Melodic narration of human experience
An exploration of opera, hosted by Howard Hart
“Opera is a beautiful and important diversion for me. Opera is the most complete art form. It includes drama, acting, technology, art, dance, and the epitome of the human voices.”
—Plácido Domingo
Howard Hart is your host and opera aficionado.
Recent Podcast
In this episode of the Speaking Opera podcast, I am deeply grateful to be in conversation with Carlos Fittante. He is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, scholar, and Artistic Director of the Balam Dance Festival. From the very beginning of our discussion, Carlos speaks with a vividness and generosity that reveal not only the arc of his career, but the inner life of an artist devoted to movement and meaning. From the court ballets of early opera to the grand spectacles of French opera and the integrated movement of contemporary productions, dance has long played a vital role in operatic performance giving physical form to music, emotion, and dramatic storytelling. In this spirit, Carlos reflects on his early years and the moment he first discovered his love of dance. At just eighteen years old, Carlos moved to New York City to pursue his dream, entering a world that demanded both resilience and faith. He shares memories of shared apartments, restaurant work, and long hours of study, experiences that shaped him as both an artist and a person. Through his storytelling, we are taken on a journey through the dance schools, companies, mentors, and collaborators who helped guide and inspire his lifelong commitment to dance. Today, Carlos continues to contribute richly to the performing arts as a dancer, as a teacher at Queens College, and as Artistic Director of Balam Dance Theatre. I am thankful to Carlos Fittante for making time in his busy schedule to share this thoughtful and generous conversation. I look forward to witnessing the new visions he continues to create, and to sharing his future work with Speaking Opera members through ongoing updates and information. Howard Hart Founder and Host, Speaking Opera #dance#baroque#baroquestyle#baroque_music#CarlosFittante#BalamDanceTheatre#MetropolitanOpera#ballet#NewYorkBalletTheater#teacherofdance#choreographer#SchoolofAmericanBallet#speakingopera
Embark on a journey of discovery with us. Delve into the world of opera.
Spotlight on Cristiano Contadin
In this episode, I’m thrilled and honored to shine a spotlight on viola da gamba player, artistic director of Opera Prima, teacher, and recording artist Cristiano Contadin. Our conversation begins with his early musical roots and the beginnings of his career, then moves into the unique artistry of the viola da gamba and how it became his instrument of choice. Cristiano offers thoughtful, in-depth insight into the contrast between recording and live performance, sharing how each environment shapes his work both onstage and in the studio. He also speaks about his current projects and reflects on the creative process behind them. We end on a more personal note: the music he enjoys at home when he’s simply relaxing, far from the demands of concert life. It was a joy to record this episode, and I believe it offers a rich, revealing look into the career of an extraordinary artist and human being. #violadagamba #baroque #renaissance #operaprima #artisticdirector
What People Say
I love Howard R. Hart’s Speaking Opera podcasts and vodcasts for several reasons. One is that his informed and insightful passion for opera is consistently evident. Another is that his interviews with opera world denizens from singers to reissue producers draw out valuable and entertaining information; he knows just what questions to ask. The combination of Mr. Hart’s friendly, inviting manner and his substantial content ought to appeal to both connoisseurs and opera newcomers alike.
— Jed Distler – composer/pianist, ASCAP Award winning radio host and writer for Gramophone and Classicstoday.com
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