Welcome to AA Opera!
A podcast all about the backstage confessions of not only what it takes to make opera happen but who are the people who make it happen and what can we learn from them!
We, Ash + Avi, are both graduates of the Royal Academy of Music in London and would love to share all of our burning questions about the industry with you!
Don’t forget to like, rate and subscribe!
New episodes every Friday!!
Stay in touch :
@AAOperaPod
aaoperapod@gmail.com
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Facebook: http://bit.ly/2LQGSVC
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2ks38sW
📻 Siste episoder av AA Opera
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Listen in and cheers with us to AA Opera 🥂
Our final episode is full of nostalgia, reflection and an update on what's next for us both.
Thanks to everyone that has been a part of our podcast of almost 5 years and 106 episodes!
With Love,
Ash + Avi xoxo
Ep.105 Zachary James (00:51:45)
WE ARE BACK! Season 8 kicks off with International Opera Singer, Stage and Screen Actor, Zachary James!
Ash + Avi chat to Zach about his career in showbiz and how we can as artists can embrace versatility! Such an inspiring episode, we hope you enjoy.
Zach's Links:
Website | Instagram
Our Links:Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep. 104 - Kate Lindsey (01:12:13)
This week Ash + Avi are joined by the fantastic world renowned mezzo, Kate Lindsey! Kate’s career is one so many singers aspire to. She shares what her journey has been like, working on special projects like “Handmaids Tale” as well as motherhood as an opera singer. We hope you love this episode as much as we do.
Kate's Links:
Website | Instagram
Our Links:Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep. 103 - Freddie De Tommaso (00:34:31)
This week Ash + Avi sit down with one of Opera's freshest and most celebrated Tenors, Freddie De Tommaso. Freddie reflects on his Opera Journey so far and how it came to be! He also shares the inspiration behind his debut album 'Passione' and his latest chart-topping release Il Tenore.
What a pleasure it was to talk to such a genuine and talented artist.
Enjoy!
Freddie's Links:
Website | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music
Our Links:Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep. 102 - Benson Wilson (00:47:56)
This week Ash + Avi got to chat with Baritone Benson Wilson. Benson is currently a Harewood artist at ENO. Benson Talks about the influence of his heritage on his performances and how he has developed a career in the industry as well as what it means to him to be an opera singer.
Benson's links:
Ep. 101 - Kitty Whately (00:50:36)
This week Ash + Avi welcome Mezzo-Soprano Kitty Whately. We find out about her exciting career and her latest album release ‘Befreit: A Soul Surrendered’. Kitty is also the co-founder of SWAP'ra. A fantastic organisation for women and parents within the Opera industry. Tune in to find out about their mission, values and how to get involved!
Kitty's Links: Instagram | Twitter | Listen | Album
Our Links:Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep. 100- THE 100th EPISODE! (01:01:28)
This week Ash + Avi are in the hot seat! And are share some very big news... What could it be? Tune into episode 100 to find out everything!
Our Links:
Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep.99 - Aidan Oliver (00:42:03)
This week Ash + Avi chat with Conductor & Chorus Director Aidan Oliver. We talk about the Glyndebourne that we know and love as well as Aidans work with Edinburgh Festival Chorus and Philharmonia Voices. We discuss the joys of choral music and tips on auditioning!
Aidan's Links:
Website | Twitter | Glyndebourne
Support the Podcast
Buy us a coffee
Ep. 98 - Ossian Huskinson (00:34:15)
This week Ash + Avi met up with fellow Royal Academy of Music alumni, Bass-Baritone Ossian Huskinson. Since graduating from RAM Opera school Ossian has been working on the opera stages throughout the UK and Europe. Ossian is currently a Harewood Artist at ENO. Find out more about Ossian's exciting career on the episode.
Ossian's Links:
Website | Instagram
Our Links:
Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep.97 - Bruno Ravella (00:44:03)
This week Ash + Avi chat with international Opera Director Bruno Ravella. Bruno shares his directing story so far, we discuss the importance of languages, the perks of working abroad and advice for aspiring directors.
Make sure you're following Bruno to keep up to date with his latest productions!
Bruno's Links:
Website | Instagram | Wexford Festival
Support the Podcast
Buy us a coffee
Ep. 96 - Emma Black (00:57:10)
This week Ash + Avi met with director Emma Black. Starting out at Opera North as a choir administrator, Emma has a very unique and interesting journey to her directing career. She has loads of insights and is very involved with education outreach as well. You can now find Emma back at Opera North directing Eugene Onegin.
