Key Change

How can present and future leaders in the opera industry strengthen their understanding of voice, story and community? What does it take to build a rewarding and sustainable career in the arts? Anna Garcia and Olga Perez Flora offer a rare look into the challenges and opportunities for artists in opera. A must-listen for young artists, families, music educators, teaching artists, and opera fans and supporters! www.santafeopera.org/keychange

Where Talent Meets Opportunity: Career Trajectories in Opera with Kristin Ditlow & Jamie Flora 05/07/2025

Where Talent Meets Opportunity: Career Trajectories in Opera with Kristin Ditlow & Jamie Flora We often say that the road to a successful opera career can be a winding one—and we’ve got the receipts to prove it! Join Key Change co-hosts Anna Garcia and Olga Perez Flora as they discuss career trajectories, academic journeys, and artistic life with two legendary performers and educators: Kristin Ditlow, Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching and Opera Conductor at the University Of New Mexico, and James Flora*, acclaimed American tenor and Lecturer in Voice and Opera, also at UNM. Our conversation sets the stage for an exciting collaboration between Santa Fe Opera and UNM. “The position that I have (at UNM) has evolved with me,” says Kristin, who has worked around the world as a conductor and a pianist. “That’s a testament to a healthy place that’s willing to grow along with its faculty and allow them to grow in a position.” It’s also a verdant artistic environment where raw talent is refined, and practice leads to proficiency. Jamie hopes that the next generation of opera professionals will bring the art form’s epic storytelling and staging to a broader audience. “I’d love for opera to step away a little bit from exclusivity,” he says, reflecting on how the perceived cliquishness couldn’t be farther from the true experience of a live opera. “A lot of people who grew up in small towns like I did didn't understand the opera was for them,” he says, adding, “Opera's for everyone!” *That surname is no coincidence. Jamie also holds the title of spouse to our very own Olga. KEY CHANGE RECOMMENDED PLAYLISTS Catch up on the full story of Hometown To The World: Hear the evolution of This Little Light of Mine: Season 3, Ep 7: FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE *** Key Change is a production of , Department of Community Engagement & Education. Share your favorite opera moments and questions with Community Engagement: Produced and edited by Hosted by Anna Garcia & Audio Engineering: Collin Ungerleider & Kabby Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous support of the Hankins Foundation, Principal Education Sponsor of the Santa Fe Opera. To learn more, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/36455915

TEASER: Swimming the English Channel with Renée Fleming [VIDEO] 04/30/2025

Rise to the Occasion of Your Opera Career with Chandler Johnson, Director of the Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program for Singers 04/23/2025

Rise to the Occasion of Your Opera Career with Chandler Johnson, Director of the Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program for Singers We love an encore! And this one's got it all: audition trends, futurecasting, and pragmatic advice for young opera talent. Key Change co-hosts Anna Garcia and Olga Perez Flora also serve up plenty of musical memories, behind-the-scenes intel, and a little love for the Santa Fe Opera as a venue as they continue their visit with Chandler Johnson. When we last met Chandler, he had introduced us to career paths less traveled. "There's more to this business than just singing,” he continues. Chandler knows this truth better than most. After discovering opera in his early teens, he pivoted from singing to arts administration. Chandler credits his years spent auditioning and performing for exposing him to career opportunities beyond the stage. “Singing was my path to get to this place,” he confides, before launching into an impressive list of creative, collaborative opportunities within the opera ecosystem. "You can go into development, marketing and PR, media and AV. You can go into costuming and set design," he says, adding, "Having the experience of being a singer informs where you pivot in your life and in this art form." As for the art form in question, Chandler is not one to tinker with what works. "I wouldn't change anything about opera. I truly love the glitz, the glamor, the opulence, the stories, the chaos. I love it all!" he muses before offering one final piece of advice. "We just have to keep doing good art––keep doing good opera!––and the people will come." KEY CHANGE RECOMMENDED PLAYLIST FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Chandler Johnson, Director, Apprentice Program For Singers | Santa Fe Opera MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE *** Key Change is a production of , Department of Community Engagement & Education. Share your favorite opera moments and questions with Community Engagement: Produced and edited by Hosted by Anna Garcia & Audio Engineering: Collin Ungerleider & Kabby Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous support of the Hankins Foundation, Principal Education Sponsor of the Santa Fe Opera. To learn more, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/36262250

Taking Care of the Art with Chandler Johnson, Director of the Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program for Singers 04/16/2025

Taking Care of the Art with Chandler Johnson, Director of the Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program for Singers Pop quiz: Name an opera training initiative that creates space for self-discovery, serious fun, and a bit of Broadway adoration. Spoiler alert: there’s only one answer. On this episode of Key Change, co-hosts Anna Garcia and Olga Perez Flora get to know Chandler Johnson, Director of Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program for Singers, and uncover what early-career singers selected for this internationally acclaimed program can expect from their 13 weeks in the desert. “It’s a pressure cooker!” exclaims Chandler of the four-month-long apprenticeship, initially developed by John Crosby, founder of the Santa Fe Opera. How prestigious is the program, you might ask? We did the math. Out of a thousand applicants, less than 5% have a chance of making it in. That’s 36-46 participants annually. And once those folks are accepted? They’re met with a 360º view of the industry including an intense rehearsal regime, mainstage experience, individual scene recitals, donor events, and off-campus performances. Chandler’s circuitous route to Apprentice Program director includes five different administrative titles at Santa Fe Opera alone, proving that the stage isn’t the only avenue to an illustrious career (although he’s got some amazing performance credits to his name). “I still sing for fun,” he says. “My roots were church music, musical theater, R & B, that kind of stuff. And, I'm always singing along to my favorite pop girlies.” Now, he’s happy to guide the next generation of talent, offering honest assessment and encouragement in equal measure. “I've had some singers come back and be, like, that one thing you said to me, that really changed the trajectory.” KEY CHANGE RECOMMENDED PLAYLIST FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Chandler Johnson, Director, Apprentice Program For Singers | Santa Fe Opera MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE *** Key Change is a production of , Department of Community Engagement & Education. Share your favorite opera moments and questions with Community Engagement: Produced and edited by Hosted by Anna Garcia & Audio Engineering: Collin Ungerleider & Kabby Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous support of the Hankins Foundation, Principal Education Sponsor of the Santa Fe Opera. To learn more, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/36134595

