The OperaWire Podcast
OperaWire founders David and Francisco Salazar discuss the opera industry and the latest news from around the world. They feature guests with interesting stories and delve deeper into new operatic trends. The podcast covers the highs and lows of the opera world. It is produced by Daniel Gomez and La Cuarta Productions.
Episodes
A New Era for the Washington National Opera with Francesca Zambello
Francesca Zambello speaks to David and Francisco about the Washington National Opera's new season and its new era after leaving the Kennedy Center.
New Season:
Madama Butterfly (Puccini) – DAR Constitution Hall
Nixon in China (John Adams) – DAR Constitution Hall
We the People (Special Concert) – DAR Constitution Hall
Odyssey (Family-friendly opera inspired by Percy Jackson by Ben Moore
Retiring from Staged Opera & AI with Andrew Potter
Following his open letter, Andrew Potter speaks with David and Francisco about his decision to leave staged opera and the impact it has made on the industry. He also speaks about AI and why he believes it can be a useful tool.
Read the full letter: https://operawire.com/editorial-why-im-retiring-from-staged-opera-at-43/
The Future Opera, AI & Managing an Opera Company with David Lomelí
David Lomelí Speaks with David and Francisco about managing the Dallas Opera, the future opera and how can the opera industry use AI.
Denyce Graves on Developing the New Generation, Carmen & Saying Goodbye to the Stage
Denyce Graves Joins David and Francisco Salazar to discuss The Denyce Grave Foundation and its roots. She also delves into her experience as a director and what it meant to retire from the stage.
Highlights from the 2025-26 Season
David and Francisco Salazar speak about the highlights of the 2025-26 season and what their favorite performances were.
Parenting in Opera with Dr. Rachel Copeland & Scott Skiba
What is it like to raise a child in the opera industry while traveling around the world? Dr. Rachel Copeland & Scott Skiba join Francisco Salazar and Afton Markay for a discussion about the ins and outs of having a family while directing and singing opera.
Vocal Health, Fatherhood & Bel Canto with Jack Swanson
David and Francisco Salazar speak to tenor Jack Swanson about his new venture Vocalise and vocal health. Swanson also reminisces about "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" and his recent millstone. He also delves into Fatherhood and raising a child as an Opera Singer.
Interview with Johnathan McCullough About National Youth Opera Academy
Johnathan McCullough joins David and Francisco Salazar on the OperaWire Podcast to speak about the acclaimed National Youth Opera Academy and his balancing his career as a singer, director and program director.
The Metropolitan Opera Crisis, the Opera Gala & Teatro La Fenice's Conductor Drama
On this episode of the OperaWire Podcast, David and Francisco speak about the Metropolitan Opera's financial crisis, the opera gala, and the Saudi deal. They also speak about the Teatro La Fenice's conductor crisis.
Conversation with "Viva Verdi" Team Christine La Monte and Yvonne Russo
David and Francisco Salazar speak to filmmakers Christine La Monte and Yvonne Russo, the team behind the Oscar nominated film "Viva Verdi!"
Opera at the Oscars, Timothée Chalamet & Tristan und Isolde
David and Francisco Salazar summarize the Oscars and how opera became a central part of the evening and give their final thoughts on Timothée Chalamet's controversial comments. They also talk about Tristan und Isolde at the Met.
Timothée Chalamet & His Opera Comments
David and Francisco Salazar discuss Timothée Chalamet's comments on opera and the response to it. They also response to how opera and film have been intertwined for many years. Additionally, they discuss the Oscars and the fact that "Viva Verdi!'s" song will not be performed.
How to Win a Grammy
Francisco Salazar and Afton Markay speak with Primo Artists' Katy Salomon about the best strategies for winning the Grammy and the best practices for a successful campaign.
Alan Pierson
On this episode of the OperaWire Podcast, Alan Pierson joins the Salazars to talk about the Grammys, Lady Gaga, how he fell in love with contemporary music and opera and the importance of recordings.
The Metropolitan Opera's Financial Crisis & Tristan und Isolde
On this episode, David and Francisco Salazar discuss the Metropolitan Opera's financial crisis. Plus we discuss the Oscar nominated song from "Viva Verdi!," "Heated Rivalry's" connection to opera and our experiences with "Tristan und Isolde"
Brian Jagde
Brian Jagde joins the Salazars for an in depth conversation on the industry, singing Verdi's Otello and his upcoming role debut as Lohengrin.
Sharing the Best of 2025
David and Francisco are joined by OperaWire writers Afton Markay and Jennifer Pyron to look at their operatic highlights of 2025.
Sting at the Metropolitan Opera, Kennedy Center & Denyce Graves's Farewell
On this episode, we discuss the Metropolitan Opera's announcement of "The Last Ship" by Sting, Denyce Graves' farewell performance, and the continuing drama at the Kennedy Center.
We also discuss our favorite recordings of Andrea Chenier.
A Controversial Music Director & A Saudi Deal
David and Francisco Salazar discuss the new season and the controversies surrounding the music director at the Teatro La Fenice and the Met Opera's new Saudi Deal.
A Tale of two Sopranos at the Royal Opera House, Met Opera's New Initiatives & Opening Nights Around the World
David and Francisco Salazar discuss the Royal Opera House's New "Tosca" and the controversy around it as well as the Met Opera's New Initiatives. There is also a discussion about upcoming opening nights and the opera the month is "Der Rosenkavalier."
Controversia alla Italiana, Detroit Opera Cuts Production & Tosca
David and Francisco Salazar discuss several controversies from Verona, Caserta, and Detroit. They also discuss their history with "Tosca."
Highlights from the 2024-25 Season
David and Francisco Salazar share their highlights of the 2024-25 season.
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