Follow Emma
Instagram | Website | Eugene Onegin @ Opera North
Ep.95 - Rachael Williams (00:46:01)
This week Ash + Avi are joined by Rachael Williams, CEO of Streetwise Opera. Rachael shares with us what Streetwise Opera is all about and WOW - what a fantastic organisation. We also chat about what it means to be a good leader within this industry, alongside a few nuggets of advice for emerging producers.
We hope you enjoy!
Make sure you check out the links below to learn more and support Streetwise Opera.
Streetwise Links
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Follow Rachael
Twitter
Ep. 94- James Black (01:06:56)
This week Ash + Avi met up with artist manager James Black. James previously an international countertenor now an artist manager working with singers across opera and concerts. We discussed his journey of becoming an agent, and James work with young emerging artists in the industry as well.
We hope you enjoy!
James' links:
Website | Twitter
Our Links:
Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep.93 - Louise Bakker (00:56:50)
This week on AA Opera we were joined by Louise Bakker - Stage Director. Louise talks about building a career as a director within Opera, the wonderful production of Orpheus in the Underworld at RCM, her work at Aylesbury Opera and the importance of learning and participation within the Industry. This episode also tackles tough topics of life at Conservatoire and arts funding cuts.
Tune in and be inspired!
Louise's links:
Website | Instagram
Ep. 92 - Sophie Dicks (00:49:15)
This week Ash + Avi chatted with Mezzo-Soprano Sophie Dicks. Sophie has been working in the UK opera industry since she was a student at Conservatoire . She has performed with Opera Holland Park, English Touring Opera, Welsh National Opera, and more. Sophie opened up to us about her vocal health journey as well as her newest journey of becoming a mother while continuing to pursue a career onstage. And as she says "everyone else has to just get on board with it."
We know you will love Sophie and visits from her daughter Bowie just as much as we do. Enjoy!
Sophie's links:
Website | Instagram
Our Links:
Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep.91 Anush Hovhannisyan (00:59:52)
This week we chat with our dear friend and Soprano Anush Hovhannisyan. Anush is the face of Opera's future and we are delighted to share this episode in which Anush shares her story of her musical childhood in Armenia and how she came to grace the UK Opera scene with her extraordinary voice and stage presence. We also dive deep into conversations about artistic development. Enjoy!
Anush's Links:
Website | Instagram |
Our links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee
Ep.88 Kezia Bienek (00:43:35)
This week we chat with Mezzo-Soprano Kezia Bienek! Kezia is making a name for herself on stages all across the UK. Right now in Madam Butterfly with WNO, you can also catch her in the title role of Carmen this summer at Opera Holland Park and with Opera North later this year... an exciting career alongside being a parent and a trained Birth & Postnatal Doula - say what?!?! Yes - an amazing lady.
We admire Kezia so much! It's such a joy to share this episode!
Kezia's Links:
Website | Instagram | Carmen Tickets
Help Ukraine 🇺🇦
Donate Here
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Ep. 87- Mikael Eliasen (00:55:16)
This week Ash + Avi got to chat with performer, educator and collaborator, Mikael Eliasen.
Mikael has over 30 years of experiences as head of Opera at the Curtis Institue in Philadephia. He also worked closely with San Fransico Opera and has many more years of experience traveling around the world performing recitals. Mikael has a wealth of knowledge and a love for opera, new and old. You don't want to miss this epsiode!
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Help Ukraine 🇺🇦
Donate Here
Ep.86 - Rebecca Meltzer (00:49:23)
We are delighted to have Rebecca Meltzer with us this week! Rebecca has so many creative strings to her bow. A Director, Movement Director, Teacher, Facilitator and Founding Director of Waterperry Opera. Wow...so much to unpack!
Hear about Rebecca's journey to her creative career today, starting out at Durham University followed by her studies at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and all of the growth and experiences in between! We have an interesting chat about the importance of Opera & Movement, in short - go to movement class peeps!
Also tune in to hear about what Waterperry Opera has in store this summer!
Rebecca's Links:
Website | Instagram | Waterperry Opera Festival
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Help Ukraine 🇺🇦
Donate Here
Ep. 85- Bridget Cunningham (00:36:26)
This week Ash + Avi met with the wonderfully talented and intelligent Bridget Cunningham. She is a conductor, harpsichordist and musicologist with a special focus on Handel. You can find her work in so many places including at Buckingham Palace performing for the Royal Family. Bridget shares what she is currently working on and a little bit more of an insight into the world of Handel and his music. With a new album coming out in June you definitely want to keep your eye out on her socials to see what's up next and where you can see Bridget and her London Early Opera family perform.
