PODCAST · arts
Central City Opera Podcast
by Central City Opera
Have you ever wanted to sit down with a Central City Opera singer, director, conductor, or production staff member and get to know them (and what they do) a little better? You're in luck - our podcasts feature interviews with artists and others involved in our operas this season, plus insights from local experts on the Festival offerings. Find out more about the fascinating people who make the magic happen on the Central City Opera House stage.
Episodes
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Season 11, Episode 4 - Jennifer DeDominici and Lawrence E. Moten III
Dive into Master Class with Jennifer DeDominici (portraying Maria Callas) and scenic designer Lawrence E. Moten III.
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Season 11, Episode 3 - Cynthia Lawrence and Lynly A. Saunders
Join director and legendary CCO alum Cynthia Lawrence, and costume designer Lynly A. Saunders, to learn about this year's annivesary production of The Ballad of Baby Doe.
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Season 11, Episode 2 - Tyler Tucker and Kendra Green
Join our Director of Choruses, Tyler Tucker, and Stage Manager Kendra Green for an exploration of all things Marriage of Figaro. centralcityopera.org/2026-festival
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Season 11, Episode 1 - Emily Barber and Jeremy Reger
Welcome to the 2026 season of the Central City Opera Podcast! This summer's festival is full of music, drama, and fun. On today's episode, take a tour of what we will SEE and HEAR this summer with our Director of Production, Emily Barber, and our Head of Music, Jeremy Reger. For tickets and more,...
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Season 10, Episode 4 - Marissa Rosen, John Heginbotham, and Candace Leyland
In the final episode of Season 10, we sit down with star of Once Upon a Mattress, Marissa Rosen, to discuss what a career on Broadway is like, and what it's like for a performer to cross over from musical theatre to opera. We then chat with John Heginbotham, choreographer for this year's…
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Season 10, Episode 3 - Deborah Brevoort and Armando Contreras
Hear from Deborah Brevoort, librettist of The Knock, about the process of writing an opera, bringing The Knock to Central City, and where she sees the future of contemporary opera and world premieres. Then, listen in to our conversation with Armando Contreras, star of The Knock, about originating…
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Season 10, Episode 2 - Louis Lohraseb and Luke Sutliff
Join Louis Lohraseb, principal conductor, and Luke Sutliff, playing Figaro, for conversations about this season's production of The Barber of Seville, how they got their starts in opera, and what it's like collaborating and singing on the CCO stage. Have questions or want to provide feedback?…
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Season 10, Episode 1 - Alison Moritz and Dave Mazzeno
In this episode, we sit down Artistic Director Alison Moritz to discuss the 2025 Central City Opera Festival, our inagural CCO in Concert, and a preview of what's on for next year! We then check in with Dave Mazzeno, our Supervising Stagehand and Head Lighting Electrician, to talk about what our...
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Season 9. Episode 4 - CEO of Central City Opera, Scott Finlay
In this episode, we sit down with our inspiring CEO, Scott Finlay, to learn more about the man behind the leadership. With over 12 years at Central City Opera, Scott shares his journey, from his early days with the company to stepping into the role of CEO. He reflects on the challenges and…
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Season 9, Ep. 3 - Principal Artists, Kara Shay and Jasmine and Director of Historic Properties, Eric Chinn
In this episode, sopranos Kara Shay Thomson and Jasmine Habersham reflect on forging your own path in opera. Both began their journeys at Central City Opera as Young Artists in the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program and returned last season as principal performers. They share...
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Season 9, Episode 1 - Artistic Director Alison Moritz and Managing Director Adam Scurto on the 2024 Festival
On this episode, Central City Opera's new Artistic Director Alison Moritz, and Managing Director of External Affairs Adam Scurto discuss the 2024 Festival Season. Join Alison and Adam as they discuss the future of Central City Opera, give tips on how to get the best out of Central City whether…
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Season 8, Episode 4 - Cecilia Violetta López, Soprano on her role as Desdemona in Othello
On this episode, Cecilia Violetta López and Digital Marketing Manager Peter Constas Cecilia's role as Desdemona in this year's production of Othello. Cecilia dives into how her mom taught her to sing while working on a sugar beet farm, how she got her own day in Idaho, and how she acclimated to...
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Season 8, Episode 3 - Kameron Alston, Developing Artist, on his role in Romeo & Juliet
On this episode, Developing Artist Kameron Alston and Digital Marketing Manager Peter Constas discuss Kameron's role as Tybalt in this year's production of Romeo & Juliet. Learn about one of the youngest members of the Developing Artist troupe and what it's like duel-wielding on stage. Have...
