53
0"This is a podcast about music with no fixed format—I talk about music, share my thoughts, and explore the studies, work, life, and ideas of musicians. I'll also invite my friends for casual, fun conversations about topics that matter to us. And of course, you're welcome to leave a comment and let me know what you'd like to hear!
I want to talk about everything related to music and musicians. I also hope to create a space where everyone can connect and exchange ideas. Most of all, I hope this podcast can be a companion to you."
Guest: Codrut Birsan
Host: Beatrice Ruobin Huang
This summer, I had the great pleasure of working with Maestro Codrut Birsan, Artistic Director of Chicago Summer Opera. In rehearsals, I was deeply inspired by his clarity and musical insight, especially one line that stood out to me:
“Opera is speaking on the right pitches.”
In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Maestro Birsan shares his philosophy of working in opera, as well as his journey from collaborative pianist and singer to conductor. He also reflects on collaborating with singers and directors, mentoring young artists, and what keeps opera meaningful today.
00:00 Highlights
01:17 Introduction
01:58 "Opera is speaking on the right pitches"- Speaking vs. Singing beautifully
08:12 From Collaborative Pianist to Opera Conductor
13:02 Conducting Opera vs. Symphony
18:33 Working with Singers vs. Instrumentalists
22:22 Encouraging Imagination in Rehearsals
23:29 Freedom vs. Fidelity in Interpretation
26:22 Working with opera stage directors
32:01 Thoughts on modern directing approaches
37:21 What Opera Means to Audiences Today
44:24 What Young Singers Can Learn from the Program
47:09 What an Artistic Director Looks For
50:09 ED: Edward Elgar: "Nimrod" from "Enigma Variations" / Sir Simon Rattle, conductor · Berliner Philharmoniker
A heartfelt thank-you to Maestro Codrut Birsan for sharing his time, honesty, and wisdom with us.
Thank you for listening, and I hope this episode will inspire you as well. I'll see you in the next time.
