Classical Queer Episode 33

We welcome to the show this month the amazing OperaQ from Toronto. They are in the process of making a queer-led Indie Operatic film about the life of Julie d’Aubigny or Mademoiselle de Maupin. You really have to read about her life as a transgressive opera singer and swordsman.  We talked to the company about the film and what it means to them to produce an Opera about such a larger-tha-life character. So come take a listen, find out about Julie and her life as well as French Baroque Opera. I learnt so much!

We are excited to have two guests on this months CQ podcast. The first is the composer Trey Makler who tells fantastic stories with his music. The second guest and making a return to the show is Saxophonist Nick May. Jacob and I had a great time talking with the two of them and in particular about a new work written for Nick by Trey. Do take a listen!

We welcome cellist, composer, vocalist and improviser India Gailey to this months CQ podcast. India is a multi-talented artist who works across musical genres as well as dance and other art forms.   During the show we discuss India's work, her influences and her recent album Problematica. The music from the album and the range of the Cello in this work has to be heard to be believed. Truly amazing. Oh and we have a fun time as well!    

Something a little different this month as Jacob and I interview Charlotte and Bien from Trash Panda Brass - a queer brass band residing in Toronto. Formed in 2022 the band have made quite an impact in the brass band scene with their exciting and joyful arrangements of modern pop classics.   We had a wonderful time talking and laughing with them about their work and music in general. You will love their arrangements! Of course you have to listen to find out the origin of their name!

Jacob and I are excited to introduce you to the Gay4Nature collective. Based in Canada they work at the intersection of queer identity and climate justice - a unique combination. We had a wonderful time talking to the founders Anna Bigland-Pritchard and Alex Chen. We covered a wide range of topics including their new work, Green, of which we hear a preview. Stay to the end to hear a queer version of the coffee cantata! Amazing!  

It was a great pleasure to welcome back Eveshka Ghost to the podcast. She recently released her new film "Broken Eyes" - for which she not only wrote the music but also wrote and directed the film.    We not only discuss the film but delve into Eveshka's quite unique way of writing and playing music. To be honest, I am in awe of her abilities as a composer and musician and I really have no idea how she does it in the way she does. Take a listen to find out more.

Jacob and I had a great time interviewing Opera singer and theatre creator Teiya Kasahara. Teiya not only has the most fantastic voice but uses it so creatively to explore the various aspects of gender, sexuality and race all within an often amusing operatic artform. There is little doubt that they are a rising star in the operatic world. I know you will enjoy listening to this podcast!

On this month's Classical Queer Podcast we welcome composer and performer Zachery Meier. We talked to him about his life as a flutist (or flautist and definitely not flootist) and his wonderful compositions. Jacob and I had a great time talking with Zachery and I learnt a lot about the combination of flute and tuba - it works! Come and take a listen to some fantastic music that for me pushed the boundaries of what a flute can do.    

Something a little different this month. Jacob talks to some students about their music and also takes us behind the scenes during practice. It is nice to hear young musicians talk about their lives and how music fits into it. So do take a listen.  

For our first podcast of 2024 Jacob and I are so pleased to welcome Hub New Music to the show. Hub New Music are a string and wind quartet who have been called "contemporary chamber trailblazers" through their fresh and exciting music. We interviewed two of the four members Mike Avitabile (flutes) and Meg Rohrer (violin/viola) - they are joined in Hub by Gleb Kanasevich (clarinets) and Jesse Christeson (cello). So do join us for a fun and may I say joyous hour of conversation and music.