OperaHere: Highways & Valleys [Part Two]

Go inside Tosca with Arthur White, Detroit Opera Director of External Affairs, and Nathalie Doucet, Head of Music and Director of the Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program, as they sit down with Tosca's director Louisa Proske and lead Masabane Cecelia Rangwanasha to talk about Puccini’s gripping drama, this production’s vision, and bringing Tosca herself to life onstage.

Ballets Jazz Montréal Artistic Director Alexandra Damiani joins Detroit Opera’s Arthur White and Kim Smith for a conversation about dance, collaboration, and the creative vision behind the company’s work. Together, they discuss Ballets Jazz Montréal’s distinctive approach to contemporary dance and its upcoming Detroit program, set entirely to the music of Leonard Cohen. The conversation explores the relationship between movement, music, and storytelling, and what Detroit audiences can expect when Cohen’s songs are reimagined through dance on the Detroit Opera House stage.

Hosts Arthur White and Nathalie Doucet speak with Alexander Gedeon, director of Detroit Opera's upcoming production of John Cage's Apartment House 1776, and Selena Kearney, a Coast Salish artist who will perform in the production. Join us for the performances, May 21-24 at Cranbrook Art Museum. Tickets at detroitopera.org

Host Arthur White talks to Cynthia Muñoz, producer of Mariachi Extravaganza, Jonathan Palomar, iconic mariachi guitarist and Artistic Director of Mariachi Extravaganza, and young mariachi artist Isabella Gonzalez ahead of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on May 9th! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of passion, tradition, and music as the world’s most celebrated mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, takes the stage at the Detroit Opera House. Founded in 1897 in Jalisco, Mexico, and now led by musical director Carlos Martínez, Mariachi Vargas continues its extraordinary six-generation legacy of excellence—hailed across the globe as “El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo.” From timeless classics to breathtaking modern arrangements, Mariachi Vargas’ performance is a journey through the heart and soul of Mexican music. Their artistry has graced the recordings of icons like Linda Ronstadt and Luis Miguel, and their dynamic live shows blend virtuosic musicianship, soaring vocals, and infectious joy that will have you clapping, singing, and celebrating. Tickets at detroitoperahouse.org

Join hosts Arthur White, Director of Audience & Community Engagement, and Kim Smith, Dance Administrator, for a conversation with Michael Novak, the second Artistic Director in the history of the Paul Taylor Dance Foundation. And make sure to join us April 11 & 12 at the Detroit Opera House for the Paul Taylor Dance Company! The program salutes the American dance icon with repertory that includes Company B, a seminal piece of Americana that recalls the turbulent era of the Great Depression through the hit songs of the Andrews Sisters, and a 50th anniversary presentation of Taylor’s masterpiece Esplanade.

Hosts Arthur White and Nathalie Doucet dive into the world of Gilead, from the genesis of Margaret Atwood's novel to the upcoming Detroit Opera production of The Handmaid's Tale. They are joined by Brenna Corner, the director of the production, as well as Katherine Kozak, Detroit Opera's new Chorusmaster. Listen in, learn more, and make sure to get your tickets at detroitopera.org

Join hosts Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement, and Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera's Head of Music and Director of the Resident Artist Program, as they chat about Detroit Opera's upcoming Highways & Valleys. In this episode, Arthur and Nathalie speak with Dr. Naomi Graber, a professor at University of Georgia and a scholar of Kurt Weill. Listen in, and make sure you tune into Part 1, focused on the music and life of William Grant Still.

Join hosts Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement, and Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera's Head of Music and Director of the Resident Artist Program, as they chat about Detroit Opera's upcoming Highways & Valleys. In this episode, Arthur and Nathalie speak with journalist Celeste Headlee, who is the granddaughter of William Grant Still. Listen in, and stay tuned for Part 2, focused on the music and life of Kurt Weill.

Hosts Arthur White and Demetrius Shields discuss the upcoming Dance Theatre of Harlem performances, November 15 and 16 at Detroit Opera House, including audience and company favorite, Firebird, choreographed by John Taras. They also talk with Karen Brown, a trailblazing professional dancer and the first African-American woman to lead a ballet company as Artistic Director of the Oakland Ballet. Her a remarkable career includes a role as a principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem for the first company performance of Firebird! Get your tickets at detroitopera.org!

Host Arthur White, Director of External Affairs at Detroit Opera, speaks with composer Anthony Davis and Isaiah McKinnon, former Chief of the Detroit Police Department (1993-1998) about The Central Park Five.