Detroit Opera

Hosts Arthur White and Nathalie Doucet speak with Alexander Gedeon, director of Detroit Opera's upcoming production of John Cage's Apartment House 1776, and Selena Kearney, a Coast Salish artist who will perform in the production. Join us for the performances, May 21-24 at Cranbrook Art Museum. Tickets at detroitopera.org

Host Arthur White talks to Cynthia Muñoz, producer of Mariachi Extravaganza, Jonathan Palomar, iconic mariachi guitarist and Artistic Director of Mariachi Extravaganza, and young mariachi artist Isabella Gonzalez ahead of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on May 9th! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of passion, tradition, and music as the world’s most celebrated mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, takes the stage at the Detroit Opera House. Founded in 1897 in Jalisco, Mexico, and now led by musical director Carlos Martínez, Mariachi Vargas continues its extraordinary six-generation legacy of excellence—hailed across the globe as “El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo.” From timeless classics to breathtaking modern arrangements, Mariachi Vargas’ performance is a journey through the heart and soul of Mexican music. Their artistry has graced the recordings of icons like Linda Ronstadt and Luis Miguel, and their dynamic live shows blend virtuosic musicianship, soaring vocals, and infectious joy that will have you clapping, singing, and celebrating. Tickets at detroitoperahouse.org

Join hosts Arthur White, Director of Audience & Community Engagement, and Kim Smith, Dance Administrator, for a conversation with Michael Novak, the second Artistic Director in the history of the Paul Taylor Dance Foundation. And make sure to join us April 11 & 12 at the Detroit Opera House for the Paul Taylor Dance Company! The program salutes the American dance icon with repertory that includes Company B, a seminal piece of Americana that recalls the turbulent era of the Great Depression through the hit songs of the Andrews Sisters, and a 50th anniversary presentation of Taylor’s masterpiece Esplanade.

Hosts Arthur White and Nathalie Doucet dive into the world of Gilead, from the genesis of Margaret Atwood's novel to the upcoming Detroit Opera production of The Handmaid's Tale. They are joined by Brenna Corner, the director of the production, as well as Katherine Kozak, Detroit Opera's new Chorusmaster. Listen in, learn more, and make sure to get your tickets at detroitopera.org

Join hosts Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement, and Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera's Head of Music and Director of the Resident Artist Program, as they chat about Detroit Opera's upcoming Highways & Valleys. In this episode, Arthur and Nathalie speak with Dr. Naomi Graber, a professor at University of Georgia and a scholar of Kurt Weill. Listen in, and make sure you tune into Part 1, focused on the music and life of William Grant Still.

Join hosts Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement, and Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera's Head of Music and Director of the Resident Artist Program, as they chat about Detroit Opera's upcoming Highways & Valleys. In this episode, Arthur and Nathalie speak with journalist Celeste Headlee, who is the granddaughter of William Grant Still. Listen in, and stay tuned for Part 2, focused on the music and life of Kurt Weill.

Hosts Arthur White and Demetrius Shields discuss the upcoming Dance Theatre of Harlem performances, November 15 and 16 at Detroit Opera House, including audience and company favorite, Firebird, choreographed by John Taras. They also talk with Karen Brown, a trailblazing professional dancer and the first African-American woman to lead a ballet company as Artistic Director of the Oakland Ballet. Her a remarkable career includes a role as a principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem for the first company performance of Firebird! Get your tickets at detroitopera.org!

Host Arthur White, Director of External Affairs at Detroit Opera, speaks with composer Anthony Davis and Isaiah McKinnon, former Chief of the Detroit Police Department (1993-1998) about The Central Park Five.

Arthur White, Detroit Opera's Director of External Affairs, and Nathalie Doucet, Head of Music and Director of Detroit Opera's Resident Artist program, discuss Detroit Opera's new production of Così fan tutte. Special guests include Yuval Sharon, Detroit Opera's Artistic Director, and Pete Bigelow of Automotive News. Get your tickets for Così fan tutte at detroitopera.org

Host Arthur White, Detroit Opera's Director of Community and Audience Engagement, chats with countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo and soprano Nicole Heaston, as they begin rehearsals for Detroit Opera's production of Rinaldo! Arthur is joined by Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera's Head of Music and Director of the Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program. We also hear from renowned musicologist Wendy Heller about the impact of Handel's Italianate operatic style in 18th century London. Take a listen and prepare for magic, love, and of course, hope, in Detroit Opera's Rinaldo. February 22-March 2 at the Detroit Opera House. detroitopera.org

Pre-Dance Talk: Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Night Two) by Detroit Opera

Pre-Dance Talk: Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Night One) by Detroit Opera

Host Kim Smith, Dance Administrator, will be joined by guests Marcy Harriell, Lead Vocalist, and Nancy Umanoff, Executive Director of Mark Morris Dance Group.

