman

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The Opera Glasses Podcast

Hosted for Season one and two by Elizabeth Bowman, former Editor-in-Chief of Opera Canada. Season three will be hosted by Michael Jones, the new Editorial Director of Opera Canada. This is a place to hold discussions about the opera business that are tougher to editorialize in print and to expand on the current whims of the business.

24 JUN

Why Aren't We Asking WHY?!

Why isn't anyone asking the hard questions about opera's future? In this riveting conversation, soprano Lucia Cesaroni and Tapestry Opera's Executive Director Jamie Martino challenge the status quo of an art form at a crossroads. "Wagner ruined opera," declares Cesaroni provocatively, questioning why we still expect modern audiences to sit through four-hour performances in darkened theaters when their lives demand more flexible, social experiences. The pair dive deep into why opera companies across Canada are struggling financially despite passionate dedication from artists and administrators alike. The conversation ventures beyond simple diagnosis into bold territory: What if opera was more like a comedy club? Why do taxpayer-funded performance spaces sit empty most nights? How might unions and companies collaborate to create sustainable models? And perhaps most importantly, why does the industry remain so resistant to change? Martino offers a radical reframing that could transform how we approach these challenges: "I am profoundly uninterested in the question 'how do we save opera?' I am interested in what we can do about the ways that we work and the kind of art that we make that will make people's lives better." This shift from institutional preservation to human impact opens new possibilities for reinvention. Listen to this thought-provoking episode, sponsored by the Lavazza IncluCity Festival. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

37 min
13 MAY

Competition and Career: Preparing for the Concours Musical International de Montréal

Ever wondered what it takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of international opera competitions? This candid conversation with two rising stars - Sophie Naubert and Ihor Mostovoi - offers a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of the prestigious Concours Musical International de Montréal. The two singers provide invaluable insights into competition strategy, from repertoire selection to mental preparation. Sophie emphasizes choosing pieces that showcase her theatrical strengths while avoiding older repertoire that might reveal outdated vocal habits. Ihor describes crafting thematic art song programs built around concepts like "water and fire" or "horror and splendor," balancing technical agility with emotional depth. Both artists speak candidly about competition's true purpose: beyond winning prizes, these events create crucial industry exposure and performance experience under pressure. Whether you're an aspiring singer, a devoted opera fan, or simply curious about the artistic journey, listen to understand the strategic thinking, personal sacrifices and pure passion driving these remarkable young artists. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

34 min
1 APR

Charlotte Siegel: Singing and Building Access to Music Education

Growing up in Toronto with a musical theater obsession sparked by seeing Phantom of the Opera at age five, Charlotte Siegel never imagined herself an opera singer. "I was definitely not that 10-year-old thinking I wanted to be an opera singer," she confesses, "but I always knew I wanted to sing." Now performing Musetta in Manitoba Opera's La bohème, Siegel finds portraying this extroverted character particularly enlightening as someone naturally introverted. "She's so unlike me... I don't like to be the center of attention, which is funny coming from an opera singer," she laughs. Yet she relishes the challenge, noting how Puccini provides everything needed in the score to bring Musetta's complexities to life. Siegel's commitment extends beyond performance. Recognizing how subsidized music lessons through Regent Park School of Music shaped her path in life, she co-founded the Marigold Music Program during the pandemic. This initiative provides underrepresented youth with music education access, mentorship and concert opportunities — addressing barriers before university applications. "I know in my bones that I would not be sitting here talking to you if I didn't have access to these kinds of programming when I was younger," she admits. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

30 min
14 MAR

Creating New Opera on the Rock: A Conversation with Cheryl Hickman

Cheryl Hickman is reimagining what an opera company can be in Newfoundland. As founder and artistic director of Opera on the Avalon in St. John's, she's built an organization that defies conventional wisdom about opera programming, audience development and digital engagement. Starting with a budget of just $25,000 in 2009 after a successful international singing career, Hickman has grown Opera on the Avalon into a $1.2 million company ranked 12th largest among Canadian opera companies - the only company east of Quebec in the top 30. What makes this achievement remarkable is how it happened: largely by abandoning traditional repertoire. "When we did Bohème, it really did not sell," Hickman reveals. "The first almost sold-out show we had was Dead Man Walking, because audiences knew it from popular culture." This discovery led to a radical shift toward commissioning and producing exclusively new works that resonate with local audiences. As Hickman puts it, "I'm never going to compete financially with the COC. But I also don't think anyone needs my version of Magic Flute." During COVID, the company pivoted to outdoor filming across Newfoundland's spectacular landscapes, creating "The Rock Performs" series. This initiative blossomed into OOTA-TV, a free digital platform featuring commissioned mini-operas from renowned composers like Jennifer Higdon and Mark Adamo, collaborative projects with Indigenous artists, and documentaries that have reached worldwide. Hickman challenges the notion that cultural excellence only happens in major urban centers: "For too long in our country we have decided what good art is and who could do good art... I'm not doing the same art they're doing in Toronto. Mine is different." Recently appointed as the incoming Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, Hickman will bring her perspective on regional arts development to national policy. Explore Opera on the Avalon's groundbreaking work at operaontheavalon.com, and discover why this Newfoundland company has something special for all opera lovers. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

