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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: Dr. Mark Ross Clark
Host: Beatrice Ruobin Huang
Dr. Mark Ross Clark is someone I deeply admire as a director, educator, writer and scholar. Long before we ever met, his book Singing, Acting, and Movement in Opera inspired me a lot — and to this day, I carry one of its lines with me:
“Relaxation means functioning without tension and with energy.”
To me, that's not just a philosophy of singing, but a way of life.
This summer, I've been so lucky to work alongside Dr. Clark as his assistant director at Chicago Summer Opera and to have the chance to invite him for this interview.
In this wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, we talk about his journey from singer to stage director, how he mentors young singers, and how collaboration, curiosity, and perseverance have shaped his life on and off the stage. He shares rehearsal memories, reflections on teaching and writing, and the kind of wisdom that stays with you long after the conversation ends.
00:00 Highlights
01:22 Introduction
02:52 Becoming a Stage Director: Observing, Asking, Learning
07:02 Memorable Collaborations with Veteran Singers
10:15 Directing Style and Approach
15:11 A Principle Often Share with Young Singers
19:35 Wesley Balk’s Influence: The Philosophy of Synergy
22:44 Writing and Publishing
33:50 Building a Network: Voices Featured in His Books
40:33 Expierence Mentored World-class Singers
51:40 Qualities That Make a Singer Succeed
52:56 What Makes a Young Director Grow and Last
58:50 International Perspectives on Opera
1:01:20 A Life in Many Roles
1:03:50 Advice to Young Artists
1:10:05 ED: Verdi: Macbeth: Overture (Prelude) · Berliner Philharmoniker · Herbert von Karajan
A huge thank-you to Dr. Clark for sharing his time, stories, and insights with us.
I hope you enjoy today's episode as much as I did.
Stay curious, stay passionate, stay positive. I'll see you in the next one.
