Conductor Cues
Conductor Cues (formerly known as the Opera Preview at Chez Zee) is an engaging, exploratory program curated and hosted by Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director Timothy Myers, featuring special guest stars, live performances, and insights inspired by one of Austin Opera’s upcoming productions.
Conductor Cues episodes can be attended live or experienced digitally on our Live from Indy Terrace platform. See both upcoming opportunities and past episodes below!
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Explore the cultural significance of Carmen at our next Conductor Cues on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the KMFA Draylen Mason Music Studio. Our Sarah & Ernest Butler Music Director Timothy Myers will join special guest Jennifer Wilks, Austin Opera Trustee and Associate Professor and Director of the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Texas, to explore the music and history of Bizet’s masterpiece Carmen. Dr. Wilks will discuss the many adaptations of Carmen and her new book Carmen in Diaspora: Adaptation, Race, and Opera’s Most Famous Character. You’ll also enjoy performances by members of the cast of Carmen.
watch on-demand
Premiered Wednesday, January 17, 2024
In this episode of Conductor Cues, Austin Opera’s Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director Timothy Myers and special guest Dr. José R. Torres-Ramos, lecturer in Musicology and Ethnomusicology and Director of the Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán at the University of Texas Butler School of Music discuss the marriage of Mariachi and opera in Cruzar la Cara de la Luna.
Learn more about the cultural fusion you will experience when you see the world’s first mariachi opera, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. Enjoy performances by members of the cast Daniel Noyola and Cassandra Zoé Velasco, plus a special performance from Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán from the University of Texas Butler School of Music.
Premiered Wednesday, October 18, 2023
In this episode of Conductor Cues, Austin Opera’s Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director Timothy Myers explores verismo opera’s place in the history of the art form, Wagner and Verdi’s influence on Leoncavallo, and more! Timothy is joined by special guest Austin Opera 2023-2024 Season Scholar-In-Residence Dr. Charles Carson for this rousing discussion.
Learn about Pagliacci and enjoy excerpts from the opera performed by principal singers Hailey Clark, Jonathan Burton, and Benjamin Taylor in this episode of Conductor Cues.
Premiered Friday, April 15, 2023
Principal Conductor Timothy Myers will examine the operatic elements of Pearl Fishers, with Stage Director, Alison Moritz, and Choreographer/Dancer Anuradha Naimpally.
Premiered Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Principal Conductor Timothy Myers will examine the operatic elements of Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and this musical triumph of Stephen Sondheim. This program will feature a conversation with Director Doug Scholz-Carlson, and performances by Kevin Burdette, Mela Dailey, and Raven McMillon.
Premiered Thursday, November 3, 2022
This program was recorded at the KMFA Draylen Mason Music Studio and features The Barber of Seville Conductor, Stephanie Rhodes Russell. This engaging and exploratory program will feature special guest stars, live performances, and insights inspired by our production of The Barber of Seville.
Premiered Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Filmed at a live event on Wednesday, April 13 in the KMFA Draylen Mason Studio, and taking the place of a traditional episode of “Conductor Cues,” experience engaging dialogue between Austin Opera’s Sarah and Ernest Butler Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor Timothy Myers, ACMC’s Artistic Director Michelle Schumann, and special guests as they explore Beethoven’s penchant for the dramatic within his works. This is the perfect program for classical music lovers, students, and curious cultural enthusiasts alike!
Premiered Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Conductor Cues: The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
This program was livestreamed and featured guest artist, Composer Mason Bates.
Watch on Live from Indy Terrace here
Premiered October 29, 2021
Conductor Cues: The Marriage of Figaro
This program was recorded on Wednesday, October 19, 2021 at the KMFA Draylen Mason Music Studio and features performances from Caitlin Lynch (The Countess) and Michael Adams (The Count).
Watch on Live from Indy Terrace here
Filmed for digital in April 2021
Live from Indy Terrace launch date: April 23, 2021
Conductor Cues: Tosca
This programs was filmed at Austin Beerworks, our neighbor on Indy Terrace, and features stage director David Lefkowich in conversation with Timothy Myers about our epic production at the Circuit of the Americas.
Watch on live from indy terrace here