41 min
28 JAN

John Fanning: Out of Retirement

Prepare to be enchanted by the stories and insights of Canadian baritone John Fanning, a treasured gem in the world of opera. As a recipient of the Ruby Award and a member of the Order of Canada, John shares his remarkable journey from the grandeur of opera stages to a more family-centered life in Waterford, Ontario. We'll uncover his thoughts on transitioning from teaching at the University of Montreal to the joys of retirement, where volunteering and family time now take center stage. Plus, get an insider's view of his thrilling return to the stage as Don Pasquale with Calgary Opera and the unique challenges and triumphs that come with embodying a new role at this stage in his career. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

19 min
06/12/2024

Arianna Maubach: From Childhood Chorus to Opera Sensation

Join us for an enchanting encounter with Arianna Maubach, the mezzo-soprano sensation who captured hearts and won accolades at the Canadian Opera Company's Center Stage Competition. Arianna takes us on a fascinating journey from her beginnings in a non-musical family to her discovery of a love for singing with the Toronto Children's Chorus. Despite having family in law and entrepreneurship, her passion was nurtured through rigorous training, leading her to the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music. Arianna reflects on her mentors who were pivotal in shaping her early musical education and career. As we chat with Arianna, she paints a vivid picture of her preparations for the COC competition performance, sharing insights from her collaboration with music luminaries like Wendy Nielsen and Liz Upchurch. The episode peeks into Arianna’s meticulous aria selection process and her spellbinding experience performing under Maestro Debus, with the goal of savoring each moment on stage. With an ongoing residency at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Arianna’s aspirations are soaring towards future engagements. Listen as she shares her excitement about upcoming performances, her exploration of new roles, and her burning desire to refine her craft while expanding her repertoire. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

31 min
18/09/2024

A New Era for Opera Canada with Michael Jones

Join us for a heartfelt episode of the Opera Glasses podcast as Elizabeth Bowman hosts her final show and introduces the new Editorial Director of Opera Canada, Michael Jones. With an impressive career spanning from Choirs Ontario to the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Michael shares how his first live opera experience with Britten's “Death in Venice” ignited a lifelong passion. We discuss his vision for Opera Canada, his excitement for upcoming productions, and how his background uniquely positions him to lead this esteemed publication. In a tribute to Opera Canada's rich history, we explore the vital role of the magazine's archival efforts in preserving the nation’s operatic legacy. Michael reveals plans to incorporate historical material into future editions, making opera more accessible and engaging for both enthusiasts and researchers. This episode is a blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and forward-looking optimism—truly a must-listen for any opera aficionado. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

33 min
15/06/2024

Dan Schlosberg: Reimagining The Handmaid's Tale

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is presenting a reimagined take on Poul Ruders's The Handmaid's Tale, a work-in-progress based on Margaret Atwood’s sobering novel. Composer Dan Scholsberg was commissioned to arrange the work for chamber ensemble using different technologies to evoke Gilead. The hope is for this arrangement to be used by more arts companies across the globe. Opera at Banff Centre will continue to thrust forward, while acknowledging and building on the foundations of the past. Guest host for this episode is Stephania Romaniuk, who is being mentored in the Arts Writer portion of Banff Centre's Opera and Chamber Music: Interplay program by Elizabeth Bowman. All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

22 min

Hosted for Season one and two by Elizabeth Bowman, former Editor-in-Chief of Opera Canada. Season three will be hosted by Michael Jones, the new Editorial Director of Opera Canada. This is a place to hold discussions about the opera business that are tougher to editorialize in print and to expand on the current whims of the business.

Creator

Michael Jones, Elizabeth Bowman
Years Active

2022 - 2025
Episodes

23
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 The Opera Glasses Podcast
Show Website

The Opera Glasses Podcast