In Harmony with Piedmont Opera

Piedmont Opera

In Harmony with Piedmont Opera takes you behind the scenes of a professional opera company located in Winston-Salem, NC. Meet members of our cast and crew and learn how we connect with businesses and nonprofits in our community to promote the art of opera.

  1. 06/30/2025

    Celebrating 50 Years of Piedmont Opera: The Steinway Restoration

    In this episode, we celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of Piedmont Opera by delving into the fascinating restoration of a 1909 Steinway piano. Join us as Bill Huesman, the piano technician who oversaw this remarkable project, shares insights into the history and significance of this instrument, which once belonged to the opera's founder, Norman Johnson. Bill recounts the challenges and triumphs of the restoration process, from maintaining the original ivory keys to upgrading the internal mechanisms, all while honoring the legacy of the founding family. As a special treat, we feature a musical selection performed by Shravya Pendyala, a talented piano student from UNCSA, who showcases the beautiful sound of the newly restored piano. An Indian - American pianist, Shravya is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Piano Performance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under the tutelage of Dr. Dmitri Shteinberg. Shravya has started learning piano since she was five years old. At the age of seven, she started studying under the tutelage of Dr. Eugene Barban, Professor Emeritus, and head of the piano department at Winthrop University. Shravya has performed in many concerts and festivals, such as the UNCSA Piano Department Concert, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, and Music Carolina Summerfest. As an advocate for contemporary music, she has performed Leto II for piano quartet in a program called The Spectrum written by UNCSA composition student Jacob McCoy as well as premiered a work by composer Andrew McFarland. She also participated in several masterclasses with well-known pianists, such as Gila Goldstein, Yakov Kasman, Svetozar Ivanov, Hiyeon Choi, and Anthony De Mare.  Shravya has won first prize at the South Carolina Piano Festival, and second prize at the Edwin Hughes Piano Competition. She also was awarded an honorable mention at the Florida Young Artists International Piano Competition and the NCMTNA. She was also a finalist at the UNCSA Concerto Competition.  Tune in to hear not only the enchanting music but also the heartfelt stories behind this beloved instrument, as we embark on a journey through the rich history of Piedmont Opera. Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36795/store/donations/51775

    18 min
  2. Episode 31 - Raehann Bryce-Davis

    04/14/2025

    Episode 31 - Raehann Bryce-Davis

    Join us for a terrific episode as we explore the exciting collaboration between Piedmont Opera and the Winston Salem Symphony. In this episode, we spotlight the upcoming performance of Verdi's Requiem, set for April 26th and 27th. We’re thrilled to welcome world-renowned mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis, who will be making her debut in Winston-Salem with this extraordinary piece. Raehann shares her journey from New York, where she is currently celebrating the release of her debut album, EVOLUTION. She reflects on her career highlights, including her recent performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Opera House. As we dive into her experiences, Raehann discusses the emotional depth of Verdi's music and how she prepares to deliver such powerful performances. Additionally, we touch on the importance of mentorship and diversity in the arts, as Raehann emphasizes the need for underrepresented voices in opera. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the world of classical music and the incredible talent that graces our stages. Don't miss the chance to experience Verdi's Requiem with the Winston Salem Symphony! Use this link to purchase your tickets today: https://www.wssymphony.org/series/verdis-requiem/ For more on Raehann Bryce-Davis and to stream her new album, visit her website at https://www.raehann.com/ Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36795/store/donations/51775

    30 min

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In Harmony with Piedmont Opera takes you behind the scenes of a professional opera company located in Winston-Salem, NC. Meet members of our cast and crew and learn how we connect with businesses and nonprofits in our community to promote the art of opera.