The Atlanta Opera Podcast

Reimagining an opera is a delicate balance. Discovering a new perspective while honoring the spirit of the original work requires a special level of care and artistry. So how does one reimagine an opera like Bela Bartok's haunting Bluebeard's Castle, a work straight from the realms of Gothic horror, for a new audience? Director Daisy Evans and conductor Stephen Higgins come to the mic for this epi...

The Atlanta Opera welcomed summer with a truly unique festival featuring the soul-searching, identity-defining chamber opera As One . The performances touched audiences and brought them into the journey of the trans experience that was poignant and uplifting. Baritone and As One cast member Lucia Lucas joined host Erik Teague back in March to talk about being a proud "Heldenbaritonisten" and the f...

A fan-favorite Come As You Are episode returns on The Atlanta Opera Podcast as we revisit Erik Teague's conversation with "opera's nose-studded rock star," Jamie Barton! Bisexual advocacy and body positivity are just a few of the topics covered in this jam-packed pod in this genuine conversation between these two industry professionals. Come As You Are explores the intersection of the careers of a...

The Atlanta Opera's Come As You Are Festival was a masterful display of creativity and artistry, and not just from the impressive casts of the various productions. Jump into this rewind of Come As You Are as host and the festival's costume designer Erik Teague chats with the festival's lighting designer Marcella Barbeau about their inspirations and experiences in the industry that has led them to...

Our final conversation of the season features veteran filmmaker and co-creator of the chamber opera  As One, Kimberly Reed! Kimberly and Erik share their thoughts on the importance of bringing trans-centered stories to the public eye through the opera medium, and what made The Atlanta Opera's production of As One truly special.  Come As You Are explores the intersection of the careers of arts prof...

Conducting called to Alexis Enyart from a very young age, a passion that drove her to the podium. But as she propelled her career forward, she also began the complex journey of realizing her own identity as a trans woman. Join us for a poignant conversation as host Erik Teague chats with Alexis about her story, the intersecting stigmas of trans women personally and professionally, and her work wit...

Laura Kaminsky comes to the table this week as a guest for this very special episode of Come As You Are! As the composer of the poignant chamber opera As One , Laura Kaminsky discusses her fascinating experiences as a musician and composer that drew her to create this innovative work detailing the life of Hannah and her journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a trans woman.  Come As You Are ex...

Intimacy. Vulnerability. Discovery. Strength. As One is a transformative chamber opera by Laura Kaminsky, Mark Campbell, and Kimberly Reed, that follows the journey of transgender woman Hannah. Performed by two singers who each encapsulate elements of Hannah and accompanied by a string quartet, this intimate setting draws the audience into the incredible story of one's self-discovery and the livin...

Kander & Ebb's musical Cabaret about the colorful characters of the seedy Kit Kat Klub during the rise of the Nazis in 1930's Berlin was a heavy-hitting production when it debuted, just 20 years after World War II. The complex subject material continues to reverberate throughout our society, and the struggle of the individuals within the musical to surrender to blissful ignorance or accept a s...

Hair, makeup, and wig designer J Jared Janas found himself trailblazing from an early age. The first of his family to be born in the United States, he found an unlikely path to the world of hair and makeup in spite of social and economic challenges that the exclusive world of theatre can often prove too far a reach. Listen to his fascinating story of humble beginnings and his discovery of identity...

As The Atlanta Opera continues its productions of the GRAMMY-winning The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs from April 30th - May 8th, 2022, enjoy this special rewind as baritone John Moore and Tomer Zvulun discuss transforming into the polarizing pioneer Steve Jobs, highlighting the significance of this role in opera and more in this episode of The Atlanta Opera's The Business of Opera.

Blink and it’s over! Director Tomer Zvulun shares the top 5 things you need to know about The Atlanta Opera’s production of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.

The music of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs is a fast-paced score of acoustic resonance and electronic sampling, featuring instruments not normally found in the opera pit like saxophone and guitar. How do all of these unorthodox elements blend to create a GRAMMY-winning musical experience? Listen in as conductor Michael Christie guides you through this riveting opera by composer Mason Bates and li...

Steve Jobs was a revolutionary, a complex mastermind whose efforts to redefine technology have made an indelible impact on us all. Drama and intrigue define his story - a story tailor-made for opera. Join baritone John Moore as he discusses the opera's plot, collaboration with composer Mason Bates and librettist Mark Campbell, and his approach to encapsulating the polarizing pioneer on stage in th...

In preparation for The Atlanta Opera's production of the GRAMMY-winning The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs from April 30th - May 8th, 2022, enjoy this special rewind as librettist Mark Campbell digs into his approach to writing, how he made Steve Jobs' character uniquely human, and more in this episode of The Business of Opera with Tomer Zvulun.

In preparation for The Atlanta Opera's production of the GRAMMY-winning The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs from April 30th - May 8th, 2022, enjoy this special rewind as composer Mason Bates and Tomer Zvulun discuss taking on the mythology of Steve Jobs, creating new sonic worlds for opera and Bates' influences in this episode of The Atlanta Opera's The Business of Opera.

Director and choreographer Eric Sean Fogel comes to the mic for this week's episode of Come As You Are with Erik Teague! Eric brings his extensive experience as director and choreographer for premier theatres and events as the Washington National Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, the Metropolitan Art Museum, and Paris Fashion Week to provide his perspective on the state of opera and theatre today, and...

Come As You Are explores the intersection of the careers of arts professionals and their identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. In each episode, costume designer, trans man, and host Erik Teague discusses the complex narratives, unique challenges, and beautiful stories of a guest's journey through their discipline and their identity. So grab yourself a cup and join us for a good story! An icon o...

Erik interviews Lucia Lucas, self-described international Heldenbaritonisten. Lucia sings all over the world and is known especially in the US for her portrayal of the title role in Tulsa Opera's Don Giovanni. Her performance was explored in the 2020 film "The Sound of Identity." In this week's episode Erik talks with Lucia about her creative process and her upcoming role in As One at The Atlanta...

Blink and it’s over! Director Michael Shell shares the top 5 things you need to know about The Atlanta Opera’s production of The Barber of Seville.

With recognizable tunes, rapid-fire vocalism, and hilarious, ridiculous shenanigans Rossini’s The Barber of Seville is a comedic opera for all to enjoy! Join baritone Joseph Lattanzi on this week’s episode as he takes us through the background, history, and the opera’s plot ahead of his role debut as Figaro in the Atlanta Opera’s upcoming production. Blinks are built to give you an introduction to...

Come As You Are explores the intersection of the careers of arts professionals and their identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. In each episode, costume designer, trans man, and host Erik Teague discusses the complex narratives, unique challenges, and beautiful stories of a guest's journey through their discipline and their identity. So grab yourself a cup and join us for a good story! Erik chat...

In this week’s episode of Blink Opera, we join our very own Music Director, Maestro Arthur Fagen, for an in-depth look into the music of The Barber of Seville. Blinks are built to give you an introduction to operas told from the artists who actually perform them and know them intimately. So, let’s listen to the highlights, unpack the plot, and hear about performance anecdotes in a time-efficient a...

Come As You Are explores the intersection of the careers of arts professionals and their identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. In each episode, costume designer, trans man, and host Erik Teague discusses the complex narratives, unique challenges, and beautiful stories of a guest's journey through their discipline and their identity. So grab yourself a cup and join us for a good story! In this e...

Come As You Are explores the intersection of the careers of arts professionals and their identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. In each episode, costume designer, trans man, and host Erik Teague discusses the complex narratives, unique challenges, and beautiful stories of a guest's journey through their discipline and their identity. So grab yourself a cup and join us for a good story! We turn t...