Plot Twist Darling

I explore the challenges of working through the holidays, when rehearsals and performances can mean missing time with family and friends. Drawing on her experience touring, I share ways to navigate the season: communicate commitments without guilt, plan ahead, make room for traditions on the road, watch holiday spending, and stay connected with loved ones. I also reflect on finding support in cast and crew, making peace with solo celebrations, and giving yourself grace instead of comparing your holiday to what you see on social media. Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

The glamorous dream of being an opera singer comes with a hidden second job - and most people never hear about it until they're already in the trenches. Today, I pull back the curtain on the surprisingly exhausting, expensive, and deeply personal realities of building a life in opera, from nonstop self-production to the impossible math of making art pay.If you love opera, work in the performing arts, or are considering any creative career, this episode will hit home fast. Brie shares the moments nobody prepares you for: the years of training that never really stop, the pressure to market yourself like a business, the emotional weight of balancing family and career, and the reality that sometimes the biggest challenge is not singing - it's doing ten jobs before you even open your mouth.You'll discover:Why a voice lesson is never really "over" when your instrument lives in your bodyWhat it takes to produce your own recital, from venues and budgets to ticket sales and publicityHow support, collaboration, and fair compensation shape whether an artist can keep goingWhy passion alone is not enough when you are also a parent, entrepreneur, and one-woman production teamThe hard truths about performing in the U.S. versus the added support opera receives in EuropeI also open up about the realities of touring, the difficult choices that came after becoming a single parent, and why I now pay close attention to who shows up, who collaborates, and who values my work. This is a candid, funny, and honest look at what it really means to survive and keep creating as an independent classical artist. Perfect for singers, creatives, and anyone who's ever wondered what it actually takes to turn a calling into a career. Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

(01:00) Knowing from childhood that she wanted to perform(01:50) Touring, performing, and living the dream early on(02:18) Success, loneliness, and the pressure to settle down(03:16) Wondering if she disappointed her parents(04:09) Her mother’s illness, divorce, and becoming a parent(05:07) Life’s “plot twist” and why plans do not stay fixed(05:37) Opera preparation as a metaphor for real life surprises(06:49) When the music changes and your path changes too(07:18) Transitions in opera, marriage, and family life(08:40) Why creative careers may look different, not lesser(09:09) Podcasting since 2013 and adapting through industry change(10:08) Not reaching the Met and still having something to offer(11:05) Multi-passionate identity and choosing more than one lane(12:27) Building a career without a manager or agent(13:25) Why there is no roadmap for every life path(14:45) Divorce, grief, and starting over after major losses(16:00) Letting go of comparison and imaginary timelines(17:27) Finding comfort in transitions others also do not fully understand(18:55) A final invitation to share your own reset moments(19:20) Closing update on her single and social media Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

Episode notes: Building an opera career on my own termsI talk about balancing life as an opera singer, arts administrator, entrepreneur, and single parent—and what it takes to keep going when you’re building a career without a full team behind you.In this episode, I reflect on feeling invisible in the arts, finding opportunities without an agent, and learning to celebrate my own progress. I share stories from auditions and rehearsals, including the moment my work in The Crucible led to a new opportunity. I also open up about touring, relationships, identity, and the challenge of making a performing career fit alongside family life.Through it all, I come back to what I love: the rehearsal process, exploring languages and cultures, and the feeling of connecting with people through music. I also share my new single, “Sebin Crudele,” and invite you to connect and tell me what you’d like to hear about next.In this episodeBuilding an independent opera career without an agent or large support teamBalancing performing, arts administration, and single parenthoodFinding opportunities and recognition through preparation and ensemble workWhat makes the rehearsal process and live performance meaningful to meTouring, cultural discovery, relationships, and staying true to myselfMy new single, “Sebin Crudele”Timestamps0:00Why I wanted to share more of my personal story0:46Building an opera career without a full team2:38Parenting and including my daughter in recitals4:05Why mutual support in the arts matters6:24Vocal warmups, coaching, and finding opportunities7:46Working full time in arts administration9:15Entrepreneurship and my family’s influence11:15An audition that challenged my view of the industry14:36Being noticed through ensemble work17:57Why I love rehearsal19:54The Crucible and an unexpected audition opportunity24:46Touring, culture, and learning from travel28:10Singing, language, and connecting through music33:02Feeling overlooked and learning to celebrate myself36:21Balancing family life with a performing career39:09Relationships and life on tour47:46Identity, alignment, and doing work that matters50:15My new single, “Sebin Crudele”   Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

