As singers we’re often directed towards conventional resources to help us on our journey (books, mentorship etc.) Recently, a dear friend opened my eyes to the joy of podcasts, many of which provide interesting ideas and reflections on the industry. Here are some great resources that I think every singer should check out and add to their database of info. Each podcast has it’s own feel and purpose so there’s really something out there for everyone to enjoy!!!! Check out these links.
This podcast is set up as if a sports commentator were discussing opera! Opera Box Score is live each week on WNUR 89.3 FM Chicago every Monday at 9pm. It’s definitely less formal in terms of discussion style, yet SO informative. The witty host, George Cederquist, does a great job of keeping it real and talking about opera with a raw and relevant perspective. He tackles hot topics like summer festivals, stage nudity, opera in Germany and much more.
This podcast is pure fun!!! I enjoy this podcast because it’s one of the few with women broadcasters as a part of their panel. Some of their most interesting podcasts have been on topics like, “Difficult Diva’s”, “Castrati” and then how they would cast a Harry Potter Opera.
This podcast is the SHIZZZZZZ! Adriaan Fuchs takes an in depth look into the lives of the most beautiful voices in history. If you love listening to lesser known recordings of opera singers, this podcast is perfect and offers unique facts about the personal lives of each artist. He has a four part series on Maria Callas that’s divine! He discusses singers like Pavarotti, Price, Tebaldi and even Julie Andrews. This is great for a long car ride or as a source of inspiration for your next audition.
Larry Johnson highlights an array of amazing singers from the past and present. Though it has some amazing reflections on opera, the unique thing about this podcast is that it also focuses on Broadway, operetta and art songs. Most recently, he did an amazing broadcast on Leontyne Price to celebrate her 90th birthday.
5. The Metropolitan Opera Guild
I love this podcast because it fosters a deeper appreciation for the productions happening at the Met. It allows you to hear snippets from shows, lectures and events hosted by the organization.
This podcast by Chloe Veltman highlights music in the Bay Area. It’s SUPER interesting because it discusses a range of topics like, Melisma’s, Singing and the Brain, the art of combining instrumental and vocal chamber music, and Yoga & the Voice.
7. Barbican Classical Music Podcast
This podcast offers a British perspective. It has some incredible interviews with with singers like Joyce DiDonato and composers like John Adams. One of my favorite’s is the podcast done on, “Benjamin Britten and the Voice.”