TEASER: Unlocking Opera Success [VIDEO] 04/09/2025

Safe Space for Creative Risks with Community Engagement and Education 03/26/2025

Safe Space for Creative Risks with Community Engagement and Education Bet you didn’t know that nurturing the next generation of opera performers, technicians, and enthusiasts begins in classrooms. Join Key Change co-hosts Anna Garcia and Olga Perez Flora on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Santa Fe Opera Department of Community Engagement and Education, featuring guest appearances by Season 5 favorites Charles Gamble, Director of Community Engagement, and Marissa Aurora, Community Engagement Liaison, plus new friend Olivia Dorrell, Administrative Coordinator. “We’re all moved by the extraordinary pageantry, music, and movement of opera,” says Charles. “I’ll be honest with you, though; the thing that most excites me is the process of being able to engage in that process with young humans and watching them do the heavy lifting of being artists.” Santa Fe Opera’s myriad school programs and summer camps introduce children as young as three to the collaborative spirit of opera, while professional development workshops help teachers use opera to facilitate learning. Internships provide an essential point of entry for college-aged talent. “It's been really rewarding to see and hear from the students how it's opening their world to a lot of career paths that they didn't think were possible in New Mexico,” says Marissa. Other initiatives like volunteer opportunities, the Pueblo Opera Cultura Council, and the Pueblo Opera Program ensure that Santa Fe continues to be a welcoming environment for all. Oliva agrees. “It’s always lovely to welcome so many patrons to the preview dinners, some seasoned opera-goers and some attending the opera for the first time.” FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Charles Gamble, Director Of Community Engagement Marissa Aurora, Community Engagement Liaison Olivia Dorrell, Administrative Coordinator MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE KEY CHANGE RECOMMENDED PLAYLIST *** Key Change is a production of , Department of Community Engagement & Education. Share your favorite opera moments and questions with Community Engagement: Produced and edited by Hosted by Anna Garcia & Audio Engineering: Collin Ungerleider & Kabby Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous support of the Hankins Foundation, Principal Education Sponsor of the Santa Fe Opera. To learn more, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/35845565

TEASER: Community Engagement Pop Quiz [VIDEO] 03/19/2025

Six Carmens Later & Putting On Productions with Olga Perez Flora and Anna Garcia 03/12/2025

Six Carmens Later & Putting On Productions with Olga Perez Flora and Anna Garcia What do disco naps, pantsuits, and chili preferences have to do with life at the opera? If you’re new to the art form in general and Key Change specifically, welcome! And don’t worry, all will be revealed. To our returning fans, a hearty welcome back! We’re excited to share another season and a fresh focus with you. Back to that opening inquiry... “I was thinking it would be really great if we did a lightning round together where we got to know a little bit more about each other and about what's coming up this season,” explains Olga, making her official debut as Key Change co-host, alongside three-season veteran Anna Garcia. Their answers reveal a lesser-known fact about opera: it’s more approachable and playful than newcomers might think. This season, we’re pulling back the curtain further on accessibility via Santa Fe Opera’s brand new partnership with the University of New Mexico Department of Music. But we haven’t abandoned new works or the original mission of Opera For All Voices (the initiative that launched this podcast). Instead, Key Change is momentarily adjusting its spotlight to focus on the development and evolution of new voices. “I've loved learning about the process of the artists, teams, our community members, our teaching artists, and administrative staff,” says Anna of this season. “Everybody has their origin story, and I think our audience really wants to hear that aspect. It's kind of like the backstage of opera.” Change is key, as we like to say. We’re glad you’re along for the ride. “CATCHING UP ON KEY CHANGE” RECOMMENDED PLAYLIST Season 1 Episode 1: Episode 5: Season 4 Episode 6: Episode 7: Episode 8: Season 5 Episode 3: Episode 8: *** Key Change is a production of , Department of Community Engagement & Education. Share your favorite opera moments and questions with Community Engagement: Produced and edited by Hosted by Anna Garcia & Audio Engineering: Collin Ungerleider & Kabby Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous support of the Hankins Foundation, Principal Education Sponsor of the Santa Fe Opera. To learn more, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/35613175

TEASER: Welcoming our new co-host! [VIDEO] 03/05/2025

Season 6: Nurturing the Next Generation of Artists [VIDEO] 02/19/2025

Season 6: Nurturing the Next Generation of Artists 02/19/2025

An Opportunity to Encounter Excellence (and Big News!) 12/04/2024

An Opportunity to Encounter Excellence (and Big News!) We’ve arrived at the end, or the beginning, depending on how you mark time. Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia close out this podcast season with an epic career coda and an equally impressive introduction. Join us as we say farewell (but not goodbye) to Andrea and welcome , DMA, Associate Professor of Voice, University of New Mexico (UNM), who will assume Key Change co-hosting duties next season. And what would our final episode of the year be without a trip in the trusty Key Change Time Machine? Cue the tears and cheers as we set a course for legacy-defining moments and forward-focused collaborations. “I have big dreams,” says Olga, the visionary educator and performer excited to “pay it forward” with a collaboration between UNM and Santa Fe Opera. This partnership offers students multiple pathways into performance and other careers in opera. “My dream is for us to build on what has already been happening and give students at UNM just a little bit more room to learn what the professional side of opera is like,” Olga explains. “We’re gonna work locally toward global impact,” affirms Andrea, who exits Santa Fe Opera after 33 years of championing broader student access to and community engagement with the art form. She leaves behind an enduring legacy that includes Opera For All Voices and this podcast, but not before previewing her exciting new synergies with Santa Fe Opera. And that’s the curtain call for season five! FEATURING Olga Perez Flora, Mezzo-soprano, Voice Area Head, Associate Professor of Voice, University of New Mexico Charles Gamble, Director Of Community Outreach, Santa Fe Opera Andrea Klunder, producer, Key Change Podcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/34263685

