Stories of love, betrayal, and revenge are tales as old as time, but they are made all the more dramatic when sung in grand Italian arias to the crescendo-ing notes of a full symphony orchestra. This, my friends, is opera!

But what role does this artform play today? Is it still relevant in a world of fast-paced TikTok videos and engineered reality TV plotlines? In this episode, I aim to find out. I am joined down the line by Brenna Corner, Artistic Director of Pacific Opera Victoria, one of the most influential professional opera companies in Canada. From original productions of classic favourites to lesser known works and new commissions, this company is a cornerstone of the Victoria arts scene and a mainstay at Victoria’s famous Royal Theatre.

Brenna joined me to sing the praises of opera (see what I did there?). As Artistic Director for Pacific Opera Victoria, and an accomplished director for projects around North America, Brenna brings a great enthusiasm to the artform and is finding new ways to engage audiences and put opera classics in contexts relatable and relevant to modern audiences. I ask dumb questions about being an audience member so you don’t have to ask them, find out about the secrets of storytelling through music, and even find out what’s with those little binoculars anyways?

The Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto opens TOMORROW NIGHT! (That’s April 23 for those of you in the future…) The tragic story of love, betrayal, and revenge in the licentious world of Renaissance Italy is based on a Victor Hugo play and will introduce singers Grant Youngblood, Sarah Dufresne and Matthew Pearce to Pacific Opera audiences. Tickets are still available, for shows running through April 29, so head over to pacificopera.ca and get yours now!

By the way, watch for a special episode of extra stories that didn’t quite fit these episodes coming later this year. Brenna steps me through stage fighting in that bonus story and I think you’ll be surprised just how directors trick the audiences into thinking those punches and arrows are finding their mark…

I’d love to hear from you, what do you think about opera? What’s the last opera you went to see? You can let me know over on Bluesky at ben-fast, because that’s where I’m hiding out in this social media hellscape nowadays. I also want to give a special shoutout to Nathaniel, my first listener in Japan! Thanks for reaching out and saying you heard the trailer. I hope you - and Nathaniel - have hit subscribe!

This episode was recorded and produced by me, Ben Fast, in Victoria BC on the unceded traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. The music you’ve heard is by Kirsten Bale - thanks Kirsten!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the first episode of Can I Talk To You? I talk with goldsmith and jeweller, Trevor Vipond. Trevor shows me rings, talks about shiny stones, lets me in on trade secrets, and describes his number one bucket-list jewellery project - I bet it’s not what you’re expecting. Our conversation ranged from Trevor’s beginnings as a student of sculpture to the techniques Trevor uses in his work, from how stones are cut to the human connection that drives his work. Of course we have to talk about gold and diamonds, including their sketchy and captivating histories and futures. Listen to the great chat and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast!

Check out Trevor's work on his website (ateliervipond.com) or on the Atelier's Instagram account.

Do you have a special ring and a story to go with it? What type of stone would you want set in a new ring, for you or for someone else? Let me know by connecting with me on Bluesky!

Music by Kirsten Bale, thanks Kirsten!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new podcast is here! Check out some quick clips from the upcoming conversations that will be released weekly coming soon! I can't wait for you to hear these episodes, I think you'll really like them. Follow along at benfast.ca/talk

Music in this episode courtesy of Kirsten Bale Music. Thanks Kirsten!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.