High Notes and Anecdotes

Episode 33 - Hi friends! Jump on in to this thoughtful, laugh-out-loud conversation with David Hobson as he shares tales of writing a rock opera version of Macbeth, swinging metres above a stage without a net and the time a hubcap doubled as a bonnet. It’s full of backstage madness, career pivots and genuine advice for young singers.

Expect candid stories about touring, teaching, authenticity in performance and why great artists ke...

Episode 30 - Welcome back, friends! Catch up with Simon Lobelson, baritone, conductor, teacher and "angry fiddler" as he chats to Helena and Adam about Mozart obsessions, contemporary opera surprises and the honest lessons he gives to young singers.

Tune in for warm laughs, practical teaching gems and delightfully weird stories from the stage (think Kafka insects, squeaks, burps and farts). It’s a cozy chat with a great mate. Don't...

Ep 29 - Helena and Adam are back for a mischievous chat with Helen Hogh: artist manager, custard tart courier and the kind of honest, fiercely-caring person every singer hopes for. You’ll hear about the messy, human side of helping manage careers, like turning down gigs, holding artists’ hands after performances and why a good manager is basically your backstage superhero.

It’s funny, candid and full of fascinating insights. Tiaras...

Episode 27 - Hey friends! Join Helena and Adam as they hang out with Wagnerian superstars, Christine Goerke and Brian Mulligan. The conversation wanders from crocodile-headed costumes and cupcake mishaps to mozzarella-in-the-dressing-room survival hacks.

They get real about finding the right repertoire, the terrifying-but-beautiful leap into Wagner and the backstage camaraderie that keeps you going through four-hour marathons. Funn...

Episode 26 - Hi friends! Don't miss Helena and Adam's fascinating chat with the brilliant conductor, Ben Northey. He tells stories from his jam-packed life on podiums around the world, including that now-famous mallet catch, how opera is its own glorious chaos and why great conducting is really about connecting people, not just waving arms.

We chat about mentoring, bringing Indigenous voices to the orchestral stage, managing an ins...

Episode 25 - Hey friends! We're back for Season 2! Join Helena and Adam as they kick off the new season with the fabulous actor, director and producer, Melanie Hillman. They chat about Mel's new Sondheim revue, Colour and Light, and the joys of reworking classics. It’s full of rehearsal gossip, pandemic-era logistics and important takes on casting and representation. It's witty and nerdy in the best way - perfect for anyone who lov...

Episode 24 - Hey there, friends! Grab a comfy spot because it's the Season 1 Finale and we've got a whirlwind of opera shenanigans waiting for you. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of laughs and a lot of high notes, literally!

This time, we’ve pitted tenor against tenor in a game show format! It's the brilliant Henry Choo, the hilarious Mark Cunningham and the amazing Christopher Turner in a head-to-head operatic showdown. We've ...

Episode 23 - Hey there! This episode is an absolute delight as we sit down with the brilliant Adrian Tamburini. From his journey across opera stages to starring as Hades in 'Hadestown' in Australia, Adrian opens up about his diverse career and love for music. You'll hear about his unique voice journey, shaping roles and how he connects with audiences.

Adrian shares the challenges of an eight-show week, his magical moments on stage ...

Episode 22 - Hi friends! Wow, do we have an episode for you! With just 2 more episode to go in season 1, Adam and Helena chat about her epic 22-year adventure in the UK, filled with thrilling opera performances, quirky accommodation tales and a citizenship ceremony!

In this special installment, Helena shares her announcement about moving back to Australia and what it means for her career and personal life. We reminisce about our da...

Episode 21 - Hey there, friends! Dive into this episode where we chat with the fascinating and inspiring Sharon Kempton, a renowned Australian opera singer and performance coach now based in Germany. We discuss Sharon's incredible journey from Australia to the vibrant opera scene in Germany and Sharon shares her unique approach to mindset coaching as she helps performers and other professionals overcome barriers to reach new height...

Episode 20 - Hey there, friends! We're thrilled to have you join us in this fun and thought-provoking episode. We've got a special guest, Theresa Borg, who's a powerhouse in Australia's performing arts scene. Theresa wears many hats as a director, writer, artistic director and performer, and she’s here to share some fascinating insights with us.

This episode is loaded with laughter and some seriously interesting discussions about o...

Episode 19 - Hey there, friends! Ready for a fascinating episode about vocal health? Join us as we chat with the multi-talented Samantha U'Ren, a speech pathologist with an opera singing background. Samantha shares her unique insights into vocal health, diving deep into her journey from singing to speech pathology and the important lessons learned along the way.

Discover why your voice can lead you to incredible opportunities or un...

Episode 18 - Hi friends! You're in for a real laugh in this episode, featuring the incredible mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton. Helena, Adam and Jamie dive into some seriously delightful mischief, including rubber ducks, questionable drawing skills, and garlic noodles. It's a cocktail of high notes, high jinks and heartwarming stories that will leave you smiling.

Whether you're an opera aficionado or just someone who loves a good laugh, ...

Episode 17 - Hey there! Join Helena, our mischievous operatic soprano, and Adam, our former opera singer turned producer, as they dive into the world of live performance where the show must always go on.

In this episode, they tackle the art of staying in the moment amidst life's chaos and share candid stories about the unpredictable nature of live music, from giggle-inducing audience interactions to tales of personal resilience.

Wh...

Episode 16 - Hey there! So, Helena is currently in the vibrant heart of Madrid, living her best opera singer life. Imagine waking up to views of the Royal Palace and diving headfirst into Spain's unique and bustling culture. It's been quite the experience between her having multilingual convos, sampling local foods and learning new music, all while navigating rehearsals that stretch well into the night. Listen in to hear all about ...

Episode 15 - Hey there! We're back with another fun episode from Helena Dix, international opera singer known for singing spectacular high notes and Adam Miller, former opera singer known for getting stuck in trees while singing high notes. Today they chat about the challenges of staying motivated amid life's chaos.

Join us for a cozy conversation sprinkled with laughs, stories of resilience, and perhaps a few tips on overcoming th...