Episode 35 - Hi friends! We had the most inspiring chat with Melissa Wegner, Executive Director with the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and the Laffont Competition. She walks us through international outreach, how the Met picks and develops singers and why mentorship, mental health and practical skills all matter, just as much as talent. If you’re an aspiring singer, you’ll love her clear audition checklist (voice, musicianship, interpretation and career potential), plus reality checks about covers, timing and when to jump into the professional world. She also explains the newer, kinder side of industry training: financial coaching, performance psychology, intimacy coordinators and real community support. Tune in for honest, friendly and super-useful advice whether you’re auditioning, considering a young artist program, or just want an insight into how singers can thrive in this wild opera life.
Episode 34 - Hey friends! Come hang with Helena and Adam as they catch up for a meandering chat: from hilarious Aussie lingo (like the Poddy) to TikTok triumphs and the importance of great repetiteurs. We get the tea on viral videos, strange fan mail, masterclasses with young performers and even nude stage stories. Tune in and laugh along.
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 keep learning. Don't miss this one!
Episode 32 - If you’re into behind-the-scenes opera gossip, this episode is for you. We hang out with Gerard Quinn and Chloe Morgan as they unpack life in Germany’s Fest system: the crazy rehearsal hours, costume nightmares, language mishaps and that infamous director who had everyone talking. Expect high notes, wild backstage moments and honest talk about surviving and thriving in the Fest life.
Episode 31 - Watch out! We jumped in the car, braved the rain and took you straight into the Melbourne Recital Centre for the Herald Sun Aria final. Expect backstage vibes, on-road banter and honest takes on six incredible young singers. There’s talk about conductor magic, judging pressure and how repertoire and orchestra placement can change everything. Grab some road trip snacks and join us!
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 miss this one.
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 and Tanqueray even make cameos.
Episode 28 - Today it's just Helena and Adam and it's like you're just hanging out with us while we talk about upcoming gigs, oratorio and Helena's new teaching studio. We trade Aussie food hot takes (dim sims, mushy peas and pie floaters) and reminisce about touring pranks and backstage hijinks. Come for the opera gossip, stay for the laughs and don't miss Bastien's cameo at the end...
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. Funny, warm and full of oddly specific opera life hacks, you’ll laugh, you’ll learn and you might never hear a duck noise the same way again.
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 insane schedule and little rehearsal tricks that actually work. It’s warm, funny and full of behind-the-scenes gold. Tune in if you love music, want to understand what a conductor really does, or just want a brilliant, honest conversation with someone who’s living at full tilt.
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 loves theatre, Sondheim or a good backstage story.
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 got custom buzzers, impromptu jams and some cheeky confessions. From barns to unexpected onstage nudity, our talented tenors spill all the tea. And yes, there’s a chat on eating pizza! It's definitely an episode packed with moments you won't want to miss. Listen in and we'll be back with Season 2 in September!
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 and he wades in on the great pizza cutlery debate. As a gifted mentor, he also talks about the art of teaching and the transformative power of singing. It's personal, fun and certain to leave you inspired! Don't miss out on this musical adventure!
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 days at the Royal Academy of Music, share laughs over Helena's move into the 'noisy building', and delve into what it’s like packing up over two decades of life abroad. So, come join the chat, as Helena and Adam laugh, reflect, and navigate the rollercoaster that is an artist's life.
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 heights in their careers. Her stories are not only motivational but offer valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their skills and self-confidence. Curious about what it takes to thrive in the opera world and beyond with the right mindset? Tune in to find loads of laughs, lessons and lovely conversations!
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 opera, theatre and Theresa’s journey. We even dabble in the absurdity of certain operatic storylines and ponder how to inject a bit more fun and logic into them. So, if you're curious about the magic behind the curtain, the secrets of standing still while singing or how to seamlessly integrate orcs and ukuleles into a performance, you've come to the right place. Hit play and let’s get started!
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 unexpected situations, like Helena’s high-note escape from a tricky scenario! Learn about the realities of using corticosteroids for vocal issues, the importance of getting your voice checked by professionals and what exercises are good look after your vocal cords. You'll hear personal stories, tips, and plenty of laughs in this episode that's not only informative but fun! Whether you’re a singer, teacher or just a lover of good stories, you’re guaranteed to learn something new. So grab your favourite drink, get comfy and listen in.
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, this episode has it all. From memories at the Met to designing the ultimate Jamie Barton dinner party, the banter is irresistibly charming. Trust me, you won't want to miss a second! 🎶🐤❤️
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. Whether you're in the industry or just adore the vibrant world of opera, there's something here for you. So, grab your favourite snack and tune in for a mix of real conversation and lots of laughs!
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 her journey so far!