Opera Now brings lively insight from three Opera Now Magazine journalists: Editor Hattie alongside writers Holly and Jonathan. Expect the latest news, as well as interviews with opera creatives, critic's takes on recent productions and a smart discussion on a big issue in the opera world – accessible and engaging for newbies, lovers and insiders alike.
In this week's episode of the Opera Now podcast, Hattie Butterworth, Holly Baker and Jonny Whiting discuss Peter Gelb's plans to leave the Met, the importance of the prompter box, and Così fan tutte at the ENO!
8 Apr 2026
In the studio with designer Chloe Lamford
In this episode, Holly Baker joins set designer Chloe Lamford at her garden studio in Deal, Kent to discuss Chloe's journey into opera set design, working with composer Kaija Saariaho and her approach to working internationally.
Visit our website and subscribe to Opera Now Magazine!
Explore Chloe Lamford's work here
30 Mar 2026
Reviews from Berlin
In this episode of the Opera Now podcast, Holly speaks to Opera Now critic Hugo Shirley about recent operas he has seen in Berlin, Barrie Kosky and gets a behind-the-scenes insight into writing an opera review.
Visit our website: https://www.opera-now.com/
Read Hugo's recent reviews here: https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/janaceks-the-cunning-little-vixen-at-staatsoper-berlin-live-review
https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/shostakovich-lady-macbeth-of-mtsensk-at-komische-oper-berlin-live-review
https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/korngold-violanta-at-deutsche-oper-berlin-live-review
20 Mar 2026
Opera vs Musicals
In this episode, we discuss the closure of the Kennedy Cente, Jonny talks about the moment musicals and opera became two separate entities, and Holly is taught about leitmotifs in opera!
Instagram: @operanowmagazine
Visit our website: https://www.opera-now.com/
18 Feb 2026
Translations, Verismo, and Ralph Fiennes' Onegin
This week we discuss Deborah Warner's appointment as Artistic Director of the Park Avenue Armory, Jonny teaches Holly about the post-Romantic operatic style of Verismo, and Mark Pullinger joins us to discuss Ralph Fiennes' operatic directorial debut with 'Onegin' at Paris National Opera!
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Read Mark's full review here: https://www.opera-now.com/content/reviews/tchaikovsky-eugene-onegin-at-paris-opera-live-review
21 Jan 2026
Opera and politics with Thangam Debbonaire
As news breaks that Washington National Opera has left the Kennedy Centre under Trump's leadership, in this episode we are talking all about opera and politics.
Thangam Debbonaire joins Holly Baker to speak about her new position as CEO of the newly-formed UK Opera Association and Jonny teaches Hattie and Holly all about Wagner's impact on the design of theatres.
We also review the English National Opera's production of HMS Pinafore and compare Janáček's Makropulos Affair with the LSO and at the Royal Opera.
Subscribe to Opera Now (https://www.opera-now.com/) and explore the new website!
Read Holly's piece on Washington National Opera here
22 Dec 2025
Opera Apprenticeships, Critics, and Bel Canto
In today's podcast Hattie Butterworth, Holly Baker and Jonathan Whiting discuss the latest opera news, the importance of critics, and the bel canto style. Andrew Mellor joins Hattie to discuss the Scandinavian season!
Instagram: @operanowmagazine
https://www.opera-now.com/
8 Dec 2025
Introductions, ENO, and Elitism
In the first episode of the all-new Opera Now podcast, Editor Hattie Butterworth is joined by journalists and friends Holly Baker and Jonathan Whiting to discuss news and reviews from around the opera world. They also ask about opera's elitist stereotype and teach Holly all about the FACH system...
Shows reviewed:
Pelleas in Geneva: read here
Dead Man Walking at ENO: read here
Explore our website and subscribe today! opera-now.com
Music created by Jonathan Whiting
Edited by Georgia Keeley
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