“They are unashamedly intended to please the senses and, in the hands of stylistically informed players they never fail to do so. Bridget Cunningham is just such a player…her ability to entertain unassailable" ★★★★★ Handel’s Eight Great Harpsichord Suites, BBC Music Magazine, January 2022
“Handel has never sounded better” ★★★★★Handel’s Queens 5 Stars, BBC Music Magazine, 2019.
"Handel in Italy....reaching for the heavens" Andrew McGregor, BBC Radio 3, Record Review and Editors Pick in Gramophone Magazine.
Handel’s Queens available from http://smarturl.it/handelsqueens
“Superb album” Classic FM
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BBC Music Magazine
This weeks 'Know it All' is brought to you by Ash, and is closely related to this weeks episode.
Bridget's Links:
Website | Twitter | Instagram
London Early Music | LEO Instagram | LEO Twitter
Help Ukraine 🇺🇦
Donate Here
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Hope you enjoy! xxx
Love,
Ash & Avi
Ep.84 - Nadine Benjamin MBE (00:38:16)
This week Ash + Avi chat to British Soprano Nadine Benjamin. We hear about how Nadine's unconventional route into Opera has led to an exciting and successful career in the Music industry. In high demand as a Soprano with major Opera Companies, Nadine is well known for having played some of the most iconic leading ladies such as Musetta, Aida and Countess. Having established this reputation, Nadine looks forward to performing in new Opera's and more contemporary repertoire and recitals... tune in to find out where to catch this!
When Nadine is not on the stage, she can be found on our TV screens, having performed at the BBC Proms and most recently in the Celebration of the Commonwealth Service earlier this week (link below!)
Nadine's artistry is something to be admired and more than ever inspiration is guaranteed in this episode as Nadine is a fully qualified High Performance Coach - she shares with us her vision for Everybody Can! which provides a platform to encourage and support others in recognising and achieving their own visions.
After the interview Avi gives a little shout out to the great Samuel Barber, listen to an insight into his music on the month of his Birthday! 🎈We also discuss our favourite Verdi Heroine, drop yours below!
Nadine's Links:
Website | Instagram | Everybody Can | BBC Commonwealth Celebration
Help Ukraine 🇺🇦
Donate Here
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Hope you enjoy! xxx
Love,
Ash & Avi
Ep. 83 - John Savournin (00:49:42)
This week Ash + Avi met up with Bass-Baritone and Director John Savournin. You can currently find John on the stages of Opera Holland Park, English National Opera, his own company Charles Court Opera and many more!
If you like G&S you are also in for a treat!
This weeks 'Know it All' is brought to you by Ashleigh!
Links for 'Drops': https://bit.ly/3KAdAot *
John's Links:
Website | Instagram
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Hope you enjoy! xxx
Love,
Ash & Avi
*Affiliate link
Ep.82 - Tara Erraught (01:03:43)
Joining AA Opera this week is Irish Mezzo-Soprano Tara Erraught! Tara is celebrated as a Bel Canto QUEEN and is critically acclaimed for her performances on the Operatic and Concert Stages across the globe.🌎 👑
Tara sits down and inspires us with her story with some great advice for singers along the way...from demystifying Coloratura to tackling the trouser roles or maybe just having a good old word with yourself and committing to the Opera trade! This episode will leave you feeling empowered as we embrace our individuality as singers. 💜
You're gunna want a big cuppa tea for this one... it's the pep talk we all need. ☕️
P.S Stay tuned after the interview as we share useful resources to support the Crisis in Ukraine 🇺🇦
Tara's Links:
Website | Instagram | Twitter |
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Ep. 81 - Lloyd Griffith (01:13:33)
We are delighted to share our chat with Comedian, Lloyd Griffith. You may recognise Lloyd from your TV screens, making you laugh in his hilarious comic sketches, he can also be found cheering in a Football Stadium near you!
What brings Lloyd to AA Opera podcast I hear you say? Well, it turns out Lloyd is a choir boy... well he was - today he's still a legit singer (countertenor turned Baritone - yes tune in to hear him explain that one ). This episode promises a geek out on Britain's glorious cathedrals, Opera chat and a few laughs along the way!
In addition Ash has a great 'Know It All' this week, let us know who most surprised you?
Lloyds Links:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
(Make sure to watch #LetLloydSing)
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
Ep. 80 - Verity Wingate (01:08:29)
This week Ash + Avi met up with Soprano Verity Wingate. Verity has just returned to the UK after spending 2 years in the Dutch National Studio.
She also talked about her experience at The Belvedere Singing Competition and she is full of knowledge and wisdom. And most recently she made her English National Opera debut in Philip Glass' Satyagrha. We hope you enjoy!
Verity's Links:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Support us:
www.patreon.com/aaopera
Our links:
Website | Instagram
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