In this episode of the Opera Now podcast, Holly speaks to Opera Now critic Hugo Shirley about recent operas he has seen in Berlin, Barrie Kosky and gets a behind-the-scenes insight into writing an opera review. Visit our website: https://www.opera-now.com/ Read Hugo's recent reviews here: https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/janaceks-the-cunning-little-vixen-at-staatsoper-berlin-live-review https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/shostakovich-lady-macbeth-of-mtsensk-at-komische-oper-berlin-live-review https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/korngold-violanta-at-deutsche-oper-berlin-live-review
Opera vs Musicals
20/03/2026 | 29min
In this episode, we discuss the closure of the Kennedy Cente, Jonny talks about the moment musicals and opera became two separate entities, and Holly is taught about leitmotifs in opera! Instagram: @operanowmagazine Visit our website: https://www.opera-now.com/
Translations, Verismo, and Ralph Fiennes' Onegin
18/02/2026 | 54min
This week we discuss Deborah Warner's appointment as Artistic Director of the Park Avenue Armory, Jonny teaches Holly about the post-Romantic operatic style of Verismo, and Mark Pullinger joins us to discuss Ralph Fiennes' operatic directorial debut with 'Onegin' at Paris National Opera! Subscribe to Opera Now Magazine!: https://www.opera-now.com/ Read Mark's full review here: https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/tchaikovsky-eugene-onegin-at-paris-opera-live-review
Opera and politics with Thangam Debbonaire
21/01/2026 | 48min
As news breaks that Washington National Opera has left the Kennedy Centre under Trump's leadership, in this episode we are talking all about opera and politics. Thangam Debbonaire joins Holly Baker to speak about her new position as CEO of the newly-formed UK Opera Association and Jonny teaches Hattie and Holly all about Wagner's impact on the design of theatres. We also review the English National Opera's production of HMS Pinafore and compare Janáček's Makropulos Affair with the LSO and at the Royal Opera. Subscribe to Opera Now and explore the new website! Read Holly's piece on Washington National Opera here
Opera Apprenticeships, Critics, and Bel Canto
22/12/2025 | 47min
In today's podcast Hattie Butterworth, Holly Baker and Jonathan Whiting discuss the latest opera news, the importance of critics, and the bel canto style. Andrew Mellor joins Hattie to discuss the Scandinavian season! Instagram: @operanowmagazine https://www.opera-now.com/
Opera Now brings lively insight from three Opera Now Magazine journalists: Editor Hattie alongside writers Holly and Jonathan. Expect the latest news, as well as interviews with opera creatives, critic's takes on recent productions and a smart discussion on a big issue in the opera world – accessible and engaging for newbies, lovers and insiders alike.
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