Portland Opera's podcast
Tune in to Portland Opera's podcast! Hosted and created by Director of Artistic Planning & Operations Alfrelynn Roberts this new program sets out to confront opera stereotypes, explore the stories and characters, share behind-the-scenes info about upcoming productions, and more. New episodes are released each week here and on Spotify.
In this encore episode, we explore Giuseppe Verdi's Falstaff, a comedic masterpiece brimming with wit, charm, and human folly.
This episode offers a bite-sized look into the humor, heart, and artistry that make Falstaff a unique and delightful experience.
While Falstaff may not be an easy first opera, it's a rewarding art piece that showcases Verdi's bold humor and brilliance.
This episode is a special celebration, one filled with gratitude, reflection, and, of course, incredible music.
Because this season, Portland Opera turns 60 years old. That's right, six decades of opera in Portland. Six decades of stories, voices, and shared wonders. And we're inviting you to celebrate with us.
On Friday, June 13, at the Winningstad Theatre, we'll host a special 60th anniversary celebration concert at 6PM.
This concert features the Portland Opera Orchestra, conducted by Damien Geter, with our incredible Resident Artists—Ginaia Black, soprano, Erin Roth Thomas, mezzo soprano, Nathaniel Catasca, tenor, and Matthew Maisano, bass—and guest soprano, Ibidunni Ojikutu.
Raise a glass with us—and let's celebrate 60 years of opera in Portland. Together.
We're joined by Dr. Harry Baechtel, Portland Opera's Resident Opera Scholar from Portland State University, as he dives into Verdi's Falstaff, a comic masterpiece and the final opera from one of the greatest composers ever. Dr. Baechtel explores Falstaff's rich layers, its place in the operatic lexicon, and why it remains such a brilliant and unexpected finale to Verdi's illustrious career.
Let's get into the music and mischief of Falstaff!
In this episode of Opera Talk, we are thrilled to unveil our 2025/2026 season! A season that embraces the very core of opera's emotional power: Love Through Adversity.
This season celebrates resilience, identity, history, and love, tested, triumphant, and transformative. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or just dipping your toes into this art form for the first time, we have crafted a season that speaks to every soul seeking connection in a complicated world.
In this episode of Opera Talk, we are celebrating Women's History month a bit differently as we explore the brilliant, dynamic women at the heart of Verdi's final masterpiece, Falstaff.
Though the opera is named after its bumbling and boastful title character, Falstaff, the real masterminds of the story are the women—Alice Ford, Meg Page, Mistress Quickly, and Nannetta. Sharp, resourceful, and always a step ahead, they transform Falstaff's mischief into a whirlwind of delightful chaos. In a society where men assume they hold all the power, these women cleverly turn the tables, using their wit, intelligence, and solidarity to outmaneuver them at every turn.
Today, we'll explore how these characters challenge societal norms, how Verdi's music gives them distinct voices full of humor and depth, and what Falstaff has to say about gender dynamics—both in Verdi's time and today. So pour yourself a cup of tea—or perhaps a celebratory glass of wine—and let's dive into the world of Falstaff through the eyes of its formidable women.
We celebrate the opening night of The Shining with an exclusive conversation featuring composer Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell.
Adapted from Stephen King's legendary novel, this gripping opera delves into the psychological terror and haunting beauty of the Overlook Hotel.
Join us as Paul and Mark share their experiences bringing The Shining to life on the operatic stage—from the intricacies of composing for horror to the unique challenges of adapting King's work for an entirely new medium. Whether you're a fan of the novel, the opera, or the supernatural thrill of storytelling, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a literary classic is transformed into a breathtaking opera experience.
You are in for an unforgettable conversation that explores the intersection of horror and opera, the evolution of The Shining, and what makes this production so uniquely powerful.
In this second episode of our Opera on the Couch series, Portland Opera's Manager of Education and Community Engagement, Alexis Hamilton, continues the conversation with Dr. Kathryn Zerbe and Dr. Cody Evans from the Oregon Psychoanalytic Center—this time delving into The Shining through the lens of Stephen King's novel.
This thought-provoking discussion explores the opera's psychological depths, touching on themes of secrets, witnesses, fear of invasion, and the haunting significance of the Overlook Hotel. Join us as we uncover the layers of fear, trauma, and the human psyche in one of the most chilling stories ever told.
In this special two-part series, Opera on the Couch, we jump into the fascinating intersection of opera and psychoanalysis. Portland Opera's Manager of Education and Community Engagement, Alexis Hamilton, is joined by experts Dr. Kathryn Zerbe and Dr. Cody Evans from the Oregon Psychoanalytic Center. Together, they explore the foundations of psychoanalysis and its profound connections to the arts.
What makes The Shining such an enduring and terrifying story? In this episode Dr. Harry Baechtel - Portland Opera's resident scholar and pre-show lecturer unravels the impact of The Shining across literature, film, and now, opera.
As a professor at Portland State University, Dr. Baechtel brings deep insight into how this psychological thriller has evolved and why it continues to haunt audiences in every form.