What’s Opera to a Bunch of High School Students? Young Voices, “The New Crop” 11/13/2024

What’s Opera to a Bunch of High School Students? Young Voices, “The New Crop” One of the greatest gifts you can offer a teen is confidence. The other? A process for refining that raw self-assurance into an impressive talent and invaluable life skill. But where to start? At the beginning, of course! Join Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia as they happily infiltrate Orientation Day for the , one of several prestigious youth-focused initiatives at Santa Fe Opera. Get to know this year’s cohort as they share their first-day impressions and program goals. Key Change favorites Amy Owens, director of the Young Voices program, and Charles Gamble, director of Community Engagement, also stop by to preview the program's curriculum and performance opportunities culminating in a much anticipated public recital. "They're coming into a good environment for nurturing," beams Charles as he watches 17 of the 19 high schoolers begin to bond with one another and absorb the creative energy around them. After today, each student will participate in private voice lessons before reuniting for retreats and ensemble work. Young Voices is an intense program. "So, I've built in some things that make it a little bit easier for them,” Amy assures us. Does she have any advice for this year's cohort? "Whatever is meant to happen––whether you pursue a career in music or something else––that's gonna happen no matter where you go," she offers. "Taking a little bit of pressure off and letting them experience the joy of interacting with their process, with music, is what I hope this program can provide them within a season of stress." FEATURING Amy Owens, director of the Young Voices program, Santa Fe Opera Charles Gamble, director of Community Engagement, Santa Fe Opera Andrea Klunder, producer, Key Change Podcast Young Voices Of Santa Fe Opera 2024/25: Rylee Baca, Cianna (Gigi) Clay, Kadiah Dragone-Gutierrez, Landen Kessler, William Landahl, Gavin Lopez, Eleanor Lucas, Ava Mitchie, Alexander Nicolas Neas, Alexandra Raskin, Nicolas Taccetti Young Voices Studio: Petra Archuletta, Iris Butcher, Rose Gubelmann, Brooklyn Moeno, Elsa Dhonau-Egan, Seraphina Goldstein, Ida Shelton, Jade Zeno-Neal MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/33897082

Points Unknown: Exploring Our Relationship To Otherness Through The Pigeon Keeper 06/26/2024

Points Unknown: Exploring Our Relationship To Otherness Through The Pigeon Keeper To workshop a new opera in front of an audience is a little like agreeing to a trust fall: at some point, you’ve just got to surrender to the unknown and… trust. Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia return to the orchestral workshop for The Pigeon Keeper, a collaboration between Santa Fe Opera’s Opera For All Voices (OFAV) initiative and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD). Andrea and Anna introduce folks to Caitlin Lynch, Assistant Professor of Music at U-M, and Jayce Ogren, Director of Contemporary Directions Ensemble at U-M, the visionary duo responsible for bringing The Pigeon Keeper to the campus. Together they go behind the scenes of OperaLab, their new initiative to connect SMTD students with opportunities to workshop and perform contemporary music from living composers. They also explore how the themes of the opera connect to modern realities with student musicians; learn about community support for refugees, asylum seekers, and others seeking humanitarian protection with Freedom House Detroit; and find out what advice principal artists would give to future cast members. The episode ends with audience reflections on loss, exclusion, and opera as a catalyst for hard conversation. “The arts,” said one workshop goer, “can facilitate tangible action, dialogue, and change that can come from this emotionally resonating work.” It’s insights like this that keep OFAV commissioning new works and collaborating in inventive ways. Learn more about Freedom House Detroit at FEATURING: Rebecca Clark - Cover for Orsia Ava Hawkins - Ensemble Jamiyah Hudson - Ensemble Tyrese Byrd - Cover for The Pigeon Keeper Caitlin Lynch - Assistant Professor of Music at U-M Jayce Ogren - Director of Contemporary Directions Ensemble at U-M - Composer, The Pigeon Keeper Daniel Millan - Clarinet Lulu Nester, Engagement Coordinator, Freedom House Detroit David Siebert, volunteer, Freedom House Detroit Nathan Harah - Kosmo Bernard Holcomb - The Pigeon Keeper, The Widow Grocer, The Schoolteacher And numerous students and audience members. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: THE PIGEON KEEPER CREATIVE TEAM: RELATED EPISODES: *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/31889142

Music Born Out of a Modern Experience: The Pigeon Keeper Orchestral Workshop 06/12/2024

