In this episode of the OperaBiz Podcast, host Daniel Welch talks with soprano Leah Hawkins about her journey in the opera world, focusing on themes of identity, mental health, and the challenges faced by artists. Leah shares her experiences with audience engagement, memorable performances, and the importance of taking time off to maintain mental well-being. The conversation also touches on the significance of personal interests outside of opera and covers Leah's upcoming performances and advice for aspiring artists.

Takeaways

• Leah emphasizes the importance of starting a season on one's own terms.
• Artists often face identity crises due to external expectations and labels.
• Taking time off is crucial for mental health and productivity.
• The opera industry needs to normalize breaks to prevent burnout.
• Audience engagement is vital for the future of opera.
• Memorable performances can leave lasting impacts on artists.
• Challenges in the opera industry often stem from lack of support and feedback.
• Successful artists tend to be the kindest and most supportive.
• It's important for artists to have interests outside of their craft.
• Learning roles in advance can prepare artists for unexpected opportunities.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Opera Biz Podcast
01:00 Finding Identity in Music
03:52 Mental Health and Artist Well-being
09:14 The Journey into Opera
12:57 Audience Engagement and Opera's Future
16:46 Memorable Performance Moments
23:21 Challenges in the Opera Industry
32:48 Do's and Don'ts for Professional Artists
38:05 Personal Interests Beyond Opera
40:29 Upcoming Performances and Future Plans

Special Guest: Leah Hawkins.