Talking with singers: Lisette Oropesa

Interview

"Ever since I was young I have been singing, and I can't remember a time when music was not a part of my life. I truly feel that this is what I've been put on this earth to do; namely, to share something divine through the gift of music. If I can move even a single person, I know that I have done justice to the gift that has been given to me."

Justin Ralph: "It all comes down to storytelling."

Interview

"Whether you're singing opera, art song, folk music, or even country, you're unfolding a story for the audience and transporting them to a different time and place than the present. Schubert's traveller in Winterreise and Hank Williams' lonesome soul in 'Lost Highway' have a lot in common despite the centuries between them, and immersing myself in either character brings me a lot of satisfaction."

The voice teacher series: Edith Wiens

Interview

"'Good singing' is when I hear someone who is passionate in communication, who has something to say, and is true to him- or herself. It is excellent singing when this is coupled with technical ease."

The voice teacher series: Mitchell Hutchings

Interview

"It may sound cliché, but, even if a student has a natural talent, the best results come from a healthy work ethic. You can see this at various schools, conservatories, and independent voice studios everywhere. Those that are the most motivated and have the greatest amount of perseverance gain the most from this career."

Talking with composers: Adam Scime

Interview

"I like to try something different with each piece I write. It's how I keep the process exciting and at the same time it becomes a learning experience. It also keeps me on edge - which I like - and for me this is actually a positive thing."

Reason #947 we don't envy singers: singing on camera

Editorial

"Mouth agape, molars in full view, eyebrows at the crown of the head, perhaps some bulging veins - they're all the product of singing one's face off. It's not always pretty, and the camera seems cruelly deft at showing you the sordid details."

Schmopera: coming to an opera house near you!

News

We've got contributors in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Edmonton, London, Frankfurt, and more. That means we can broaden our coverage of the 2017/18 season and catch more artists at work. With the help of our new writers, we'll be able to better represent the cool and complementary web of opera happenings across the world.

Body-shaming, product-selling, & knowing the difference

Op-ed

But with a minimal amount of online vetting, a professional musician should be able to tell the difference between an organization which is about presenting concerts that put their artists in the spotlight, and one that offers "background wallpaper" in a variety of patterns and colours. There's nothing wrong with either, but each come with their own set of expectations.

Sawney Bean & his cannibal clan would make a great opera

Humour

Whether you turn Sawney Bean himself into a booming basso profundo with a mean snarl and a taste for human flesh, or you tell the story of an anti-social family living among a mob-like community with a tendency toward exaggeration and gossip, the story is full of operatic qualities.

Spotlight on: Jacques Arsenault

Interview

"Invest in relationships. There are some remarkable individuals working in every aspect of this industry. Be the person others want to be around and work with—make yourself indispensable. Also, be super prepared. When luck comes your way, it's useless if you're not ready for it."