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Season 8, Episode 2 - Isaiah Feken, Developing Artist, on his role in Kiss Me, Kate
On this episode, Developing Artist Isaiah Feken and Digital Marketing Manager Peter Constas discuss Isaiah's role as a "gangster" in this year's production of Kiss Me, Kate. Learn about what it's like to be on stage with Broadway legends as an opera singer, why it's more fun being the villian…
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Season 8, Episode 1 - Maestro John Baril & CEO Pamela Pantos on the 2023 Summer Festival
On this episode, Music Director John Baril and Central City Opera CEO Pamela Pantos discuss the three main-stage productions being featured in this year's Summer Festival. Brush up on your Shakespeare, because this season includes productions of Romeo & Juliet, Kiss Me, Kate, and Othello. Join…
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Season 7, Episode 8 - David Duffield, Historian, on TWO REMAIN
On this episode, we hear from David Duffield, a historian with The Center on Colfax in Denver, Colorado. David was part of a panel of experts hosted by Central City Opera on June 12, 2022, to give perspectives on the themes within the chamber opera TWO REMAIN. I asked him to be on the podcast to...
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Season 7, Episode 7 - Rebecca Caine and Diana Newman, Principals in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
On this episode, we hear from sopranos Rebecca Caine and Diana Newman, principals in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. Rebecca plays the role of Margaret Johnson, and Diana plays the role of Margaret's daughter Clara. This is the first time they've worked together, and watching them onstage, you'd think...
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Season 7, Episode 6 - Brandon Eldredge and Tessa McQueen on TWO REMAIN
On this episode, we hear from conductor Brandon Eldredge and soprano Tessa McQueen about Act One of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer's chamber opera, TWO REMAIN. Act One focuses on the true story of Polish poet Krystyna Zywulska surviving the Holocaust – and the psychological trauma she dealt with the...
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Season 7, Episode 4 - Edina Hiser, Costume Designer for THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
On this episode, we pull back the curtain and hear from the Costume Designer for THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, Edina Hiser. There are a LOT of costumes in this production, and Edina gives us the insights into the symbolism she embeds in the design, the anatomy of a quick change – since there are so...
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Season 7, Episode 3 - Kira Dills-DeSurra and William Ferguson, Principals in DIE FLEDERMAUS
On this episode, we hear from two principal singers in DIE FLEDERMAUS: mezzo-soprano Kira Dills-DeSurra who plays the role of Prince Orlofsky, and tenor William Ferguson, who plays the role of Eisenstein. Both Kira and Will are seasoned comedic performers, and their healthy senses of humor are on...
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Season 7, Episode 2 - Joachim Schamberger and John Baril on DIE FLEDERMAUS
On this episode, we dive deep into DIE FLEDERMAUS with stage director Joachim Schamberger and conductor John Baril. While on the surface, this operetta may seem like nothing but champagne bubbles and fun, Joachim and John reveal the complexities of the story and music that make this operetta...
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Season 7, Episode 1 - Ken Cazan and Adam Turner, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
On this episode, stage director Ken Cazan and conductor Adam Turner share their insights into the musical THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. This is Ken's 20th season directing at Central City Opera, and Adam has worked on the music side for seven seasons since 2011, first as associate conductor, then as...
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Season 6, Episode 7 - Behind the Scenes with Kerry Cripe and Angela Turner
On this episode, we go behind the scenes with Technical Director Kerry Cripe and Stage Manager Angela Turner. Kerry's been TD with Central City Opera since 2017, and this was Angela's first summer with us. And what a summer it's been! Kerry and Angela share all the insider details on producing an...
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Season 6, Episode 6 - Young Artist Spotlight - Bernardo Medeiros, Michelle Monroe, and Marin Tack
On this special "Young Artist Spotlight" episode, we meet three singers from Central City Opera's Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program: baritone Bernardo Medeiros, mezzo-soprano Michelle Monroe, and soprano Marin Tack. The two women have small but significant roles in all three...
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Season 6, Episode 5 - Dan Wallace Miller, Director of DIDO AND AENEAS
On this episode, the director of this summer's production of Purcell's DIDO AND AENEAS, Dan Wallace Miller, talks about ALL the things - his outdoor, updated production in the Central City Opera Garden, his background in film and how he brings that into opera, how his love of Wagner and all…
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Season 6, Episode 4 - Anna Christy and Steven LaBrie, Principals in CAROUSEL
On this episode, soprano Anna Christy and baritone Steven LaBrie talk about their roles of Julie Jordan and Billy Bigelow in CAROUSEL. Steven and Anna discuss the big question most of us think when watching this show – why does Billy treat Julie the way that he does, and why does Julie stay? Anna...