Music Born Out of a Modern Experience: The Pigeon Keeper Orchestral Workshop It takes a village - and multiple revisions! - to mount a modern, original opera. Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia journey to an orchestral workshop for The Pigeon Keeper, a first for (OFAV)! Imagine a stage filled with an eight-member student orchestra, four principal singers, and a women's chorus. Drop in the composer, librettist, and members of the OFAV team. Truncate the rehearsal period and invite an audience for a live presentation plus a feedback session. Now, you understand the excitement and angst surrounding an orchestral workshop. Andrea reconnects with Stephanie Fleischmann, librettist, and David Hanlon, composer, the imaginative duo behind this poignant story of home and hospitality in a time of conflict and need, along with Kelly Kuo, music director & conductor. We also hear from the extended community of artists and students of the , who are shepherding The Pigeon Keeper from page to stage–with Daniel Millan, clarinetist; Nathan Harah, Kosmo; Ava Hawkins, ensemble; Jamiyah Hudson, ensemble; and Rada Grin, mother of Nathan Harah. “As people who’ve been fully invested in this project, it's often very difficult to be objective about what’s actually being communicated [by the piece],” says Kelly, who notes that university collaborations, like this one with the U-M, provide the creative team with invaluable contextual information. Workshops also allow students to interact with professional companies. “The chorus is made up of undergraduates volunteering time outside their own classwork and their other choruses,” marvels Kelly. “It says a lot about their commitment to this project.” “It's speaking to their hearts,” observes Stephanie. “That makes me feel like the message of the piece is reaching all people.” But how did the audience respond? You’ll have to wait until our next episode to find out. Thank you to Caitlin Lynch, Jayce Ogren, and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Interviews with David, Stephanie & Kelly and Nathan & Rada recorded by Dave Schall at DSA Villa Valentine Studio, outside Ann Arbor, MI. Additional voice recording by Ice Cream Sound Studios, Los Angeles, CA. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE THE PIGEON KEEPER CREATIVE TEAM RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/31686732

From Gardening to Greeting Guests, Volunteers Run the World! with Marissa Aurora, Artist & Volunteer Liaison 05/15/2024

From Gardening to Greeting Guests, Volunteers Run the World! with Marissa Aurora, Artist & Volunteer Liaison Cue the lights! It’s time to illuminate a vital yet often invisible component of life at Santa Fe Opera: volunteerism. Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia chatted with Marissa Aurora, Santa Fe Opera’s , on Marissa's first anniversary in the role. And what a year it’s been! Marissa, a multi-discipline artist and radio DJ, has worked hard to revitalize relationships between the Opera and its volunteers. They've also introduced an exciting new performing arts production internship in collaboration with Northern New Mexico College. So, how do you quantify the generous contributions of time and talent to organizational well-being? Maybe it’s better to ask why volunteer in the first place? “It's something that has really helped me find meaning and connection with the community, tap deeper into myself, and keep me ticking,” Marissa says. It’s safe to say that the 200+ folks who volunteer their time, talents, and energy to the Opera on an annual basis enjoy similar fulfillment. Marissa’s holistic approach captures the optimism and desire for accessibility that defines the post-pandemic era of volunteerism. “I view my job as building relationships,” Marissa says. The new internship further supports that goal on a deeply communal level. “There is recruitment (for the Opera’s prestigious apprenticeship programs) happening far from Santa Fe. Our idea was to take people that are local to the community, maybe coming from underserved places, and give them this opportunity to learn really valuable skills for their future careers directly from our staff.” There are many ways to contribute your talents and time to the Santa Fe Opera. Why not fill out an application and see how you can get connected? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/31278677

Harmony in Process: The Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera with Amy "Process" Owens 05/01/2024

Harmony in Process: The Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera with Amy "Process" Owens What does an award-winning, multi-disciplinary artist, dynamic educator, and former Sweet Potato do for an encore? She brings that boundless energy and collaborative spirit to her new Santa Fe Opera role, fueled by a deep passion for opera and music education. Co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia roll out a virtual red carpet welcome for Amy Owens, Director of the . Get to know this exuberant, optimistic talent and learn more about the program under her stewardship. Andrea, Anna, and Amy also explore the profound community impact of two beloved SFO programs: , a storytelling “playdate” with operatic roots for children ages 3 to 5, and , an engaging week-long summer jamboree for 3rd through 6th graders that culminates in the performance of an original 10-minute opera. But back to the aforementioned Sweet Potato. What does a tuber have to do with Amy’s plans for the next iteration of Young Voices? “Being a part of (the very first commission of ) reinforced for me the possibilities of our art form,” she says, reflecting on the role she originated. Sweet Potato’s complex, modern score reinforced for Amy the limitless possibilities embedded in opera’s creative process. She wants to expand on those opportunities by diversifying the art form’s artistic and audience outlook, thus ensuring opera’s future. “We can prioritize this kind of work with the values of inclusivity, integrity, and storytelling. [That] gives me much hope that I still carry with me.” MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/31039973

Making Learning Sticky: Creative Compassion for Kids & Educators Through Opera with Charles Gamble 04/17/2024

Making Learning Sticky: Creative Compassion for Kids & Educators Through Opera with Charles Gamble We're taking an Opera For All Voices-adjacent excursion to the realm of wiggly kiddos, innovative teachers, and fresh vocabulary words, highlighting the power of playful arts integration. Join Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia with special guest Charles Gamble, Santa Fe Opera's Director Of School Programs, as they introduce two of Santa Fe Opera's most dynamic community engagement programs: , a multi-session residency within the Santa Fe Public Schools that incorporates creative arts to make learning delightfully sticky; and , professional development workshops that elevate culturally responsive, student-centered teaching and learning via arts-integrated strategies. We've all had that one teacher who coaxed us out of our comfort zone and into the world of possibility. That teacher was Miss Moretti of the third grade for a shy, socially awkward Charles. She gave him permission to engage with his artistic passions and live more fearlessly. "It was transformative," he explains. "Those experiences with remarkable teachers helped me find my place alongside the other theater and chorus kids." We're grateful to that long line of encouraging adults. Without them, Charles may never have found a creative home at SFO. As Director of School Programs, Charles is tirelessly pursuing opportunities to make learning accessible and more operatic. "Opera has it all. Poetry and dance, theater, media, arts, music. It's all there," he marvels. "There's an understanding that as human beings, we're naturally curious. By drawing the arts into the classroom, we're tapping into that natural curiosity and deepening the engagement that students––and their teachers!––have with whatever else they're learning in school." To Learn More About Becoming a Teaching Artist: For more information, please contact: Charles Gamble Director of School Programs [email protected] MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/30845528

The Key Change Time Machine: Reflecting the Times, Speaking to the Human Condition 02/28/2024

