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IN HARMONY WITH PIEDMONT OPERA 

In Harmony with Piedmont Opera takes you behind the scenes of a professional opera company located in Winston-Salem, NC. Meet members of our cast & crew and learn how we connect with businesses and nonprofits in our community to promote the art of opera.

Episode 1 - Dr. Scott Macleod discusses La traviata, the future of opera and his favorite food.

Episode 2 - Performer/Professor Kristin Schwecke sits down for all things opera

Episode 3 - Guest speakers are choral guru & sponsor extraordinaire Will Muster, from #AMErectors and our very own Lindsey Allen, Director of Education and Outreach!

Episode 4 -  This week, Triad Podcast Network sits down with Marsha Thompson, star of last season's 'Suor Angelica.' Marsha has a candid discussion about opera and race and how these elements have impacted her career.

Episode 5 - Preacher, liturgist, community organizer and Piedmont Opera performer Rev. Kenneth Pettigrew chats with Triad Podcast.

Episode 6 - Wig and makeup artist (and UNCSA alum) Destinee Steele worked her magic on our past production of Don Pasquale. She has also worked with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Touring JEDI Consultant/ Trainer at NETworks on Tour, Waitress and the Sound of Music (national tours).

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Destinee's wig for Jenna in WAITRESS next to Sara Bareilles taking a selfie.

Destinee's timelapse of Brad Smoak getting into character for Don Pasquale.

Episode 7 - Piedmont Opera's Director of Education and Outreach Lindsey Allen sits down with Triad Podcast to discuss upcoming events, performances and summer camps with the Piedmont Youth Chorus.  

Episode 8 
-  We sit down with for this fun and in-depth interview with the talented, young artist Jenna Anderson who will debut her custom eveningwear at our May 20th Magnolia Ball. Jenna is the CEO of Jenna Sais Quoi, a creative consultant, Tedx Speaker & an entrepreneur.

Episode 9 - In Harmony with PO returns with conductor Dr. John McKeever! John discusses his career with Piedmont Opera and his new conducting opportunity!

Episode 10 - She is culinary royalty in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and now Mary Haglund joins the podcast to share what she's been up to since leaving the restaurant business. Of course, we do get nostalgic about Mary's in this episode. Later, we discuss Dinner with Divas on August 12th, the event on which she and Piedmont Opera are partnering. As many of you know, Mary is a fierce advocate of the arts and the artists behind so many things in our everyday life so don't miss the details of the project she's working on to help tell the story of the unique connection between our community and local artists.

Episode 11 - Veteran lighting designer and UNC School of the Arts faculty member Norman Coates has been shaping the minds and talents of future Artist Leaders for more than 25 years.  Take a listen to hear how his story took him from the bright lights of Broadway and New York City to becoming such a major part of the performing arts in the Triad.  And, don't miss his story of lighting The White House!

Episode 12 -  Entering his 20th year as artistic director for Piedmont Opera, Jamie Allbritten joins us for a conversation about how he developed a love of opera, his relationship with our community and the fascinating story about first meeting his wife.  Plus, he shares the details on the upcoming season of performances and how they're navigating the renovations at the Stevens Center

Episode 13 - Dr. Jonathan Burdette is a professor in radiology with the Wake Forest School of Medicine and an active supporter, performer & Board Member with Piedmont Opera.  In this episode, we discuss his research on the powerful (and visible) effect that music has on the brain.  Plus, you'll learn about how he became enamored with opera and the fascinating work he's doing in South America to bring radiology assistance to underserved populations.

Episode 14 - 
A life more dramatic than Opera? Yes, it's possible! Brian Banion is a member of the Piedmont Opera family and has performed with us many times. That is, until he got cancer. Not just any cancer would do- he went with Multiple Myeloma. After three bone marrow transplants and only a two percent chance of survival, he’s in remission- and returning to Piedmont Opera for a performance in Il Trovatore beginning October 20th.  
Join us for an amazing recollection of his five-year physical battle and how he feels to be returning to the stage once again here in Winston-Salem. Listen here.

Episode 15-

Ben Gulley is an American tenor who has traveled the globe and his experiences include opera, solo engagements, concert, film work, touring and important appearances abroad.  Shortly after his debut performance with Piedmont Opera's Il Trovatore, Ben joins the podcast to share stories of his stay in the triad, his career highlights and what's ahead in his professional journey. Listen here.

Episode 16-
Step into the captivating world of opera with Jodi Burns, the Piedmont Opera's beloved soprano, as she graces our podcast for a melodious start to the new year. In this episode, we delve into Jodi's enchanting journey from her early beginnings in Columbus, Ohio to her flourishing career in Winston-Salem, a city that cherishes the arts. Listen here.

Episode 17-

In this installment of In Harmony with Piedmont Opera, we're graced by the presence of Richard Ollarsaba, a baritone whose voice and presence command the stage. While awaiting his role as the Count in "The Marriage of Figaro" in March, Richard shares his journey from an eager student at UNC School of the Arts to an opera singer of international acclaim. Listen here.


Episode 18-
In this episode, listen to the intersection of culture and compassion as the Piedmont Opera teams up with Open Door Ministries of High Point to make a difference in the community. Get an insider's look at the upcoming "The Marriage of Figaro" and the ingenious wedding registry initiative that turns gifts into support for those in need. Hear from the passionate voices behind the partnership as Ryan Ross and Ivan Huffman share insights into their mission to combat homelessness and poverty.
Listen here.


Episode 19
Join us for a conversation with Wendy Poteat, President and CEO of Shift_Ed. In this episode, Wendy shares the inspiring mission of Shift_Ed to boldly accelerate student potential, offering a multitude of programs that span from kindergarten to the workforce. Discover how Shift_Ed's core values of opportunity, equity, collaboration, excellence, and agility are reshaping the educational landscape and fostering social mobility across the Piedmont Triad. 
Here.

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