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Season 6, Episode 3 - Alisa Jordheim and Galeano Salas, Principals in RIGOLETTO
On this episode, soprano Alisa Jordheim and tenor Galeano Salas join the podcast from a porch in Central City – so you'll hear some wind and cars driving by. Alisa is performing the role of Gilda in this summer's production of Verdi's RIGOLETTO, and Galeano is performing the role of The Duke of...
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Season 6, Episode 2 - Jose Maria Condemi (Director) and John Baril (Conductor) on RIGOLETTO
On this episode, Stage Director Jose Maria Condemi and Conductor/CCO Music Director John Baril discuss the details of this summer's production of Verdi's RIGOLETTO. John talks about the adjustments made the orchestra - including how he wrote a tuba part! - and Jose Maria tells us why and how the...
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Season 6, Episode 1 - Ken Cazan, Stage Director of CAROUSEL
On this first episode of season six of the Central City Opera Podcast, we hear from stage director Ken Cazan. Ken is back this summer in Central City for his 19th season to direct Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical CAROUSEL. Ken dives deep into the story and themes of this beloved musical, how he…
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Season 5, Episode 9 - Ana Luna Uribe, Lisa Young and Teila Theisen
Opera Central and the Central City Opera Podcast proudly host the heads of two leading equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) organizations in Colorado: IDEA Stages Founder Lisa Young and Alliance for Music Education Equity Director Ana Luna Uribe. They talk with CCO Audience...
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Season 5, Episode 8 - Stephen Brackett and Gail Bransteitter
Colorado Music Ambassador and Flobots emcee/lead singer Stephen Brackett talks about music as a tool for liberation, working with young people through his nonprofit Youth On Record and the state of music in Colorado with CCO Director of Marketing and Communications (and longtime friend) Gail...
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Season 5, Episode 7 - Phebe Berkowitz-Tanners and Katie Nicholson
Phebe Berkowitz-Tanners grew up in the Central City Opera House. Her family made a second home in our magical, old western town during the summers of 1953-1963 when her father, Metropolitan Opera violist David Berkowitz, played the Festival season with the Central City Opera Orchestra. Now a...
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Season 5, Episode 6 - Ana Maria Inspires: EN MIS PALABRAS
En Mis Palabras artists share their thoughts and experiences on racially accurate casting, representation in the performing arts and the importance of telling diverse stories on the operatic stage in today's episode. Guests include Mica Dominguez-Robinson, who originated the leading role of Ana...
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Season 5, Episode 5 - Community & Collaboration: EN MIS PALABRAS
The conversation on our original, bilingual opera En Mis Palabras/In My Own Words and diversity, equity and inclusion in the arts continues. Today we discuss Su Teatro and Central City Opera's collaboration on the En Mis Palabras workshop and premiere, Denver's rich Chicano history and art as...
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Season 5, Episode 4 - Growth & Evolution: EN MIS PALABRAS
This interview is part of a three-episode series featuring our original bilingual opera En Mis Palabras/In My Own Words and exploring equity, diversity and inclusion in the arts. Central City Opera (CCO) commissioned En Mis Palabras more than 15 years ago, with the goal of acknowledging the 1/5...
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Season 5, Episode 3 - John Baril, Brian Cook, Megan Marino, and Michael Mayes
This extra-special, bonus episode of Opera Central is a real, uncut conversation between Music Director John Baril, Orchestra Personnel Manager and Violist Brian Cook, Mezzo-Soprano Megan Marino and Baritone Michael Mayes over a couple of beers. The two couples chatted about life and art during…
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Season 5, Episode 2 - Soprano Emily Pulley and Baritone Jonathan Hays
Guest host and Central City Opera Director of Production Karen T. Federing interviews Soprano Emily Pulley and Baritone Jonathan Hays on the porch of the historic Pink House in Central City. Emily and Jonathan talk about their history with Central City as young artists and principal singers, how...
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Season 5, Episode 1 - Will Liverman, Baritone
American Baritone Will Liverman talks with Central City Opera Education Coordinator Meg Ozaki Graves about his experiences as a Black opera singer, how he's staying inspired during the pandemic and his thoughts on how arts organizations can move forward. Will was last seen at Central City Opera…
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Season 4, Ep. 10 - Curt Olds and Jennifer DeDominici of ENCORE: A MUSICAL REVUE
On this final episode of season four, I'm joined by the stars of ENCORE: A MUSICAL REVUE, Jennifer DeDominici and Curt Olds. (Curt is also the director and curator!) ENCORE is happening at the very end of summer festival. Performed in our opera house, it's 90 minutes of scenes from music theatre...