The Key Change Time Machine: Reflecting the Times, Speaking to the Human Condition It’s all systems go for season five of Key Change! But before we commence with the anniversary celebrations, co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia dust off the time machine for a whirlwind tour of seasons past. Think of this episode as part process evaluation––an appraisal of Opera For All Voices (OFAV), the Santa Fe Opera initiative committed to co-commissioning and co-producing new, diverse operatic works––and part indispensable playlist for repeat audiences and newcomers alike, covering the essential artistic and emotional moments that have made Key Change an award-winning podcast. Since 2015, OFAV has sought to answer the question: How does one of the oldest art forms remain relevant in an increasingly perilous landscape of aging audiences, funding shortages, budget cuts, and political polarization? One answer is to produce works that reflect our modern conversations around race, social justice, accountability, and understanding. Key Change offers a complimentary option: Amplify the diverse stories of those involved in the commissions, be they artists, production assistants, or folks with firsthand knowledge of events reimagined for the stage. So, how are we doing? “I think it's kind of amazing how, little by little through the seasons, we’ve touched on the creation of stories being told by people finding their voice,” Anna says, noting that those voices speak truth to power in wildly bold and creative ways. Key Change has cataloged four seasons of redemptive journeys and harrowing real-life stories while envisioning a future of genuinely collaborative artistic endeavors. We invite you to stay tuned for what’s next. RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit . And for more Key Change, visit /episode/index/show/keychange/id/30141323

Season 5: Stretching The Boundaries Of What Opera Can Be 02/22/2024

Connections Across Time and Space: Opera in the Cosmos 04/26/2023

Connections Across Time and Space: Opera in the Cosmos Seven years ago, Santa Fe Opera started a conversation that would reverberate throughout American Opera, shaping this celebrated art form into something more reflective of the world in which it's created. Today, Opera For All Voices (OFAV) commissions have surpassed even our wildest storytelling expectations. Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia tuck into the time machine for a season-ending trip around the OFAV universe, revisiting the initiative's greatest hits and offering fans a glimpse at what's to come––with Ruth Nott, consultant, Opera for All Voices; Brent Michael Davids, composer; and Mary Kathryn Nagle J.D., playwright, attorney, and member of Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. OFAV began with a simple premise. "We wanted to see what other voices were available and had interesting stories to tell," Ruth explains. So, how'd we do? In the past 18 months alone, OFAV has produced two world premieres in Santa Fe, This Little Light Of Mine and Hometown To The World, a groundbreaking workshop in San Francisco for The Pigeon Keeper, and OFAV on Broadway featuring Hometown To The World. We've also strengthened our bond with the Pueblo Opera Cultural Council. While reminiscing is fun, the Key Change time machine is actually a forward-focused intergalactic vehicle. Brent and Mary Kathryn have plotted next season's creative journey from pueblo to cosmos. "It'll be one of the very first operas that centers a Native woman protagonist," hints Mary Kathryn. "We're asking questions that go far beyond Indian country or the history of the relationship between the United States and Native people. We're asking questions that pertain to all of humanity, and what is our relationship to the universe." Catch a ride for Season Five coming soon! FEATURING - Composer, Member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Mary Kathryn Nagle J.D. - Attorney at Law/Playwright/Screenwriter and Member Of Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Ruth Nott - Consultant, Opera for All Voices RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an Opera America Innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/26640408

Competing Interests: How Do You Workshop a New Opera? 04/12/2023

Competing Interests: How Do You Workshop a New Opera? Roadtrip! After many long months of necessary virtual collaboration, the creative team behind The Pigeon Keeper, a Santa Fe Opera Opera For All Voices (OFAV) commission, finally got to spread their wings for an emotional workshop in San Francisco. Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia discover what it was like to have everyone (well, almost everyone) in the same room for the very first time––featuring composer David Hanlon, librettist Stephanie Fleischmann, stage director Mary Birnbaum, music director Kelly Kuo, dramaturg Cori Ellison, Ruth Nott, consultant for OFAV, plus Elinore (Ellie) Pett-Ridge Hennessy, Azaria Stauffer-Barney, and Ruby Recht-Appel, all members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus (SFGC). "Stephanie and I really love working and responding in the moment," says David, excited to sit beside The Pigeon Keeper's librettist in real time and space. For those unfamiliar with the process of developing new operatic works, workshops put the pieces and performers together for a rigorous, accelerated series of rehearsals, and what some may call a smash-through – the first time the piece is heard by the artists in person all the way through, without stopping (even if there are mistakes.) Then the piece is presented to an invited audience of folks who may be interested to produce or present the opera in the future. “We're always trying things out, which is really exciting. But,” David admits, “there's a lot of flux to that.” Workshops are, by their nature, intense. Witnessing The Pigeon Keeper live, with its fairytale-like exploration of chosen family and mass migration, profoundly impacted participants of this workshop, especially members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus (SFGC), whose voices add poignant commentary to the storytelling. "I'm not gonna lie to you. I read through the music, and I started tearing up," recalls Ellie. "It just feels like home." And it feels one step closer to realizing The Pigeon Keeper as a fully staged production. FEATURING - Composer, The Pigeon Keeper - Librettist, The Pigeon Keeper - Stage Director - Music Director - Dramaturg Ruth Nott - Consultant, Opera for All Voices Elinore (Ellie) Pett-Ridge Hennessy, Azaria Stauffer-Barney, and Ruby Recht-Appel - Members, led by Artistic Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W Mellon foundation, and an Opera America innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/26498886

