Hello Music World Podcast

Karen Kim

Welcome to the Hello Music World Podcast where we talk about the ups, the downs and all that matters in between in music education and music in the world community Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hello-music-world-podcast--5347650/support.

  1. Jul 17

    When Music Builds Community with Derek Craig, South Africa

    When Music Builds Community What role does music play beyond the stage? Can a song strengthen communities, shape culture, tell a nation's story- or even change lives?  In this episode of The Hello Music Show, Karen Kim sits down with South African creative leader, musician and music advocate Derek Craig, whose career has spanned award-winning advertising, artist management, music licensing and community development. From his early days performing alongside some of South Africa's finest musicians to helping artists find new audiences through film, television and advertising with Shoreline Songs, Derek shares a unique perspective on the intersection of creativity, business and human connection. Together, Karen and Derek explore South Africa's rich musical heritage, the extraordinary resilience of its artists, and why music remains one of the most powerful forces for bringing people together across cultures and generations. This is a conversation about much more than the music industry-it's about purpose, storytelling, creativity, and the communities that music helps build.  Whether you're a musician, creative professional, or simply someone who believes in the power of music to unite people, this inspiring conversation reminds us that the greatest songs don't just entertain, they create connection. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hello-music-world-podcast--5347650/support.

    When Music Builds Community with Derek Craig, South Africa
  2. Jul 7

    Daniel Todd - Reimagining Opera

    🎙️ Hello Music World Podcast | Reimagining Opera: Immersive Performance and the Future of the Art Form with Daniel Szesiong ToddWhat does the future of opera look like?In this episode of Hello Music World, Karen Kim is joined by acclaimed Australian tenor Daniel Szesiong Todd for a fascinating conversation about the evolving world of opera, immersive performance, and creating new ways for audiences to experience classical music.Daniel's career has taken him from studying music and law in Melbourne to performing more than thirty operatic roles with the Hamburg State Opera, working in China, and returning to Australia to contribute to one of the country's most innovative arts landscapes. Today, as an Artistic Associate with Forest Collective, he helps create award-winning immersive musical experiences that challenge traditional concert formats and invite audiences to become part of the performance.Together, Karen and Daniel explore:How opera is evolving for contemporary audiencesThe rise of immersive and site-specific performanceInnovation in storytelling and music theatreLessons from an international career spanning Europe, Asia and AustraliaAdvice for young singers and emerging arts professionalsWhy collaboration is central to the future of the performing artsDaniel also shares insights into his upcoming role in Liza Lim's The Oresteia, presented by Sydney Chamber Opera and the ELISION Ensemble. With a libretto adapted by Barrie Kosky, this powerful one-hour reimagining of the classic Greek tragedy returns in a rare revival at Carriageworks from 24–31 July 2026.Whether you're an opera lover, musician, arts professional, educator or simply curious about how classical music continues to reinvent itself, this conversation offers an inspiring glimpse into the future of the art form.About Daniel Szesiong ToddDaniel Szesiong Todd is an acclaimed Australian tenor whose career spans opera, education and artistic leadership. He has performed more than thirty roles with the Hamburg State Opera, worked professionally across Europe, Asia and Australia, and is now an Artistic Associate with Forest Collective, where he collaborates on immersive, interdisciplinary performances that are reshaping how audiences engage with classical music.Upcoming PerformanceThe Oresteia 📍 Carriageworks, Sydney 📅 24–31 July 2026 Sydney Chamber Opera and the ELISION Ensemble present a rare revival of Liza Lim's landmark 1993 opera The Oresteia. Directed by Imara Savage with a libretto adapted by Barrie Kosky, this compelling one-hour work breathes new life into one of the great Greek tragedies.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Hello Music World, leave a review, and share it with fellow music lovers. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hello-music-world-podcast--5347650/support.

    Daniel Todd - Reimagining Opera
  3. Jun 16

    Dr David Kram - Why Opera Still Matters: Careers, Creativity and BrünnhAilde

    Why does opera still matter in the age of AI, streaming, and shrinking attention spans?In this episode of The Hello Music Show, Karen Kim sits down with David Kram AM-arts leader, producer, educator, and champion of Australian opera-to explore the enduring power of storytelling, creativity, and the arts.Together they discuss why opera continues to captivate audiences centuries after its creation, the role of storytelling in business and society, and how creative thinking remains one of the most valuable human skills in an increasingly technological world.The conversation also delves into BrunnhAilde, a groundbreaking new project that combines Wagner's epic Ring Cycle with generative AI animation and live performance, raising fascinating questions about the future of opera, technology, and artistic innovation.Whether you're an opera lover, entrepreneur, educator, artist, or simply curious about how creativity shapes our lives, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at why opera-and great storytelling-still matter. Topics include: • Why opera remains relevant today • Storytelling, leadership, and human connection • Careers in the arts and creative industries • The future of creativity in the age of AI • BrunnhAilde and the evolution of opera • Building sustainable cultural organisations Tune in for an inspiring conversation about art, innovation, and what it means to be human. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hello-music-world-podcast--5347650/support.

    Dr David Kram - Why Opera Still Matters: Careers, Creativity  and BrünnhAilde
  4. 08/25/2025

    Beyond the Baton - Warwick Stengards, International opera conductor

    Warwick Stengårds – “Beyond the Baton” In this episode we are thrilled to be chatting with Warwick Stengårds, the Australian‑Swedish conductor whose versatility spans opera, ballet, and contemporary music with more than three decades of international acclaim. Based in Vienna, his flair for bridging classical tradition and modern expression has taken him to stages such as Opera Australia, the Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Swedish Opera. Stengårds trained at WAAPA in Australia, launching his career as a répétiteur before forging a dynamic freelance path in Europe and the antipodes. He’s led premieres and celebrated productions, from Mozart and Verdi to Reimann, Ross Edwards, and modern Australian works, showcasing extraordinary range. Highlights of his artistry include the mesmerizing Australian premiere of Reimann’s Ghost Sonata with Opera Australia, praised for its “atmospheric and precise interpretation” that captured the opera’s psychological complexity. He’s also known for conducting innovative adaptations like Wagner’s Ring Cycle for children at the Vienna State Opera, and he champions contemporary Australian voices, leading productions of works like Boojum! and Christina’s World. Whether in the pit, working with ballet companies, or elevating choral ensembles across continents, Stengårds brings both precision and passion to every performance. Hope you enjoy this episode with Warwick! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hello-music-world-podcast--5347650/support.

    Beyond the Baton - Warwick Stengards, International opera conductor

About

Welcome to the Hello Music World Podcast where we talk about the ups, the downs and all that matters in between in music education and music in the world community Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hello-music-world-podcast--5347650/support.