Prepare to step in the haunting world of The Shining! Portland Opera's upcoming production brings Stephen King's iconic horror novel to the operatic stage, and in this special episode of Opera Talk, we take you behind the scenes.
Recorded live at the Meet & Greet with the cast and creative team, this conversation offers a first look at the artistic vision, musical challenges, and spine-tingling moments that make this production unforgettable. Hear from performers, creative minds, and production team as they share their insights and experiences in bringing this psychological thriller to life.
In the second episode of our Opera in Black series, we spotlight the powerful voices of Black artists in the Portland Opera Chorus. This insightful conversation with Onry, Quinton Gardner, and Gregory Brumfield captures their journeys in opera, the challenges and triumphs of their careers, and the importance of representation in the industry.
This month, we're celebrating Black History Month with our Opera in Black series, highlighting the artistry and contributions of Black opera singers, creators, and administrators.
In our inaugural episode, we sit down with extraordinary Jasmine Johnson—a powerhouse contralto and Portland Opera's Civic Engagement and Partnerships Manager. Jasmine shares her journey as a singer, her passion for community engagement, and how her work both on and off the stage helps shape the future of opera.
Join Alexis Hamilton, Portland Opera's Manager of Education and Community Engagement, for the final installment of our Opera 101 series: a whirlwind tour of opera history!
Dive into the art form's evolution, explore key operatic genres, and enjoy stunning musical examples along the way.
In this installment of our Opera 101 series, Alexis Hamilton, Portland Opera's Manager of Education and Outreach dives into the fascinating world of operatic conventions, introducing the essential elements that make opera the art form we know and love.
From operatic voice types to how they've been traditionally used in classic works, this episode offers a beginner-friendly yet insightful exploration of what sets opera apart. Whether you're new to opera or looking to deepen your appreciation, this episode is a perfect guide to understanding the artistry behind the conventions.
Celebrate the conclusion of Portland Opera to Go's inspiring education tour across Oregon, presenting Shizue: An American Story. This episode features the voices of POGO artists soprano Lindsey Nakatani, mezzo-soprano Chihiro Asano, tenor Jietong Fu, and baritone Edward Tavalin. They are joined by music director Gyan Singh Maria, cellist Casey Johnson, and stage manager Stephen Gardner to bring this poignant production to life.
Whether you caught a performance or are curious about this unique work, tune it to hear highlights from the tour and reflections on opera's power to connect and educate audiences.
In this episode, we explore Guiseppe Verdi's Falstaff, a comedic masterpiece brimming with wit, charm, and human folly. Whether you're new to opera or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers a bite-sized look into the humor, heart, and artistry that make Falstaff a unique and delightful experience.
Join us for a unique narrated journey into The Juliet Letters and Shakespeare Songs. Contributors Alfrelynn Roberts, Fenlon Lamb, and Marty Hughley will each read their thoughts on the works. This episode offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes perspective on the powerful intersections of text and music that shape this production.
Dive into the artistry behind Howard Blake's Shakespeare Songs and The Juliet Letters by Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet. Former Portland Opera Resident Artist, mezzo-soprano Hannah Penn, and current Portland Opera Resident Artists—soprano Ginaia Black, mezzo-soprano Erin Roth Thomas, tenor Nathaniel Catasca, and baritone Matthew Maisano—join director Fenlon Lamb and conductor DeReau Farrar to explore this unique double feature.
Coming soon!
In this special episode, Sue Dixon, General Director of Portland Opera, delivers a powerful message on the essential role of the arts and the impact of civic engagement. Sue shares her passion for voting, highlighting how each vote shapes the future of cultural institutions and empowers communities to support and protect the arts.
In this episode, we introduce you to more of Portland Opera's exception Resident Artist: soprano Ginaia Black, baritone Matthew Maisano, and returning collaborative pianist Claire Forstman.
This episode is the first segment in the Opera 101 series. Alexis Hamilton, Manager of Education and Community Engagement at Portland Opera, tackles common opera stereotypes that often deter audiences from experiencing this incredible art form.
In this episode, meet two of Portland Opera's rising stars: Resident Artists Erin Roth Thomas (mezzo soprano) and Nathaniel Catasca (tenor). Hear about their journeys and challenges and get an inside look at being part of this dynamic, 60th anniversary season. Both singers also perform a special piece from their repertoire during the episode.
The second part of this episode continues with the cast and creative team of Shizue: An American Story discussing the emotional depth of the production and how the music and narrative intertwine. As a bonus, the cast presents select musical moments of the opera's most moving scenes.
In the first part of this episode, we explore the creation of Shizue: An American Story with composer Kenji Oh and librettist and director Dmae Lo Roberts.
In this episode, we sit down with Alexis Hamilton, Portland Opera’s Manager of Education and Community Engagement, to explore the transformative power of opera in our communities.
Join us for an introduction to our 60th anniversary season and learn more about upcoming productions, programming, and special events.
Opera Talk can also be streamed on Spotify. Don't miss an episode by following us here.
Have a story idea for our podcast? Contact host Alfrelynn Roberts at aroberts@portlandopera.org.