Hometown to the World Debuts on Broadway 03/29/2023

Hometown to the World Debuts on Broadway If a chorus of 12 teens can provide compelling commentary on immigration enforcement from the stage of a venerable performing arts center in Santa Fe, how might ten times that number of voices impact the debate? From a Broadway venue that has welcomed some of the twentieth century’s most influential social justice visionaries? Key Change co-hosts Andrea Fellows-Fineberg and Anna Garcia pilot the time machine east to find out, setting a course for the 2022 premiere of at New York’s storied . Adding their insights to this aural postcard are Hometown’s composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist Kimberly Reed; Melay Araya, artistic director at The Town Hall; several chorus members from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts, as well as the audience. Hometown––an original work commissioned by Santa Fe Opera for its Opera For All Voices (OFAV) initiative––follows the events of a 2008 raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of a kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, IA. The opera explores themes of religion, acceptance, and community, igniting a communal desire to create a more equitable world. “People that are already empathetic, they need fuel,” says Melay. “They need the refocusing that Laura and Kim provide in language and song to think larger and to address these issues, not just on the granular level, but as spiritual and ethical questions.” Hometown closes with a Hebrew call to action, delivered by that sprawling chorus of young, hopeful voices: Tikkun Olam! Repair the world! FEATURING Laura Kaminsky - Composer, Hometown to the World Kimberly Reed - Librettist, Hometown to the World Melay Araya - Artistic Director, The Town Hall A chorus comprised of 100+ public high school students from and RELATED EPISODES - Hometown’s Laura Kaminsky and Kimberly Reed on telling history and collaboration. - Revisiting Hometown’s story, structure, music, and what it means to be an American during the San Francisco workshop. ” - with Stage Director Kristine McIntyre and Dramaturg Cori Ellison. ” - with Chorus Master Carmen Flórez-Mansi. - Andrea prepares for the world premiere in Santa Fe with core members of its artistic team, young performers, and the most influential collaborator: the audience. - Post-show reactions from artists, creators, collaborators, and the audience buoyed by musical excerpts from Hometown’s premiere at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe. *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W Mellon foundation, and an Opera America innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/26371251

Telling Hard Truths 03/15/2023

Telling Hard Truths What do you know about the life and legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer? Chances are, not much. That's about to change. Co-hosts Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia dust off the Key Change time machine for a trip back through time and place to the real-life inspiration for This Little Light of Mine (TLLoM), the modern operatic masterpiece commissioned by Santa Fe Opera's Opera For All Voices initiative. Good thing this ride is roomy because joining them are two women who can claim a direct connection to Mrs. Hamer: Jacqueline "Cookie" Hamer Flakes, Mrs. Hamer's last surviving daughter, and LaToya Ratlieff, Mrs. Hamer's grand-niece. Mrs. Hamer was born to sharecroppers early in the last century when life for an undereducated Black woman was difficult at best. She endured unimaginable cruelty at the hands of white people who sought to block voting access for folks who looked like her. While those encounters battered her body, her powerful, passionate voice never broke. And yet, many are still unaware of Mrs. Hamer’s contributions to the Civil Rights movement or the rousing, emotional speech she delivered at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Cookie shares painful, visceral details of Mrs. Hamer’s life and poignant memories of her spirit in celebration of a life committed to community––and as a reminder that the fight for civil rights is still ours today. This transformative voyage also features familiar voices from the TLLoM creative team: composer Chandler Carter, librettist Diana Solomon-Glover, music director Jeri Lynne Johnson, stage director Beth Greenberg, and stage manager Laurel McIntyre. Charles Gamble, SFO's director of school programs, Devin DeVargas, Pojoaque Valley High School choir teacher, and members of the Pojoaque Valley Choir complete this episode’s passenger roster. This episode is dedicated in memoriam to Jacqueline "Cookie" Hamer Flakes (September 22, 1966 - March 27, 2023). FEATURING Jacqueline "Cookie" Hamer Flakes LaToya Ratlieff Diana Solomon-Glover – Librettist Chandler Carter – Composer Jeri Lynne Johnson – Conductor & Music Director Beth Greenberg – Stage Director Laurel McIntyre – Stage Manager Charles Gamble – SFO Director of School Programs Devin DeVargas – Pojoaque Valley High School Choir Teacher Members of the Pojoaque Valley High School Choir MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE PLAYLIST *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W Mellon foundation, and an Opera America innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/26218452

A Day in the Life Before a World Premiere 03/01/2023

A Day in the Life Before a World Premiere It’s October 28, 2022. As a brisk, still night settles over Santa Fe, things are heating up inside The Lensic Performing Arts Center. Longtime opera patrons mingle alongside never opera goers. Soon, the curtain will rise on This Little Light of Mine (TLLoM), a modern operatic masterpiece composed by Chandler Carter with libretto by Diana Solomon-Glover. The one-act production is an unflinching yet uplifting dramatization of the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a Black woman born on the very lowest rung of the American caste system. A Black woman who nonetheless rose to speak at the 1964 Democratic National Convention and became an exemplar of the Civil Rights movement. A Black woman who knew her worth despite a world that told her otherwise. But hold on! A lot has happened between the time Opera For All Voices (OFAV) of The Santa Fe Opera first commissioned TLLoM and this triumphant evening. Key Change co-hosts (yep, a lot has happened) Andrea Fellows Fineberg and Anna Garcia check in with members of the production’s creative team in the hours leading up to the world premiere. What do they want folks to understand about Mrs. Hamer’s life and legacy? How has the piece expanded discussions around whose stories get told onstage? And what’s the connection between self-care and a tiny table? If OFAV’s goal to foster community beyond opera’s traditional audience is central to this conversation, then TLLoM acts as the initiative’s standard bearer. It’s a fitting tribute to Mrs. Hamer’s innate ability to speak truth to power and galvanize individuals under one unifying voice. FEATURING Chandler Carter – Composer Diana Solomon-Glover – Librettist Jeri Lynne Johnson – Conductor & Music Director Beth Greenberg – Stage Director Laurel McIntyre – Stage Manager MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE PLAYLIST *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg & Anna Garcia Audio Engineer: Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Hankins Foundation, the Andrew W Mellon foundation, and an Opera America innovation Grant supported by the Anne & Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/26080932

