The Jo(e)y of Opera

Step into the wings and discover what really goes into bringing opera to life. In this brand-new blog, Interim Artistic Director Joseph Mechavich takes you behind the scenes at Piedmont Opera, offering a candid, insightful, and often humorous look at the creative process, the people, and the passion that fuel each production.

Whether you're a longtime opera lover or just curious about what happens beyond the spotlight, Joey’s perspective will bring you closer to the magic—and the mayhem—of opera.

Stay tuned for updates, stories, and exclusive peeks behind the curtain as we prepare for our upcoming season.

September 15, 2025

Well, it is almost time for me to hit the road for my 25-26 Season. I have a few days left at home in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection (aka Philadelphia) and much to do! Before we start Pagliacci in mid-October, I will be just down I-40 in Raleigh conducting Jules Massenet’s Cendrillon (Cinderella) for North Carolina Opera. I had the pleasure of cover-conducting this opera at The Santa Fe Opera many years ago, and a few years after that, I conducted a production at the Aspen Music Festival. I am a HUGE Massenet freak, and this opera is one of my top five to conduct. If you have ever looked at a Massenet score, you will have noticed that he meticulously marks almost every note with an articulation (short, long, accented, etc.) or dynamic (loud, soft, etc.) marking. There is NO guessing as to what he wanted, as it is all right there in the score. The music is delicious, the show is charming, and the performances in Raleigh are October 17 and October 19. 

But this week is dedicated to Pagliacci orchestra parts. I have the job of marking dynamics, articulations, and string bowings into each instrumentalist's book. I also have to clean them up a bit from past productions, so there is a lot of erasing.  It is very time-consuming, but I actually love it. I feel like I am a mechanic getting under the hood of a car, making sure that I understand all the mechanisms and intricacies of the engine. By doing this, it saves time during the orchestra rehearsals and allows me to talk less, so that we can rehearse the music MORE! 

The creative team putting together Pagliacci has been busy doing their magic. Since the Stevens Center is under renovation, it has allowed us to think outside the box. You had a taste of an immersive experience when you attended Joan of Arc: The Trail of Rouen. But this Pagliacci will be on another level...experiential!  

Well off to mark orchestra parts...and oh...I also have to pack for two months! 

Joey