Host Kim Smith, Dance Administrator, will be joined by guest Ethan Iverson, Arranger and Pianist.

Host Arthur White, Director of Community and Audience Engagement and guests Roberto Kalb, Music Director, and Suzanne Mallare Acton, Chorus Master.

Host Arthur White, Director of Community and Audience Engagement and guests Jack Blaszkiewicz, Wayne State Assistant Professor of Music History, and Suzanne Mallare Acton, Chorus Master.

Host Arthur White, Director of Community and Audience Engagement and guests Yuval Sharon, Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director, and Roberto Kalb, Music Director.

Host Arthur White, Detroit Opera's Director of Community and Audience Engagement, chats with Director Francesca Zambello about her production of La traviata, Detroit Opera's Music Director Roberto Kalb discusses Verdi's music, and we hear from a psychologist about the underlying tensions throughout the work. Arthur is joined by Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera's Head of Music and Director of the Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program—all five RAs are featured in the opera! Take a listen and prepare for elegance, grandeur, and of course, DRAMA, in Detroit Opera's La traviata. October 19-27 at the Detroit Opera House. detroitopera.org

“That is at the core of what Janáček is about. He’s not trying to create opera that feels completely out of touch from everyday people.” Detroit Opera’s Artistic Director Yuval Sharon, who staged this multimedia production of The Cunning Little Vixen as its Detroit Opera premiere with these performances, chats with host Arthur White and our Music Director Roberto Kalb before the final matinee.

“Everyone here plays an important role, but one of the main characters is the orchestra.” Music Director Roberto Kalb describes the work it takes to bring The Cunning Little Vixen to the Detroit Opera House stage for the first time; while Czech specialist Timothy Cheek helps the pre-opera talk audience to pronounce the composer’s name - Janáček - hosted by Director of External Affairs Arthur White.

"How can I 'animate' the ideas of a particular work?" Detroit Opera Artistic Director Yuval Sharon talks with Director of External Affairs Arthur White about the process for his production of The Cunning Little Vixen before its Detroit Opera premiere on Saturday May 11.

Host Arthur White chats with Detroit Opera's Artistic Director Yuval Sharon about the Detroit Opera premiere of this work and his production; and Music Director Roberto Kalb about bringing this renowned composer's work to Detroit. Arthur also talks with Czech specialist Tim Cheek about the language and the revolutionary use of a prose libretto.

"This is really the millennial opera" says scholar Dr. Naomi André in our Pre Opera Talk from the final performance of Breaking the Waves. Director of External Affairs Arthur White chats with Dr. André about celestial voices and Music Director Roberto Kalb talks with conductor Stephanie Childress about her process leading these performances.

What do ABBA, Brahms, and Mazzoli all have in common? They're all on Stephanie Childress' playlist! Listen to her chat with Detroit Opera Music Director Roberto Kalb during the Pre-Opera Talk before Breaking the Waves.

Artistic Director Yuval Sharon talks with composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek before the premiere of Breaking the Waves in Detroit on April 6, 2024

Director of External Affairs, Arthur White talks with Breaking the Waves composer Missy Mazzoli and Associate Artistic Director Christine Goerke.

“Before the Sunday matinee and final performance, Yuval Sharon, Detroit Opera's Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director, talks with Director of External Affairs Arthur White about his experience producing works by John Cage and how no two performances are ever the same.”

Yuval Sharon, Detroit Opera's Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director, talks with Director of External Affairs Arthur White about John Cage's experience with silence, and producing Europeras and chance operations.

