What the Fach?

January catch-up incoming 💋 We get real about the taboo no one wants to touch: audition costs. From eye-watering audition expenses (how much did we actually drop this season?!) to tales from a European audition tour backed by the ultimate keyboard-warrior mum. We dive into our audition experiences too, sharing the highs, the lows, and the full horror stories, plus some very exciting updates on young artist programme developments.We're spilling the tea, crunching the numbers, and getting into the nitty gritty – because it’s time singers stopped whispering and started being honest about how we make this career work.

Soprano Emily Hindrichs spills all on how she went from New Orleans to accidentally building a powerhouse career in Europe – landing at Oper Köln and escaping a lifetime of only singing Queen of the Night. She breaks down what fest life is really like (spoiler: structure! colleagues! health insurance!) and why the German system can either lift you up or chew you up if you’re not steering your own ship.We get into the cultural whiplash of working on both sides of the Atlantic, the steep learning curve of surviving and thriving in the German language, and how to handle feedback without losing your mind. Emily also talks about creating Lighthouse Opera Köln, the mentorship programme she literally runs from her living room, plus the importance of intimacy coordination, stage combat, and saying “nope, not for me” without guilt.Funny, frank, and full of wisdom, a must-listen for anyone trying to navigate opera without burning out.

This episode, we’re joined by the one and only Laurence Kilsby – tenor, storyteller, and all-around vocal powerhouse – for a no-holds-barred look behind the velvet curtain. From choirboy beginnings to international stages, Laurence spills the tea on surviving typecasting, balancing a jet-setting career with real life, and the art of not losing your mind (or your voice) in the process.We dive into the highs, the lows, and the hilarious in-betweens of opera life: awkward auditions, pigeonholing, the pressure to fit the “tenor” mould, and why sometimes you just have to let it all out. Plus, we play some games, swap wild stories, and get real about what it takes to keep singing when the reviews – and the travel – never stop.Whether you’re an opera insider or just here for the drama, this episode hits all the right notes. Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a little bit of treble.As promised, here is a clip from Laurence's Royal Albert Hall debut. No, you're crying.

In this episode, we dive into the highs, lows, and hilarious realities of life in the chorus. We share personal stories and insights that most young singers will relate to, such as auditions – what works, what doesn't, and how to cope.We ask the all-important question: Which opera characters would we date... and which ones are immediate red flags?Then, get ready for some voice type hot-takes as we challenge the usual stereotypes and spill our opinions on what makes a mezzo or a soprano.

This week, we’re joined by the amazing Jan Capiński to talk all things recording! From the highs and lows of studio life to tips for capturing the perfect performance, Jan shares his insider knowledge with warmth and humour. Of course, we also play some new games, get a little chaotic, and sneak in some metal chat... because why not?You can find Jan's Recording Basic's Course here.

In the pilot episode of What the Fach?, Clover and Erin introduce themselves – two young singers navigating the highs, lows, and everything in between of the opera world. Expect honest chats, unfiltered stories, and a healthy dose of humour as they kick off this new adventure. Whether you're a fellow musician or just opera-curious, they're so glad you're here. Fach, pronounced "fahkh", is the German system used in opera to classify singers by voice type and the roles they're suited to. But voices don't always fit neatly into boxes – and neither do people. @whatthefachpod