Can We Talk About ME for Once?In this episode, I open up about the strange emotional reality of being an accomplished opera singer who still feels unseen. I reflect on my career path, the pressure of always talking about other people’s success, and why this episode is about reclaiming my own story. A BTS documentary unexpectedly sparked a deeper reflection on fame, visibility, and longevity in the arts. I also talk about stage fright, vocal identity, and the realities of performing professionally without a huge machine behind me.Key topicsWhy I wanted this episode to focus on my own career and not just advice for othersHow watching a BTS documentary led me to think about longevity, visibility, and artistic purposeWhat it feels like to be an opera singer who still sometimes feels invisibleThe challenge of staying focused when I do not feel validated or recognizedHow I discovered my gift at age 12 through a music teacher and my parents’ supportMy journey from mezzo and possible contralto labels to soprano repertoireMajor milestones including international opera work, Broadway tours, recital tours, dignitary performances, Carnegie Hall, Washington National Opera, and recording projectsWhy I sometimes want space to talk about my own opera career for onceHow social media comparison can drain my confidenceThe realities of backstage life, stage safety, and the physical demands of professional performanceWhat nerves feel like before I go onstageThe changing role of music and teleprompters in recital performanceMy first vocal solo and the stage-fright lesson my father helped me understandWhy being seen can begin with deciding that my own story deserves to be toldTimestamps00:00 — Welcome back and setting up a season of reflection01:00 — How a BTS documentary triggered a deeper personal investigation03:27 — Why artistic careers are hard to sustain without feeling validated04:55 — Naming the feeling of being invisible in opera06:59 — Working hard while still wondering why nobody sees me07:28 — Discovering music at 12 with help from a teacher and my parents08:24 — Major career milestones that should have felt more visible09:24 — Wanting to talk about my own opera career for once10:02 — Social media comparison and the cost of measuring myself against others10:31 — How my online presence mixes opera, business, acting, and karaoke11:01 — My first solo opportunities and the early Carmen experience11:58 — My voice shifting from mezzo to soprano13:20 — Auditions, Europe, and learning how opera works overseas14:38 — Why repertoire choices matter for stamina and professionalism15:08 — My first international tour of Porgy and Bess16:31 — Loving the performing arts beyond opera17:25 — Backstage life, audience behavior, and stage safety18:53 — What nerves feel like before I step onstage20:14 — Memorization, music onstage, and changing recital norms22:09 — My first solo, stage fright, and the mistake that taught me a lasting lesson24:24 — Being seen as a decision, not just a reaction25:23 — Why the podcast shifted from TV to audio and back again26:22 — Closing thoughts and where to follow me online   Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

In this episode: Jin Young Lee’s early musical journey as a cellist and how it shaped her storytelling approach.  The emotional significance of Hawaiian and Korean music in her work How music acts as a universal language to tell stories of immigration, sacrifice, and love The process behind creating Songs of Love from Hawaii and its powerful impact Lessons learned about career transitions, identity, and the unbreakable bond between music and life The importance of specific storytelling grounded in love and authenticity   Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to the episode and guest Jin Young Lee (02:27) - The blending of music and storytelling in Songs of Love from Hawaii (06:42) - Jin Young Lee’s early life as a cellist and transition to journalism (09:28) - How classical training influences her narrative listening skills (14:48) - The inspiration behind creating a film about Korean immigrants in Hawaii (16:44) - The role of traditional musicians in the film’s storytelling (21:06) - A memorable moment during filming on a Korean naval vessel (23:00) - Broader conversations on Asian representation and cultural resilience (24:43) - The powerful message about love and perseverance in immigrant stories (26:19) - How her roots continue to shape her work and future projects (29:08) - The importance of trusting the creative process and embracing career shifts (32:56) - Where to watch Songs of Love from Hawaii and upcoming ventures   Resources & Links: Songs of Love from Hawaii on Prime Video Jin Young Lee on Instagram         Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