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Season 4, Ep. 9 - Spotlight on the Bonfils-Stanton Artists Training Program
This episode shines a spotlight on the Bonfils-Stanton Artists Training Program, and features three Apprentice Artists - soprano Caitlin Crabill, baritone Matthew Peterson, and soprano Véronique Filloux - as well as a graduate of the program, Developing Artist and tenor Jonas Hacker. They…
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Season 4, Ep. 8 - Japanese-American perspectives on MADAMA BUTTERFLY
On this episode, I'm joined by Margaret Ozaki Graves, Gil Asakawa, and Erin Yoshimura. Margaret was the cultural consultant for our production of MADAMA BUTTERFLY, Gil is a journalist and arts critic, and Erin is a consultant who does leadership and cultural diversity training. They give their...
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Season 4, Ep. 7 - Alessandro Talevi, Director of THE BLESSED DAMOZEL and LITANIES TO THE BLACK VIRGIN
On this episode, director Alessandro Talevi talks about the unusual double-bill production this summer: Debussy's THE BLESSED DAMOZEL and Poulenc's LITANIES TO THE BLACK VIRGIN. These French cantatas, performed back-to-back, are only about 30 minutes total and were not conceived to be staged....
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Season 4, Ep. 6 - Dr. Dawn Coleman, Melville scholar
On this episode, we celebrate Herman Melville, the author of BILLY BUDD, SAILOR, and talk to Dr. Dawn Coleman from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Coleman is a Melville expert, and she dives deep into Melville's extraordinary life and how BILLY BUDD the novel came to be. Have questions or want…
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Season 4, Ep. 5 - Cody Austin and Troy Cook, Principals in MADAMA BUTTERFLY
On this episode, I get to talk to tenor Cody Austin and baritone Troy Cook about their roles in Madama Butterfly. Cody is playing Lt. Pinkerton and Troy is Sharpless. Our conversation covers a lot, like the timelessness of this opera and how audiences can relate to it, and what it's like to sing...
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Season 4, Ep. 4 - Joshua Hopkins, Daniel Norman, and Kevin Burdette, Principals in BILLY BUDD
On this episode, I talk with the three leading men of Central City Opera's Colorado premiere of Billy Budd: our Billy Budd, baritone Joshua Hopkins; tenor Daniel Norman, singing Captain Vere, and bass-baritone Kevin Burdette, who is Master-at-Arms John Claggart. These three characters make up the...
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Season 4, Ep. 3 - Ken Cazan, Director, and John Baril, Conductor - BILLY BUDD
This summer is a very special summer at Central City Opera, and that's because we are producing the Colorado premiere of Benjamin Britten's grand opera Billy Budd. On this episode, I talk with the production's director, Ken Cazan, and conductor, John Baril. What a conversation. Ken and John…
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Season 4, Ep. 2 - Raquel González and Annie Rosen, Principals in MADAMA BUTTERFLY
On this episode, I talk to the two principal women in Madama Butterfly: Raquel González, who plays the title role, and Annie Rosen, who plays the role of Suzuki, Butterfly's maid and companion. Raquel and Annie share how they develop the rapport necessary to portray this close relationship…
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Season 4, Ep. 1 - Alison Moritz, Director, and Adam Turner, Conductor - MADAMA BUTTERFLY
We're back for Season Four! On this episode, I'm thrilled to talk to Alison Moritz and Adam Turner. Alison is the stage director of Madama Butterfly and Adam is the conductor. They share their insights into this masterpiece of an opera and talk about the process of putting it all together. Have...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Have you ever wanted to sit down with a Central City Opera singer, director, conductor, or production staff member and get to know them (and what they do) a little better? You're in luck - our podcasts feature interviews with artists and others involved in our operas this season, plus insights from local experts on the Festival offerings. Find out more about the fascinating people who make the magic happen on the Central City Opera House stage.
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Central City Opera
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Central City Opera Podcast have?
Central City Opera Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Central City Opera Podcast about?
Have you ever wanted to sit down with a Central City Opera singer, director, conductor, or production staff member and get to know them (and what they do) a little better? You're in luck - our podcasts feature interviews with artists and others involved in our operas this season, plus insights from...
How often does Central City Opera Podcast release new episodes?
Central City Opera Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Central City Opera Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Central City Opera Podcast?
Central City Opera Podcast is created and hosted by Central City Opera.
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