Blog Archives - Page 13 of 15

Charles Castronovo, Tenor

Julia interviews tenor Charles Castronovo, who is starring in the World Premiere of Daniel Catán’s new opera, Il Postino, at Los Angeles Opera. In this interview he discusses the joys and challenges of an international career, imparts his advice for young singers, and shares his story about how a clever choir teacher convinced him (a … Read more

Composer Jake Heggie

by Julia Levitan

Julia interviews noted American composer Jake Heggie, whose most recent opera Moby-Dick was a major success at Dallas Opera. Jake Heggie discusses how he developed a love for composition and his process for writing an opera, and gives advice for aspiring singers and composers.

Leah Crocetto, Soprano

by Jennifer Rosenfeld

Julia interviews soprano Leah Crocetto, who is a second year Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera. Leah Crocetto discusses her reaction to being considered one of the rising Verdi sopranos, how she fell in love with opera, and her exciting upcoming engagements.

Klaus Heymann, Founder and President of Naxos

by Julia Levitan

Julia interviews Klaus Heymann, the Founder and President of Naxos, the world’s leading classical music label. Over the past two decades, Naxos has grown to a company that is known for its quality, and Naxos recordings have garnered 11 Grammy Awards and 130 Gramophone Editor’s Choice Awards, among other distinctions. In this interview, Klaus Heymann discusses his early experiences with classical music, his decision to start the Naxos Music Library, how video factors into his plans, his thoughts about the future of the music industry, his advice for young artists seeking to produce a recording, and what drives him as Naxos soars into its 23rd year of existence.

David Finkel and Wu Han, Artistic Directors of Music@Menlo

by Jennifer Rosenfeld

Jennifer interviews David Finckel and Wu Han, artistic directors of Music@Menlo. In this interview David Finckel and Wu Han discuss their motivations for founding the organization, the upcoming festival in July-August 2010, and how they manage to juggle their own performances as a duo, David’s performances with the Emerson String Quartet, and serving as artistic … Read more

David Gockley, General Director of San Francisco Opera

by Julia Levitan

Julia interviews David Gockley, General Director of the San Francisco Opera. In this interview, Mr. Gockley discusses how he approaches his progressive yet traditional programming, the unique challenges that SF Opera faces, the importance of young artist programs in the US, and why he supports the use of technology in the opera house.

Rod Gilfry, Baritone

by Jennifer Rosenfeld

Julia interviews baritone Rod Gilfry, currently starring as Emil de Becque in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific at the Ahmanson Theater, presented by Center Theater Group. In the interview they discuss his experiences in both opera and musical theater, his approach to technique and advice to young artists, and his upcoming role in a new opera about the curious Renaissance composer, Carlo Gesualdo.

Seth Rogan, Comedian, Dramatic Reader and Supporter of Classical Music

by Jennifer Rosenfeld

Jennifer interviews Seth Rogen, star of Superbad, Knocked Up, and many other films. Maia Jasper teaches Seth how to play the violin. Seth discusses his connection to classical music, his experience learning to read, and his personal take on Ferdinand the Bull.