In this special AAPI Heritage Month episode of Harbour for the Arts, Bri Cooper takes listeners on a vibrant journey into the world of Korean opera — an art form that blends Western operatic structure with Korea’s own deep-rooted vocal traditions. Bri opens the episode by reflecting on the beauty and complexity of AAPI artistry, reminding us that Asian and Pacific Islander creativity is global, innovative, and grounded in centuries of storytelling. She explores how Korean opera embodies this legacy through cultural preservation, cross-cultural innovation, and the emotional power of the human voice. The episode continues with a look at the modern boom of Korean opera in the 21st century. Bri highlights the remarkable surge of creativity after the year 2000, when more than 140 new operas premiered in Korea. She discusses standout works like Chunhyangjeon, Prince Hodong, Cheoyong, and Hwang Jini, emphasizing how these operas serve as cultural diplomacy, artistic identity, and bridges between Korea and the world. Bri also reflects on why Korean opera matters for AAPI artists today. Representation in classical music is still evolving, and Korean opera offers visibility, new repertoire, cultural connection, and opportunities for storytelling beyond the traditional European canon. For Bri, who is a Bahamian-American mezzo-soprano and cultural diplomat, this conversation is deeply personal — a reminder that music can build bridges across communities and generations. To close the episode, Bri shares resources for listeners who want to explore Korean opera further, including the Korea National Opera, the National Theater of Korea’s Changgeuk Company, the UNT Korean Opera Aria Anthology, and online archives of pansori and changgeuk performances. She ends with a heartfelt reminder that AAPI artistry is vast, ancient, and deserving of celebration, and that the human voice remains one of the most powerful tools we have for connection. If this episode inspires you, Bri invites you to share it with a friend and visit bricooper.net for extended content and behind-the-scenes insights. As always, she encourages listeners to stay creative, stay curious, and stay connected. Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

Reaching the 100th episode of Harbour for the Arts feels surreal in the best way. When I started this show, I was recording in closets, cars, and any quiet corner I could find, just hoping someone out there would connect with what I had to say. A hundred episodes later, I can look back and see how every chaotic moment, every heartfelt message from listeners, and every creative risk shaped this community into something real and powerful. This episode is my chance to celebrate that journey — the growth, the lessons, and the joy of showing up as an artist week after week. In the extended version, I open up even more about the behind‑the‑scenes moments that changed me, the episodes that almost didn’t happen, and the ways this podcast has held me through some of my biggest transitions. I also share what’s coming next as we step fully into the video era. If you’re loving this celebration, the full extended video episode — with behind‑the‑scenes, bonus stories, and my personal message to the Harbour community — is available exclusively for subscribers. Join my subscriber club for only $15 per month and get extended podcast episodes, blogs, videos, and discounts to my upcoming shows. Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

New Partner LESSON WITH YOU We’re excited to announce our partnership with Lesson With You, a trusted global music education provider offering live, one-to-one online lessons in 24 instruments and voice for students of all ages. Their 60+ expert instructors hold advanced degrees from top music schools, are fully background-checked, and teach only their primary instrument. To celebrate, we’re offering all our followers/listeners a free 30-minute online lesson with a professional instructor—perfect for jump-starting progress, refreshing technique, or exploring a new instrument from home. Try your free, no-obligation lesson today!ABOUT THIS EPISODEOpera is a dramatic reflection of love and relationships.Valentine's Day can be celebrated in various ways, including self-love.Toxic relationships in opera mirror real-life dynamics.Carmen and Don Jose's relationship highlights obsession disguised as love.Tosca and Cavaradossi's love is complicated by political turmoil.Butterfly and Pinkerton's relationship showcases colonial delusion.Self-love is crucial for artists and individuals alike.Recognizing and celebrating small wins is important.Buying your own flowers is a form of self-care.Opera tells the truth about love and relationships loudly.   Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

A nuanced discussion on Black History Month: celebrating identity year-roundMarian Anderson’s historic concert and its ongoing legacy of racial segregationThe love-hate relationship with Porgy and Bess among Black singersThe disparities in how Black performers are treated and typecast in operaPersonal stories of navigating privilege, entitlement, and representationThe significance of Black composers and diversifying opera programmingReflections on roles, racial stereotypes, and expanding narratives in performanceSupportive messages on community, connection, and small acts of kindness Host Bri Cooper NEW SINGLE IS OUT: SEBBEN CRUDELE Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts Email: [email protected] Instagram Harbour for the Arts Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano