The Art of Opera: Recent Episodes
Victorian Opera
Head behind the scenes into the the world of Victorian Opera. Join conductors, directors, designers and singers as they share stories about bringing an opera to the stage.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, stage and screen star Queenie van de Zandt chats about creating her hilarious alter-ego Jan van de Stool, starring as The Witch in Victorian Opera’s production of ‘Into the Woods’ and harnessing the mind.
This interview was recorded in November 2020 as part of the company’s web series, 'Artists in Isolation'. Find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, much-loved musical theatre star Lucy Maunder reflects on home life in 2020, her theatrical upbringing, and performing in Victorian Opera's production of 'Into the Woods'. This interview was recorded in September 2020 as part of the company’s web series, Artists in Isolation.
Find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, the always hilarious Kanen Breen shares stories from his lockdown experience, mishaps on stage, and his love of lamp-making.
This interview was recorded in July 2020 as part of the company’s web series, 'Artists in Isolation'. Find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, we speak with two of Australia’s best loved opera singers, soprano Antoinette Halloran and tenor James Egglestone, about their life together off-stage.
This interview was recorded in May 2020 as part of the company’s web series, Artists in Isolation. Find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, we check in with much-loved Colombian-Australian tenor Carlos Bárcenas.
Carlos reflects on his upbringing in Colombia and the influence Victorian Opera and soprano Jessica Pratt have had on his singing career.
This interview was recorded in June 2020 as part of the company’s web series, Artists in Isolation. Find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, we head deep inside the Black Forest with German-based Australian conductor Daniel Carter.
After starting his career as an 18-year-old at Victorian Opera, Daniel has since gone onto becoming the designated Generalmusikdirektor at Landestheater Coburg.
This interview was recorded in July 2020 as part of the company’s web series, Artists in Isolation. Find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, we mark Victorian Opera’s 15th Anniversary with an interview with soprano Olivia Cranwell – who appeared in the company’s first production back in 2006 – Britten’s Noye’s Fludde.
The interview was recorded in May 2020 as part of the company’s web series, 'Artists in Isolation'. You can find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, enjoy a very special highlight from Victorian Opera’s web series ‘Artists in Isolation’.
Speaking with us from her kitchen at home in the Barossa Valley, iconic Australian cook Maggie Beer reflects on her extraordinary love of food and music. This interview was recorded in August 2020.
You can find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of ‘The Art of Opera’, we hear another highlight from Victorian Opera’s web series ‘Artists in Isolation’.
Joining us from her Lithuanian summerhouse, we speak with soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė, the star of Victorian Opera’s production of Salome. This interview was recorded in June 2020.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Throughout 2020, the team at Victorian Opera has been creating an enormous amount of video content including interview series Artists in Isolation. In the series, we hear from singers and theatre makers across the world as we all respond to COVID-19. You can find the full series and much more via victorianopera.com.au.
In this episode, here’s a recent chat with Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director composer-conductor Richard Mills – recorded in August 2020.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rossini’s comic opera The Barber of Seville has kept audiences laughing for over 200 years.
Ahead of Victorian Opera’s season of this madcap masterpiece, company Artistic Director and conductor Richard Mills reflects on Rossini’s love of macaroni and that pesky cat that ruined the opera’s opening night back in 1816.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28-year-old composer-conductor Simon Bruckard is about to premiere his first opera, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant. He reflects on the highs and lows of developing an opera, conducting his own music, and what awaits him next.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Come backstage into Nancye Hayes’ dressing room for a very special podcast recorded with the grand dame of theatre and fellow musical star Verity Hunt-Ballard during the run of Victorian Opera’s acclaimed production of A Little Night Music.
Hear them reflect on their extraordinary careers, advice for younger performers, and their own special friendship.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Soprano Ali McGregor has enjoyed a brilliantly eclectic career across opera, cabaret, comedy, and circus. She now prepares to ‘Send in the Clowns’ with one of the most iconic roles for women, Desirée Armfeldt, in Victorian Opera’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re asking the big question in our latest podcast: what’s the difference between opera and musicals? We’ve invited the experts to share their thoughts and opinions ahead of Victorian Opera’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special podcast, Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Richard Mills is joined in conversation by guest host Phillip Sametz to discuss the social history of opera, from its early days in Italy through 19th century Paris to the present day.