Before the premiere of Detroit Opera's Europeras 3 & 4, Arthur White talks with Detroit Bureau of Sound artist and cactus virtuoso Zac Bru, who explains compositional use of silence in music; and marks the 49th Anniversary of the World Premiere of John Cage's Child of Tree by performing is live on amplified cactus. The piece premiere right across the street in 1975 at Detroit's Music Hall.

“Ok, if we were to say ‘no traditional production’, what would you do?” Stage director Matthew Ozawa talks with Detroit Opera Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director Yuval Sharon about his concept behind his production of Madame Butterfly, before the final performance at the Detroit Opera House. Hosted by Director of External Affairs Arthur White.

Before the second performance of our new production of Madame Butterfly, Director of External Affairs, Arthur White talked with the President of Verdi Opera Theater of Michigan John Zaretti about the origins of the opera’s creation, and Japanese-born conductor Kensho Watanabe about his history with the opera.

Before the premiere of our new production of Madame Butterfly, Director of External Affairs, Arthur White talked with Head of Music Nathalie Doucet and Lighting Designer Yuki Nakase Link about producing a work through a different lens and the challenges for women in the performing arts industry.

Host Arthur White chats with Christine Goerke about Detroit Opera's new production of Madame Butterfly, featuring an interview with stage director Matthew Ozawa.

Pre-Opera Talk from the final performance of Fountain of Tears (Ainadamar) with special guests Detroit Opera Music Director Roberto Kalb and Fountain of Tears conductor Paolo Bortolameolli, with hosts Andrea Scobie & Arthur White.

Before the second performance of Fountain of Tears (Ainadamar), Andrea Scobie and Arthur White talk with Professor of Spanish Literature as well as a renowned flamenco dancer, Lisa Montes, about the playwright, poet, musician, and revolutionary Federico García Lorca, as well as his influence on the preservation of flamenco.

Pre-Opera Talk conversation before premiere performance of Fountain of Tears (Ainadamar) with Detroit Opera Artistic Director Yuval Sharon and composer Osvaldo Golijov

Detroit Opera OperaHERE hosts Andrea Scobie and Arthur White dive into the music of the Spanish-language opera with the composer Osvaldo Golijov, as well as the life and work of playwright Federico García Lorca.

Director of Education Andrea Scobie and Director of External Affairs Arthur White speak to Detroit Opera Music Director Roberto Kalb and Revival Stage Director James Blaszko about Handel's opera Xerxes before the evening's performance on March 4, 2023

Countertenor Key’mon Murrah, who stars in the title role of Xerxes, chats with Detroit Opera’s Andrea Scobie and Arthur White about this role and how gospel music informs his opera performance.

OperaHERE: Aida by Detroit Opera

The opening night pre-opera talk for Detroit Opera's FAUST features Director Lileana Blain-Cruz and Movement Director Raja Feather Kelly; moderated by Director of External Affairs Arthur White, and Director of Education Andrea Scobie.

Hosts Arthur White and Andrea Scobie talk all things Faust and interviews baritone Babatunde Akinboboye

Artistic Director Yuval Sharon chats with Director of Education Andrea Scobie and Director of External Affairs Arthur White about realizing the retro-futuristic opera production of The Valkyries with Richard Wagner's "music of the future".

Detroit Opera's Andrea Scobie and Arthur White introduce Yuval Sharon and Christine Goerke for an inside look at The Valkyries, a new production which combines live performance and a projected digital environment, bringing Wagner’s fantastical world to vivid life as you’ve never seen before.

Listen to Yuval Sharon, Artistic Director of Detroit Opera, before the opening night performance as he welcomed composer Anthony Davis , librettist Thulani Davis, and story author Christopher Davis for an inside look at the creation and evolution of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.

Detroit Opera's Andrea Scobie and Arthur White discuss the company's upcoming production of La bohème, and welcome the production's two leading ladies: Brandie Inez Sutton (Musetta) and Marlen Nahhas (Mimi).

MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Arthur White discuss the company's upcoming production of Frida, and welcome two special guests: the opera's composer, Robert Xavier Rodriguez, and Catalina Cuervo, who will be reprising her signature role of Frida.

OperaHERE: Bliss by Detroit Opera

Join MOT's Andrea Scobie and Arthur White for a virtual pre-opera talk featuring BLUE's director, Kaneza Schaal, and conductor, Daniela Candillari.

MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Arthur White discuss the company's upcoming production of BLUE, and welcome Bass Kenneth Kellogg who will be taking the role of The Father in this new opera by composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist Tazewell Thompson.

Join MOT's Andrea Scobie and Arthur White for a virtual pre-opera talk featuring Jader Bignamini, conductor of Cavalleria rusticana and Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Arthur White discuss the company's upcoming production of Cavalleria Rusticana, and welcome newly appointed Associate Artistic Director Christine Goerke, who will be taking the role of Santuzza, and two of her co-stars, Catherine Martin and Ronnita Miller.

Join MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Arthur White as they welcome Basses Morris Robinson and Allen Michael Jones for a conversation on great African American singers of the past and the realities of being a male singer of color in today’s opera world.

MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Kim Smith discuss yearly traditions associated with The Nutcracker in Detroit, and introduce A Nutcracker Holiday, a virtual experience that brings the joy and wonder the classic ballet right to your home! Featuring special guest Edwaard Liang, Artistic Director of BalletMet, who gives an inside look at both BalletMet's Nutcracker and "Clara's Nutcracker Prince", a brand-new retelling of the story specifically for 2020.

MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Jon Teeuwissen welcome special guest Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico, to discuss the company and its work, both past and future, and Mr. Vilaro's own personal journey to becoming a leader in the dance world and a passionate advocate for the arts as an instrument to change lives and strengthen community.

MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Arthur White discuss Michigan Opera Theatre's upcoming production of Twilight: Gods, a 60-minute drive-through adaptation of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung held in the Opera House parking structure. With special guests Sean Panikkar and Marsha Music.

MOT’s Andrea Scobie and Arthur White discuss LGBTQ stories and representation in opera and dance. With special guests Jon Teeuwissen and Ricky Ian Gordon.

MOT's Andrea Scobie and Arthur White discuss "Champion" - Terence Blanchard's new 'opera in jazz' telling the story of legendary prize-fighter Emile Griffith. With special guests Arthur Woodley and Naomi Andre.

OperaHERE hosts Arthur White and Andrea Scobie discuss Giacomo Puccini's one-act comedy, "Gianni Schicchi" and Michael Ching's sequel, "Buoso's Ghost." Special guests: composer Michael Ching and MOT Studio director Richard Leech.

Tony Award winning Karen Ziemba is our special guest.

OperaHERE: Michael Fabiano by Detroit Opera

OperaHERE - Don Giovani with guest Nicole Cabell by Detroit Opera

MOT's Andrea Scobie and Arthur white introduce Ricky Ian Gordon's great American opera, "The Grapes of Wrath."

Puppeteer Basil Twist discusses "Hansel & Gretel" with MOT's Andrea Scobie and Arthur White.

OperaHERE: Candide by Detroit Opera

“Figaro, Figaro!” This Rossini classic features one of the most well-known pieces of music in history. This prequel to THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO tells the story of how Count Almaviva wins the hand of his beloved Rosina with the help of his clever barber, Figaro. Full of laughter and beautiful music, see why THE BARBER OF SEVILLE has delighted audiences for more than two centuries. Explore Rossini's THE BARBER OF SEVILLE with hosts Arthur White and Andrea Scobie. Gioachino Rossini The Barber of Seville November 10-18, 2018 Tickets: www.michiganopera.org Michigan Opera Theatre’s OperaHERE Podcast is your introduction to the performances seen onstage at the Detroit Opera House. Dive into the tragedy, comedy, and beautiful music of opera with our hosts and special guests, and prepare yourself for a dazzling night at the opera. The OperaHERE Podcast is produced by Jake Neher in the studios of WDET.

Explore Tchaikovsky's EUGENE ONEGIN with hosts Arthur White and Andrea Scobie, and special guest, soprano Corinne Winters, who sings the role of Tatyana in Michigan Opera Theatre's upcoming production. EUGENE ONEGIN is a story of squandered romance and tragic honor. Known for its rich orchestration and beautiful melodies, ONEGIN is Tchaikovsky's most beloved opera and the epitome of Russian Lyric Opera. See it at the Detroit Opera House October 13-21, 2018. Tickets: www.michiganopera.org Michigan Opera Theatre’s OperaHERE Podcast is your introduction to the performances seen onstage at the Detroit Opera House. Dive into the tragedy, comedy, and beautiful music of opera with our hosts and special guests, and prepare yourself for a dazzling night at the opera. The OperaHERE Podcast is produced by Jake Neher in the studios of WDET.