Spark of Imagination: Generations of the Pueblo Opera Program with Sonja & Seth Martinez 07/20/2022

Spark of Imagination: Generations of the Pueblo Opera Program with Sonja & Seth Martinez If you’re unfamiliar with Santa Fe Opera’s (POP), take a quick journey back in time for of this conversation. Go ahead; we’ll wait. In it, you’ll meet Renee Roybal and Claudene A. Martinez, both members of Pueblo of San Ildefonso. The pair recall the early days of POP and the formation of the (POCC). Now that you’re sufficiently caught up, join Andrea Fellows Fineberg as her time machine co-pilot Kyle Gray, SFO’s Manager of Community Relations & Government Affairs, wraps up the conversation (for now.) Renee and Claudene return to share recollections of their early collaborative interactions with legendary director Peter Sellars in conjunction with the 2018 world premiere of Doctor Atomic. Then Sonja and Seth Martinez, Renee’s daughter and grandson, share memories of the SFO visits that shaped their affinity for opera. The discussion concludes with a roundtable wishlist of future POP-lead initiatives. “I definitely remember paying attention to the weather,” Sonja laughs, recalling stormy visits to the outdoor opera house before its much-anticipated roof upgrade. The unexpected theatrics only added to the excitement of attending world-class opera in her own backyard. What could compare to opera amid wild thunderstorms? The thrill of watching family and friends perform on that same majestic stage. “It was very exciting!” says Seth of the corn dance that POCC created as part of Doctor Atomic. He hopes SFO continues to integrate Indigenous traditions into its future seasons (along with more comedy, operas about space, and significant historical events). Meanwhile, his mother envisions expanded opportunities for Indigenous children to explore performance- and stagecraft-based endeavors. POP and POCC ensure that that future is within reach. FEATURING Andrea Fellows Fineberg - Host, Key Change Renee Roybal, Pueblo of San Ildefonso Claudene A. Martinez, Pueblo of San Ildefonso Sonja Martinez Seth Martinez MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE - Santa Fe Opera, 2018 RELATED EPISODES Season 4, Episode 4: Season 2, Episode 6: *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg Audio Engineer: Show Notes: Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Melville Hankins Family Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/23800715

Story With Purpose: The Origin of the Pueblo Opera Cultural Council with Renee Roybal and Claudene A. Martinez 07/13/2022

Story With Purpose: The Origin of the Pueblo Opera Cultural Council with Renee Roybal and Claudene A. Martinez All aboard the Key Change time machine for a two-part trip! On this half of the journey, we toggle back to the origins of a beloved community-based program and then forward to celebrate its exciting expansion. 2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of the , lovingly known around the Santa Fe Opera as POP. Key Change commemorates this momentous event by passing the mic to colleague Kyle Gray, SFO’s Manager of Community Relations & Government Affairs. Kyle and his guests discuss the POP legacy and (POCC), which blossomed out of an artistic collaboration between legendary director Peter Sellars and SFO’s Indigenous neighbors during the 2018 production of Doctor Atomic — with guests Renee Roybal, Pueblo of San Ildefonso, and Claudene A. Martinez, Pueblo of San Ildefonso. “I’m 63 years old, and I’ve been going to and enjoying opera since I was a teenager,” Renee says. For nearly 50 years, POP has introduced thousands of Native American children to the grand adventure of opera. Both women have fond memories of inspiring behind-the-scenes tours, inventive performances, and rides on plush buses to the most anticipated social event of the summer. With POP’s legacy secure, the women have focused on POCC, which features members of the San Ildefonso Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, and Tesuque Pueblo. POCC seeks to foster the Indigenous tradition of cross-cultural hospitality. Claudene says the Doctor Atomic experience was a meaningful beginning for the advisory. “I think that’s how POCC [will] continue to work with the opera, on other future moments that we could get involved in and educate.” FEATURING Andrea Fellows Fineberg - Host, Key Change Renee Roybal, Pueblo of San Ildefonso Claudene A. Martinez, Pueblo of San Ildefonso MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE - Santa Fe Opera, 2018 RELATED EPISODES *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg Audio Engineer: Show Notes: Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Melville Hankins Family Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/23722379

In a Room Making Music With People: The Pigeon Keeper with Stephanie Fleischmann and David Hanlon 06/29/2022

In a Room Making Music With People: The Pigeon Keeper with Stephanie Fleischmann and David Hanlon Hurry up and wait. When your world premier is stopped in its tracks by forces beyond your control, “momentum” is measured a bit differently. Andrea Fellows Fineberg chats with composer David Hanlon and librettist Stephanie Fleischmann, the creative duo behind about maintaining artistic progress during the pandemic, the limits of virtual collaboration, and finally (finally!) preparing for live performances. All aboard the Opera For All Voices time machine for a quick review! The Pigeon Keeper was initially scheduled for a workshop in 2020 and its world premier in 2021. Best laid plans, right? But one thing opera and a pandemic have in common is the power to stretch time. Or maybe freeze it. However defined, those protracted months presented David and Stephanie with additional opportunities to tinker, aided by technology and unexpected (if limited) solitude. “One of the joys of working with Stephanie is it's a very collaborative back-and-forth thing,” David says. Still, he admits that some discoveries can only happen in real life. Now that conditions have improved (fingers crossed), The Pigeon Keeper is set to soar. Accompanied by a stirring chorus of young voices provided by the San Francisco Girls Chorus, this OFAV commission follows a father and daughter as they navigate unimaginable loss. The story couldn't be more immediate in light of so many concurrent global tragedies, says Stephanie. “Now, with Ukraine, the question of refugees and children leaving their homes, making huge journeys to other places and losing everything that they know, the resonance and relevance of this piece have only grown in the time we've been waiting to bring it into the world.” FEATURING , Composer , Librettist Audio Sample from the San Francisco Girls Chorus from The Pigeon Keeper Audio Sample of “We’ve Been Getting By” from The Pigeon Keeper featuring bass-baritone and pianist MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RELATED EPISODES - A first look at The Pigeon Keeper *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg Audio Engineer: Show Notes: Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Melville Hankins Family Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/23573807