Recorded live in Victorian Opera’s Hemstritch Studio at Horti Hall as part of the Richard Mills' Talks Series.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our latest podcast is full of laughter and jokes with guest Katarina Dalayman. The celebrated Swedish soprano reflects on her life on the road, love of Wagner and advice for young singers. Having sung Kundry in Parsifal at the Met and Paris Opera, she returns to one of her favourite roles in Victorian Opera’s upcoming production.
Recording courtesy of ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Markus Stenz at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our latest podcast delves into Wagner's world of knights, sorcerers and the Holy Grail. The Art of Opera invited Wagnerian expert Dr Peter Bassett for a fascinating two-part conversation about Parsifal. In Part 2, learn about the scale of staging a Wagnerian opera, the challenges of singing his music, and more about the composer himself.
Recording courtesy of ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Markus Stenz at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our latest podcast delves into Wagner's world of knights, sorcerers and the Holy Grail. The Art of Opera invited Wagnerian expert Dr Peter Bassett for a fascinating two-part conversation about Parsifal. In Part One, learn about the key themes, what makes this opera unique, and its ongoing influence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We speak to Caitlin Hulcup and Teddy Tahu Rhodes, two of the stars of Victorian Opera’s concert of Bellini masterwork The Capulets and the Montagues. The internationally acclaimed opera singers reflect on their upbringings, careers, and love of music.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From a full concert livestream of Bellini's La Sonnambula to an interactive preview of new operas in development and a world-leading education program, Victorian Opera is experimenting with new ways to experience opera. Learn more about the technology behind livestreaming and why it is an important part of the future of opera.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The process of creating a new opera begins years before a work has its premiere. Sometimes it’s a miracle that it even makes it to the stage. From the initial idea to opening night, discover the steps in making an opera.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From roaring adventure to seductive siren songs, family classics to never-ending fun, Victorian Opera has launched its Season 2018 Encounters. Artistic Director Richard Mills discusses programming the season ahead.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of Australia’s best loved sopranos, Antoinette Halloran, talks longevity, maintaining a career in the arts and reflects on her long association with Victorian Opera.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Set designer Richard Roberts is prolific and has designed 160 productions across his 40 year career. He looks back on his favourites, designing his house and creating the set for Cunning Little Vixen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ahead of his next VO production Cunning Little Vixen, legendary Australian director Stuart Maunder reflects on a career in theatre.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From singing to psychology, Aussie soprano Greta Bradman reflects on a fascinating life on and off the stage.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Colombian tenor Carlos Bárcenas began his opera journey a little differently. From marine biology to the big stage, Carlos reflects on his love of singing ahead of La Sonnambula.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Enter a world of fantasy with director Nancy Black as she discusses Respighi’s The Sleeping Beauty. Victorian Opera’s new production features 27 life-sized puppets operated by a brilliantly talented cast of singers and puppeteers. Listen to find out more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opera and circus collide in Victorian Opera’s latest production ‘Laughter and Tears’. Executive Producer Libby Hill discusses the joys and challenges of this fusion of art forms and what she learnt from this collaboration with Circus Oz.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lighting designer Joseph Mercurio returns to Victorian Opera to light kooky new community opera ‘The Pied Piper’. He chats about approaching a production, why to arrive early and his passion for theatre.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emerging set and costume designer Candice MacCallister is living in Fairyland as she creates Victorian Opera’s enchanting family production of ‘Cinderella’. She discusses glass slippers, mirror balls and magic on stage.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After performances in over 20 productions across the world, opera superstar Jessica Pratt brought her career-defining role home for her first Australian production of ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’. The coloratura soprano reflects on the role, life in Europe and going mad on stage.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cameron Menzies returns to Victorian Opera to direct Donizetti's bel canto masterpiece 'Lucia di Lammermoor'. In the production, he directs Jessica Pratt - the world's leading Lucia. Hear him discuss the opera, his connection to it and working with Pratt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A familiar face, and voice, to Victorian Opera’s audiences, Dimity Shepherd returns for Steve Vizard and Paul Grabowsky’s new musical Banquet of Secrets. She talks about food, music and starring alongside her close friends in the production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the first episode of 'The Art of Opera', head behind the scenes with Victorian Opera's Head of Music and conductor Phoebe Briggs as she chats about new Baroque pasticcio opera 'Voyage to the Moon'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.