In Harmony with Piedmont Opera
In Harmony with Piedmont Opera takes you behind the scenes of a professional opera company located in Winston-Salem, NC. Meet members of our cast and crew and learn how we connect with businesses and nonprofits in our community to promote the art of opera.
Episodes
Welcome to the Frank and Gary show! In this episode, we explore their extraordinary journey from meeting post-military service to becoming pillars of the Winston-Salem arts community.
Discover how their quest for acceptance led them to the doorstep of the arts, where they found a sanctuary of inclusivity and friendship. As honorary co-chairs of the annual Magnolia Ball, Frank and Gary reflect on their advocacy for civil rights, th...
Join us for a conversation with Wendy Poteat, President and CEO of Shift_Ed. In this episode, Wendy shares the inspiring mission of Shift_Ed to boldly accelerate student potential, offering a multitude of programs that span from kindergarten to the workforce. Discover how Shift_Ed's core values of opportunity, equity, collaboration, excellence, and agility are reshaping the educational landscape and fostering social mobility across...
In this episode, listen to the intersection of culture and compassion as the Piedmont Opera teams up with Open Door Ministries of High Point to make a difference in the community. Get an insider's look at the upcoming "The Marriage of Figaro" and the ingenious wedding registry initiative that turns gifts into support for those in need. Hear from the passionate voices behind the partnership as Ryan Ross and Ivan Huffman share insigh...
In this installment of In Harmony with Piedmont Opera, we're graced by the presence of Richard Ollarsaba, a baritone whose voice and presence command the stage. While awaiting his role as the Count in "The Marriage of Figaro" in March, Richard shares his journey from an eager student at UNC School of the Arts to an opera singer of international acclaim.
Richard reflects on his deep-rooted love for music, nurtured by a supportive f...
Step into the captivating world of opera with Jodi Burns, the Piedmont Opera's beloved soprano, as she graces our podcast for a melodious start to the new year. In this episode, we delve into Jodi's enchanting journey from her early beginnings in Columbus, Ohio to her flourishing career in Winston-Salem, a city that cherishes the arts.
Jodi recounts her evolution as an artist, from serenading Olive Garden patrons at age three to m...
Ben Gulley is an American tenor who has traveled the globe and his experiences include opera, solo engagements, concert, film work, touring and important appearances abroad. Shortly after his debut performance with Piedmont Opera's Il Trovatore, Ben joins the podcast to share stories of his stay in the triad, his career highlights and what's ahead in his professional journey
Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://piedmontopera.secure.fo...
Brian Banion is a member of the Piedmont Opera family and has performed with us many times. That is, until he got cancer. Not just any cancer would do- he went with Multiple Myeloma. After multiple bone marrow transplants and years of being a science experiment, he’s in remission- and returning to Piedmont Opera for a performance in Il Trovatore beginning October 20th.
Join us for an amazing recollection of his 5-year physical b...
Dr. Jonathan Burdette is a professor in radiology with the Wake Forest School of Medicine and an active supporter and performer with Piedmont Opera. In this episode, we discuss his research on the powerful (and visible) effect that music has on the brain. Plus, you'll learn about how he became enamored with opera and the fascinating work he's doing in South America to bring radiology assistance to underserved populations
Veteran lighting designer and UNC School of the Arts faculty member Norman Coates has been shaping the minds and talents of future Artist Leaders for more than 25 years. Take a listen to hear how his story took him from the bright lights of Broadway and New York City to becoming such a major part of the performing arts in the Triad. And, don't miss his story of lighting The White House!
Entering his 20th year as artistic director for Piedmont Opera, Jamie Allbritten joins us for a conversation about how he developed a love of opera, his relationship with our community and the fascinating story about first meeting his wife. Plus, he shares the details on the upcoming season of performances and how they're navigating the renovations at the Stevens Center
Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://piedmontopera.secure.forc...
She is culinary royalty in our city and now Mary Haglund joins the podcast to share what she's been up to since leaving the restaurant business. Of course, we do get nostalgic about Mary's in this episode. Later, we discuss Dinner with Divas on August 12th, the event on which she and Piedmont Opera are partnering. As many of you know, Mary is a fierce advocate of the arts and the artists behind so many things in our everyday lif...
Just before setting off on a new musical journey, Dr. John McKeever joins us to talk about his time as assistant conductor of Piedmont Opera. Plus, how did his path toward becoming a conductor begin and what exactly was he responsible for in that that role? Finally, as he prepares to leave the Triad, what will he miss most about living in Winston-Salem?
Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://piedmontopera.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=...
Jenna Anderson is the CEO of Jenna Sais Quoi LLC, an atelier focused on custom apparel, costumes, dancewear, and limited edition collections. She will be designing a dress for a patron who is attending the annual Magnolia Ball on May 20th.
Take a listen to hear Jenna's courageous journey and you'll quickly understand why she's so good at what she does!
WEBSITE: https://www.jsqdesigns.com
Lindsey Allen returns to the podcast to discuss upcoming events, performances and summer camps with the PIedmont Youth Chorus. For tickets, information or to register for their amazing summer camp experience, please visit piedmontopera.org or call 336-725-7101
Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://piedmontopera.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3o00000N6R3PAAV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Destinee was our wig and make up professional for Don Pasquale. She has an incredible background and is a graduate of UNCSA. Tune in to learn more about her career path, the tricks of her trade and some interesting behind the scenes nuggets from the recent Piedmont Opera production.
The time lapse of Brad's makeup can be found at Destinee's Instagram reel @destinee.steele_mua. Her website is destineesteele.com
Brad Smoak stars in the upcoming Piedmont Opera production of Don Pasquale. Join us for a conversation about his history with music, the upcoming production and the challenges facing the artform.
Don Pasquale shows are coming up on March 17, 19 and 21. Get your tickets NOW at piedmontopera.org
Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://piedmontopera.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3o00000N6R3PAAV
See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...
We continue our discussion about issues surrounding race and the experiences of people of color in the opera world. On this episode, we're joined by The Reverend Kenneth A. Pettigrew... a preacher, liturgist, and community organizer. Kenneth is a native of Winston-Salem and an emerging voice in progressive Christianity. He also serves as the executive director of the Winston Lake Family YMCA
Ms. Thompson began her musical studies as a violinist. During her time as a violinist, she played in regional symphony orchestras in Louisiana and Texas including, Galveston Symphony, The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, Southeast Louisiana Symphony and Texas Music Festival Symphony Orchestra. Ms.Thompson decided to sing full-time after receiving a full scholarship to the prestigious Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA to s...
This episode is an introduction to the Piedmont Youth Chorus, which is now a part of The Piedmont Opera. We're visiting with Lindsey Allen, the director of education and outreach plus Will Muster from AM Erectors. He's a board member, performer and sponsor with Piedmont Opera and the Piedmont Youth Chorus
Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://piedmontopera.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3o00000N6R3PAAV
See omnystudio.com/listener for...
Kristin Schwecke has been heralded as “A name to keep in mind…Her voice filled the house and dominated the stage. Simply spectacular! What a promising dramatic soprano!” - Opera Lively
Kristin is our guest for our second episode and she shares stories from her journey to becoming both a professional classical singer and a teacher with UNCSA.
Donate to Piedmont Opera: https://piedmontopera.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3o00000...
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