What's Up With Opera?

On this episode, tenor Lawrence Brownlee discusses Rising, his Grammy-nominated album inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. He explores his bel canto repertoire, social justice, mentorship, and the power of music to inspire change. Theme music by Epidemic Sound.

This International Women’s Day, we sit down with three opera legends—Charlotte Siegel, Miriam Khalil, and Tracy Dahl—to explore what it truly means to be a diva. From reclaiming the word to embracing its power, these extraordinary artists share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the opera world. Theme music by Epidemic Sound.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Grammy and Juno Award-winning soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan! Recently named Musical America’s 2025 Artist of the Year, Barbara reflects on her illustrious career, her commitment to contemporary music, and what this prestigious honor means to her. Join us as Barbara shares her insights on the thrilling […]

Join us for a great conversation with Jonathan McCullough and Christopher Allen. Jonathan, a Grammy-nominated baritone and opera director, is praised by the NY Times as a “pacesetter for cinematic opera.” Christopher, a recipient of The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, has worked with top opera companies like LA Opera and Washington National Opera. Together, […]

This week we sit down with Asitha Tennekoon, tenor and co-founder of Amplified Opera, an indie opera company based in Toronto. Asitha discuss tropes and concerns with people of colour in the world of opera, as well as what drives him and brings him joy. Theme music by Epidemic Sound.

We join Fleur Baron, mezzo soprano and curator of recital programs, exploring music from contemporary and baroque. We explore just how intricate and personal her curation work is, how it uplifts personal stories such as amplifying the voices of Asian creators and other diverse communities.  Music in this Episode: Tungu Tungu by Teodoro Varcarcel Doundou […]

Join Patrick Hansen, Director of Opera Studies & Opera McGill Artistic Director, as he discusses dismantling barriers for young musicians, hopes for the future of opera, and an encounter with the legendary Liberace! Theme music by Epidemic Sound.

American bass-baritone Davóne Tines returns to examine the triumphs and challenges of self-expression and self producing; changing what it means to be a classical singer.

Please enjoy a bonus clip of baritone Joshua Hopkins as he discusses working with Canadian literary icon Margaret Atwood. 

Content warning: This episode discusses gender based violence and the murder of a family member. We join baritone Joshua Hopkins as he guides us through his project, Songs for Murdered Sisters, a collaboration with Jake Heggie and Margaret Atwood. Songs For Murdered Sisters not only allowed Joshua to heal from the shock and numbness of such a tragedy, but also allowed him to transform his grief into a peaceful and hopeful experience.