Greg & Jenna's #RoundUp2017

Editorial

Can you believe it's that time already? The end of the twelfth month is upon us, and we have a duty to reflect on the year. 2017 brought lots of goodies: high notes, great conversations, and even a puppet opera. Greg and Jenna whittled down the year's riches to their top 5 picks:

When opera companies protect abusers

Editorial

It is irresponsible and dangerous to assume that a criminal's colleagues are unaware or indifferent to such serious offenses. This attitude needs to be addressed. An entire art form is at stake.

'Tis the season for Schwag!

Editorial

We've got tees, hoodies, and our adorable little Schmug, all designed with care by the folks here at Schmopera. Get a laugh and help support our ad-free, opera-savvy content this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Happy birthday to us: Schmopera is four!

Editorial

We're proud to call ourselves an artist-run publication, set on demystifying opera without dumbing it down. In this past year, we've expanded our opera coverage to cities across North America and Europe - our new contributors are an amazing, dedicated group of loquacious artists who keep our mission afloat.

How your voice type determines your on-the-job social life

Editorial

It's something to ponder: have the great composers of history inadvertently laid out a predetermined social life for generations of operatic artists? Have they added to the stereotype of rival divas by keeping them isolated to their own operas? Have they given credulity to the inevitable cross-disciplinary romances between soprano and baritone, between répétiteur and tenor?

What do singers want in a pianist?

Editorial

Pianists who work with singers tend to pride themselves on being an anticipator of needs. A great pianist seems to know before the singer does if they need an emergency breath, could use some extra hang-time on a high note, or wants a friendly push in tempo. Yet just as married-for-decades couples can still manage to surprise each other, even the best of pianist-singer relationships aren't perfectly telepathic.

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."

Opera meanies: the August edition

Editorial

"Nadine Sierra misses out on London debut", reads Lebrecht's headline. He goes on: "The US soprano was due to open the Covent Garden season in Richard Jones's new production of La Bohème, but she has cried off. Her replacements are, if anything, more interesting."

Aria guides: "Lieben, Hassen"

Editorial

This aria is dense and charming, and though it seems harmless, features more than a few surprising challenges. With the work you do in the practice room and with your teachers and coaches, our latest Aria Guide can help you navigate your way through this adorable little ditty.

Singers: it's time to expand your dating pool

Editorial

Having a partner who isn't a musician will also be a great way of making sure you don't lose your friends in the process of gaining a romantic relationship; you'll always need to have those cathartic, industry-specific conversations with people who get your shorthand, and it's a beautiful thing to have a few things that remain specially reserved for you and your singer friends.