Musicologist Austin Stewart is joined by baseball historian Gary Gillette and soprano Jacqueline Echols to discuss Daniel Sonenberg's new opera THE SUMMER KING. THE SUMMER KING tells the story of Negro Leagues baseball legend Josh Gibson, considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. It’s a story of talent, heartbreak and one man’s journey to overcome prejudice and discrimination. Libretto by Daniel Sonenberg and Daniel Nester with additional lyrics by Mark Campbell. May 12-20 at The Detroit Opera House Tickets: http://www.michiganopera.org/opera/the-summer-king/ Michigan Opera Theatre’s OperaHERE Podcast is your introduction to the performances seen onstage at the Detroit Opera House. Dive into the tragedy, comedy, and beautiful music of opera with host Austin Stewart and special guests, and prepare yourself for a dazzling night at the opera. The OperaHERE Podcast is produced by Jake Neher in the studios of WDET, and is supported by OPERA America’s Building Opera Audiences grant program, made possible through the generosity of the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.

Lust, betrayal, murder — nothing says drama quite like Puccini’s Tosca, one of the most popular operas of all time. Amid an unstable 1800s Italy, fiery diva Tosca must fight to save her rebellious lover from an evil police chief. Learn more about the story, its characters, and Puccini's incredible score with hosts Austin Stewart and Diane Schoff. Catch Tosca at the Detroit Opera House, April 7-15, 2018. More info at www.michiganopera.org Michigan Opera Theatre’s OperaHERE Podcast is your introduction to the performances seen onstage at the Detroit Opera House. Dive into the tragedy, comedy, and beautiful music of opera with host Austin Stewart and special guests, and prepare yourself for a dazzling night at the opera. The OperaHERE Podcast is produced by Jake Neher in the studios of WDET, and is supported by OPERA America’s Building Opera Audiences grant program, made possible through the generosity of the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.

Travel back in time to the inspired gatherings at 27 rue de Fleurus in Paris, where American expatriates Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas hosted luminaries of art and literature such as Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henri Matisse and Ernest Hemingway. In 27, composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Royce Vavrek explore themes of love, loss, change and art set throughout two world wars. March 2-3 at Arthur Miller Theatre, Ann Arbor March 10-11 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts For more info: http://www.michiganopera.org/opera/ricky-gordons-27/ Music from "27: An Opera In Five Acts", recorded in performance at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in June 2014. Performed by Stephanie Blythe, Elizabeth Futral, Theo Lebow, Tobias Greenhalgh, Daniel Brevik, members of the St. Louis Symphony, conducted by Michael Christie. Michigan Opera Theatre’s OperaHERE Podcast is your introduction to the performances seen onstage at the Detroit Opera House. Dive into the tragedy, comedy, and beautiful music of opera with host Austin Stewart and special guests, and prepare yourself for a dazzling night at the opera. The OperaHERE Podcast is produced by Jake Neher in the studios of WDET, and is supported by OPERA America’s Building Opera Audiences grant program, made possible through the generosity of the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.

Episode 02: Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" Michigan Opera Theatre’s OperaHERE Podcast is your introduction to the performances seen onstage at the Detroit Opera House. Dive into the tragedy, comedy, and beautiful music of opera with host Austin Stewart and special guests, and prepare yourself for a dazzling night at the opera. The OperaHERE Podcast is produced by Jake Neher in the studios of WDET, and is supported by OPERA America’s Building Opera Audiences grant program, made possible through the generosity of the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.

Episode 01: Verdi's "Rigoletto" Michigan Opera Theatre’s OperaHERE Podcast is your introduction to the performances seen onstage at the Detroit Opera House. Dive into the tragedy, comedy, and beautiful music of opera with host Austin Stewart and special guests, and prepare yourself for a dazzling night at the opera. The OperaHERE Podcast is produced by Jake Neher in the studios of WDET, and is supported by OPERA America’s Building Opera Audiences grant program, made possible through the generosity of the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.