The Chicago Voices Student Songwriting Workshop offered a selective group of nine high school students an incredible opportunity to hone their songwriting skills and strengthen their performance artistry. In only 12 hours (over the course of one week), these talented songwriters crafted a new original song, collaborated with each other, and recorded their work in a professional studio. We invite you to sit back, relax, and listen to these future Chicago Voices.

All songs are Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

VOICES: Student Songwriting Workshop

In this podcast, ​Andréa Fuentes, Director for LA Opera Connects, chats with opera singers and arts and health advocates Nani Sinha and Michele Patzakis. Join LA Opera Connects in celebrating LA County Arts and Health Week June 12-18, 2022. In collaboration with LA County Department of Arts and Culture and the WHO Healing Arts Initiative as well as multiple arts and health organizations around Los Angeles County, join us at several events during the week as well as at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 for an arts and health summit. For more information visit LAOpera.org/Wellness.

Arts and Health with Michele Patzakis and Nani Sinha

In this podcast recorded in 2019, Indre Viskontas, neuroscientist and operatic soprano, discusses the relationship between music and the brain. From June 12 to June 18, 2022, explore the intersection between arts and health through a series of events across LA County. For more information and a full schedule, please visit LAOpera.org/Wellness.

From the Vault: Indre Viskontas: The Science of Music's Effect on The Brain

In this podcast, listen as we explore the experiences of the future generations of opera-lovers.  Moderators Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano and Xochitl Hernandez chat with LA Opera Connects' College Advisory Committee and Leadership Academy members Sakeenah Godfrey, JJ Abraham Flores, and Joseph-Nathaniel Cuenca.

To apply for LA Opera Connects' College Advisory Committee, or for more information about our learning and community programming, please visit LAOpera.org/Community.

Behind the Curtain: A Conversation with LA Opera Connects' College Advisory Committee

In this podcast, Christopher Koelsch, LA Opera's Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco President and CEO, chats with internationally acclaimed tenor and LA Opera Artist in Residence Russell Thomas about careers and access in opera as well as Mr. Thomas's journey to the operatic stage. Tickets to LA Opera's 22-23 season are available now at LAOpera.org.

Behind the Curtain: In Conversation with Russell Thomas and Christopher Koelsch

In this new podcast series, we explore elements of American operas - production and reception histories, social contexts, historical valences and more - through our artist and scholar community. In this episode from May 2018 Dana Gioia, internationally acclaimed and award-winning poet, former California Poet laureate and chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, discusses one of his heroes, Walt Whitman, and how Whitman's great love of opera influenced his life and work.

To continue learning about American opera visit our Lesson Plans and Resources page at LAOpera.org/Connects.

From the Vault: Dana Gioia on Walt Whitman and Opera

In this new podcast series, we explore elements of American opera - production and reception histories, social contexts, historical valences, and more - through our artist and scholar community.

In this episode, recorded in 2018, Opera producer Beth Morrison sits down with Classical KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen in a conversation covering what led Morrison to create her company, Beth Morrison Projects; how BMP and LA Opera formed their artistic partnership; and the relationship between new work and the standard opera repertoire.

From the Vault: Opera Producer Beth Morrison with Brian Lauritzen

In this new podcast series, we explore elements of American opera - production and reception histories, social contexts, historical valences, and more - through our artist and scholar community. 

In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Kuo discusses the intersectional qualities that can make American opera challenging to define, according to four musicians and two scholars who were asked to share their perspectives on a wide range of operas, from Scott Joplin's Treemonisha to Philip Glass' Einstein on the Beach and more.

Tickets to LA Opera's 22-23 season are available now at LAOpera.org.

Please be advised that some of the musical content in this episode may not be suitable for all audiences.

What Makes American Opera with Dr. Tiffany Kuo

In this new podcast series, we explore elements of American opera - production and reception histories, social contexts, historical valences, and more - through our artist and scholar community.

In this episode, Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong highlights and celebrates the work of five African-American composers from the first part of the 20th century.

Tickets to LA Opera's 22-23 season are available now at LAOpera.org.

Highlighting 20th Century African-American Opera Composers with Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong

In this new podcast series, we explore elements of American opera—production and reception histories, social contexts, historical valences, and more—through our artist and scholar community.

How do you give birth to an opera? In this episode, recorded in 2020, the creators of the world-premiere opera Eurydice - Matthew Aucoin (composer) and Sarah Ruhl (librettist) - reveal their process, the inspirations and hurdles. Soprano Danielle de Niese, who originated the role of Eurydice, joins the conversation along with LA Opera's President and CEO Christopher Koelsch.

Tickets to LA Opera's 22-23 season are available now at LAOpera.org.

From the Vault: Building an Opera: A Conversation with the Creators of Eurydice

In this new podcast series, we explore elements of American opera—production and reception histories, social contexts, historical valences, and more—through our artist and scholar community.

In this episode, LA Opera's Alaysha Fox hosts Chorus Director Jeremy Frank for a discussion about the unique roots and qualities of American Opera as well as their shared excitement about Omar, an opera by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels opening at LA Opera this October.

Tickets to Omar and the rest of LA Opera's 22-23 season are available now at LAOpera.org.

Discussing The State of American Opera with Alaysha Fox and Jeremy Frank

Armoni Taffe, vocals, piano & bass; Mike Przygoda, drums

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Songwriting Workshop

Viewer's Discretion (by: Armoni Taffe)

Emma Rose, vocals & ukulele; Mike Przygoda, shaker

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Lyric Songwiting Workshop

Shoes and I Love You's (by: Emma Rose)

Iris, vocals; Megan Elk, piano

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

This Song is for the Both of You (by: Iris)

Adam Nimer, vocals & guitar

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Distinctive Moments (by: Adam Nimer)

Shannon Baker, vocals & guitar; Mike Przygoda, bass & drums

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Mr. Right (by: Shannon Baker)

Lyric Opera of Chicago

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