Influence and Inclusion: The Impact of Hometown To The World with Estevan, Ely, and Francesco of the Youth Chorus 06/22/2022

Influence and Inclusion: The Impact of Hometown To The World with Estevan, Ely, and Francesco of the Youth Chorus You’ve heard of main character energy? Well, get ready for youth chorus energy! Andrea Fellows-Fineberg connects with an optimistic, pragmatic, and empathetic mindset courtesy of the youth chorus members who participated in the December 2021 world premiere of Opera For All Voices’ Hometown To The World. Their insights and post-performance emotion speak to art's ability to foster community––with Ely Aguilar, Francesco Aimale, and Estevan Flórez-Mansi. We also hear post-show reactions from artists, creators, collaborators, and the audience buoyed by musical excerpts from the premiere at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe. So much has changed in the decade since the events of Hometown took place in Postville, IA. And yet. “At the end of the opera, I was thinking to myself this opera is beautiful but, like, there's no resolution. And that kind of hurt me,” Estevan says of the myriad issues that still complicate our national discourse on immigration. The youth chorus took on an increasingly significant role during the evolution of Composer Laura Kaminsky and Librettist Kimberly Reed’s intimate yet expansive one-act opera, questioning character motivations and responding to individual struggles for acceptance. That experience helped Ely deepen his awareness of human interdependence onstage and off. “This is a world premiere. I feel like this is going to be really touching for a lot of people. And I feel like it's going to bring more people together. But, like, everyone has to put in their own part so we could all do this together.” Francesco combines Ely’s idealism with a practical call to action. “I don't think twelve kids and three kind-of famous actors are gonna get a ton of messages across. More people in power need to start spreading these issues about how it's wrong to just hate people for being themselves.” Don’t worry about the chorus. These kids are alright. FEATURING Ely Aguilar - Youth Chorus Member, Hometown To The World Francesco Aimale - Youth Chorus Member, Hometown To The World Estevan Flórez-Mansi - Youth Chorus Member, Hometown To The World Laura Kaminsky - Composer, Hometown To The World Kimberly Reed - Librettist, Hometown To The World Blythe Gaissert - Linda Larsen, Hometown To The World Michael Kelly - Abraham Fleischman, Hometown To The World Many audience members, collaborators, and friends of Hometown To The World. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RELATED EPISODES ” ” *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Produced and edited by Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg Audio Engineer: Show Notes: Lisa Widder Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Melville Hankins Family Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera For All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/23500301

This Doesn’t Happen Without Audience: The Hometown To The World Premiere 06/15/2022

This Doesn’t Happen Without Audience: The Hometown To The World Premiere When an initiative is called Opera For All Voices, who’s the “all”? Key Change Season Four examines OFAV’s burgeoning legacy of co-creating new operatic works through a community-centric lens, beginning with an OG favorite, Hometown To The World. Host Andrea Fellows-Fineberg revisits the production with core members of its artistic team, young performers, and the most influential collaborator: the audience––featuring Ruth Nott, Composer Laura Kaminsky, Librettist Kimberly Reed, and a behind-the-scenes segment with Estevan Flórez-Mansi, youth chorus member. There’s perhaps no better modern operatic representation of community than Hometown To The World, a story of family, solidarity, and immigration set amidst the turmoil of a 2008 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa. The timing of Hometown’s world premiere in December 2021 only intensified its message. As the world grappled with the anxiety of a global pandemic, OFAV’s talented group of artists dedicated themselves to addressing complex contemporary issues via a centuries-old art form––even as they had to remain socially distanced to engage the audience with this profound work. “I think that's part of what I love so much about live performance,” says Andrea. “You can sing all you want and sing as beautifully all you want, but if no one's there to appreciate it, to experience it, that's just singing.” Kimberly agrees, noting that when opera amplifies previously overlooked stories, the audience begins to see itself and each other in profound new ways. “That constant dialogue and constant reshaping of our world around us, that's just what life is about.” FEATURING Andrea Klunder - Key Change Producer Ruth Nott - Managing Director, Laura Kaminsky - Composer, Hometown To The World Kimberly Reed - Librettist, Hometown To The World Estevan Flórez-Mansi - Youth Chorus Member, Hometown To The World And many HTTW artists, collaborators and audience members MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RELATED EPISODES - Hometown’s Laura Kaminsky and Kimberly Reed on telling history and collaboration - Revisiting Hometown’s story, structure, music, and what it means to be an American with Laura Kaminsky and Kimberly Reed during the San Francisco workshop. - Stage Director Kristine McIntyre shares her own connection to the story, as the granddaughter of Italian immigrants. Dramaturg Cori Ellison points out that both sides of the operatic equation - new work and standard repertory pieces - can thrive alongside each other. - Chorus Master Carmen Flórez-Mansi discusses the joys of working with Hometown’s talented young adults and reflects on her deeply personal responses to this urgent and ultimately uplifting contemporary opera. *** Key Change is a production of in collaboration with Opera for All Voices. Hosted by Andrea Fellows Fineberg Featuring Cori Ellison, Ruth Nott, Composer: , Librettist: , Stage Stage Director: Produced and edited by Audio Engineer: Theme music by with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello. Cover art by Dylan Crouch Show notes by Lisa Widder This podcast is made possible due to the generous funding from the Melville Hankins Family Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. To learn more about Opera for All Voices, visit us at . /episode/index/show/keychange/id/23427419

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