Artistic Futures: Recent Episodes
Opera North
Welcome to Artistic Futures, a monthly podcast designed for anyone contemplating a career in the wonderful world of Opera. You will meet a range of artists who will share their passion and tell you more about their artistic journeys. It will also be full of useful tips and advice for the next generation of performers and creators.
Welcome to this special episode with James Brining, presented by Scarlett, Vicenzo, Beth, Vanessa and Seth from Mount St Mary's Catholic High School (Richmond Hill, Leeds).
James Brining is a Director and the Artistic Director and CEO of Leeds Playhouse. Since joining in 2012, he has directed a range of shows from new plays to large scale musicals including Oliver!, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Little Night Music, The Wizard of Oz and into the Woods. James is currently working on My Fair Lady, produced in collaboration with Opera North and opening in June. He will also be directing 'The Magic Flute' next season.
Musical Excerpt: The Magic Flute: Duet 'Pa-pa-pa' (Papageno & Papagena) with Gavan Ring as Papageno, Amy Freston as Papagena and Orchestra of Opera North, conducted by Robert Howarth.
In this episode, multi-talented Hannabiell Sanders and Yilis del Carmen Suriel speak about their musical and activist journeys, and recall how their band, Ladies of Midnight Blue evolved over the years.
Ladies of Midnight Blue are an Afro-Latin percussion and brass duet. They create a powerful and upbeat fusion of rhythms, weaving combinations of melodic percussion, brass, vocal chants, and mbira. They have performed all over the world and in the last 12 years they have been workshop facilitators and guest artists for various projects and residencies, including Opera North’s Resonance Residency. On Saturday 23 March 2024, they will be performing their family show A Love Revolutionat the Howard Assembly Room.
Musical Excerpt: Ladies of Midnight Blue playing live at the Darlo Drum Festival 2020
In this episode Divina de Campo shares her passion for performing and tell us about her love of opera and her journey as an artist.
Divina is a British drag queen and singer who has been featured on national television programmes including The Voice, All Together Now and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Her love of theatre led her to star in many stage productions. In 2022, she won 'Best Performance in a Musical' at the UK Theatre awards for her leading role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Divina will be in Leeds on Saturday 10th February for an intimate solo performance at the Howard Assembly Room.
Musical excerpt: Waving Goodbye by Divina de Campo.
In this episode, Kate Davy tells us about the work of a stage manager and shares her experience working backstage.
Originally from Ilkley, Kate moved to London age 18 to study at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She then came back to Yorkshire to work as assistant stage manager at Northern Ballet. Nearly 25 years ago, she joined Opera North where she now works as Head of Stage Management. Over the years, Kate has worked on over 100 opera performances.
Musical excerpt: Trio 'O wind gently blowing' (Fiordiligi, Dorabella, Don Alfonso), Act 1, from Mozart's Cosi fan tutte
In this episode, BBC Young Musician finalist Phoebe Mallinson speaks about her passion for brass instruments and shares her experience and aspirations as a young player.
Originally from Bradford, Phoebe started playing cornet at the age of eight before moving to flugelhorn when she was ten. In 2017, she gained a place at Chetham’s School of Music studying Trumpet with Tracey Redfern. In December, Phoebe will be performing as soloist with the Opera North Youth Orchestra at Dewsbury Town Hall as part of the Kirklees Orchestral concert series. After her A levels, Phoebe hopes to join one of the leading conservatoires to further her studies in music performance.
Musical excerpt: Janáček's The Cunning Litte Vixen (Finale) performed by the Orchestra of Opera North.
In this episode, tenor Xavier Hetherington shares his passion for operatic singing technique and foreign languages. He provides useful advice for young singers and shares what it's like for a performer to engage with young audiences. He also tells us about his experience working on Opera North new production of Masque of Might.
Xavier started singing at an early age as a boy chorister in Salisbury Cathedral. He then went on to study classics at Cambrige University where he was a choral scholar at St John's College. In 2018, he studied a postgraduate degree at the Royal College of Music in London. Since then, he has been performing on concert and opera stages in the UK and across Europe.
Musical excerpt: Masque of Might: 'So when the glitt'ring Queen of Night' (Seer) sung by Xavier Hetherington.
In this episode, Jamie Saye reflects on his career as a sound and lighting technician, and offers great tips and insights for anyone interested in working backstage. He also opens up about his motivation to change career and the work he has been doing with Sustainable Arts in Leeds (SAIL).
Jamie worked as Technical Manager at the Howard Assembly Room before becoming the General Manager at SAIL. He is the Opera North Green Champion and has been advising the company during the development of their Green Season.
Musical excerpt: 'Ulibambe' by Abel Selaocoe (composed as part of the Opera North Walking Home project - sound journeys from lockdown)
In this episode, Rakhi Singh reflects on her journey as a musician and her work with Manchester Collective. She also shares useful advice about freelancing as a musician.
Musical excerpt: 'Pierrot Lunaire' by Arnold Schoenberg performed by Manchester Collective
In this episode, Emma Black reflects on her career so far and the work she has done at Opera North over the years. She speaks about the forthcoming Youth production of Eugene Onegin and shares useful advice for aspiring artists and directors.
Musical excerpt: 'Mi Chiamano Mimi' From La Boheme by Puccini
In this episode, John Savournin gives us a glimpse of what the rehearsal process for Ariadne auf Naxos has been like and reflects on his career so far, combining singing, directing and writing.
Musical excerpt: Finale Act 1 from Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart
In this episode, violonist Byron Parish recalls how he got into classical music and shares his motivation to inspire the next generation of musicians. Byron has been a member of the Orchestra of Opera North since 2015 and will feature as soloist in Walton's violin concerto alongside the Opera North Youth Orchestra in December 2022.
Musical excerpt: 'Te Deum!' from Tosca
In this episode, Textile Artist Natalie Needham tells us about her work as part of the costume department at Opera North. She also introduces Stitch Away the Stigma, a creative art programme she created to support anyone who loves or cares for someone with an alcohol/ drug use disorder or gambling addiction. Musical excerpt: 'Papagena!' from The Magic Flute
To open the second season of Artistic Futures, Manoj Kamps recalls their first musical encounters, growing up in Sri Lanka, and speaks openly about the challenges of being a queer conductor. Musical excerpt: 'Brindisi' from La traviata.
In this episode, Anna Pool tells us about all the different aspects of her work. As director, composer, writer and performer, she reflects on what drives her creations and shares advice for those particularly interested developing multi-disciplinary artististic careers. Musical excerpt: ‘Da tempeste il legno infranto’ (Cleopatra) from Handel’s Gulio Cesare sung by Lucie Chartin.
In this episode, Opera North Musical Director Garry Walker tells us about the challenges and rewards of being a conductor. He also reflects on the role music plays in society and shares useful tips. Musical excerpt: Rigoletto ACT II Duet (Rigoletto, Gilda) sung by Eric Greene and Jasmine Habersham.
In this episode, Opera North Youth Chorus Master and organist Nicholas Shaw recounts how he started his career as a church musician before finding renewed inspiration working with young people and immersing himself in the world of opera. He shares precious advice for young performers too. Musical excerpt: ‘In Carmine Doloris’ from the opera Jephte by Giacomo Carissimi (1605-1674), reworked by James Batty.
In this episode, Syrian composer and Qanun player Maya Youssef introduces us to her beautiful instrument, shares her musical journey and tells us how she started composing. She also reflects on how music can be a powerful tool to bring about peace and create empathy. Musical excerpt: Silver Lining composed and performed by Maya Youssef as part of the https://www.operanorth.co.uk/watch-online/walking-home-sound-journeys-from-lockdown/ (Walking Home) project.
Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Syrian composer and qanun player Maya Youssef.
In this episode, Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie tells us how he got into classical music and shares his passion for education. Young instrumentalists interested in pursuing a career will also find plenty of useful tips! Musical excerpt: ‘Prelude’ (Act 1) from Rigoletto played by the Orchestra of Opera North.
Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie.
In this episode, Themba Mvula recalls how he became an opera singer. He shares his passion for new music and tells us about his experience singing the role of Marullo in the new Opera North production of Rigoletto. Expect really useful audition tips too! Musical excerpt: ‘La Donna e Nobile’ (Duke of Mantua) from Rigoletto sung by Roman Arndt.
In this episode, Anna Yates explains what the role of a designer entails and tells us how she got into Opera through her love for cinema. Musical excerpt: Der Rosenkavalier Overture by Richard Strauss
In this episode, Sian Edwards tells us about her career as a conductor and some of the advantages and challenges of being a woman in the profession. She shares her favourite operas and tips for young musicians who might be tempted to give conducting a go. Musical excerpt: Katya Kabanova Act II (Kudryash, Varvara) by Janáček sang by Alexander Sprague and Katie Bray, and conducted by Sian Edwards
In this third episode, Director Matthew Eberhardt tells us about how he got into directing operas and what this role exactly entails. He shares thoughtful advice with aspiring directors and gives useful audition tips for actors and singers too. Musical excerpt: ‘Numi, pieta del mio straziato core’ (Amneris) from Aida sung by Alessandra Volpe and the Chorus of Opera North.
In this second episode, Mezzo-Soprano Chrystal E. Williams tells us about preparing for the lead role of Carmen, shares her passion about making opera more accessible and diverse, and encourages young artists from all backgrounds to follow their own trajectories. Musical excerpt: Aria ‘Habanera’ from Carmen sung by Chrystal E. Williams and the Chorus of Opera North. *2001 and not 2011 at 4:12
Don't miss the second episode of Artistic Futures with the inspiring American Mezzo Soprano Chrystal E. Williams.
In this first episode, soprano Marie Claire Breen takes us on a trip to Scotland where she grew up and trained as an opera singer. She shares her passion for education and great audition tips too! Musical excerpt: Aria 'Come quickly, my beloved' (Susanna) from The Marriage of Figaro sung by Flur Wyn.