Behind the Curtain by Living Opera

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What happens when rigorous economic research meets the world of classical music? Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as Soula Parassidis interviews economist Christos Makridis about his groundbreaking research quantifying the true value of arts and culture in our communities.
With seven degrees (including two PhDs from Stanford) and over 80 published academic papers, Christos brings unprecedented analytical rigor to questions the arts sector has long struggled to answer quantitatively. How much do people actually value living near theaters and cultural venues? The answer, according to his research using sophisticated "hedonic pricing" models: thousands of dollars per year. By analyzing housing market data and controlling for numerous variables, Christos demonstrates that proximity to arts amenities significantly impacts where people choose to live and how much they'll pay for that privilege.
The conversation delves into practical applications for arts organizations seeking to demonstrate their value to potential donors and communities. Drawing on Nobel Prize-winning econometric frameworks, Christos outlines specific strategies theaters can implement to improve operational efficiency, create data-driven forecasting models, and establish meaningful metrics that prove their impact. These approaches don't necessarily require expensive consultants—sometimes just skilled data analysis using publicly available information.
Beyond the numbers, Christos shares a deeply personal perspective on why classical music matters: its physiological impact on listeners and its role in human flourishing and civilization. "What we put into our soul matters even more arguably than what we put into our body," he notes, explaining how his research extends to exploring connections between operatic voices and neural pathways.
For artists questioning their path, his message is clear and hopeful: your work has quantifiable value, there are allies in unexpected places, and every hour invested in your craft contributes to something larger than yourself. Listen now to discover how data can tell the story of why arts matter in ways we've never before been able to measure.

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The Behind the Curtain Podcast is hosted by Soprano Soula Parassidis and Tenor Norman Reinhardt. Follow Living Opera on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Website.
Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.

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Imagine standing on stage, the spotlight burning down on you, as you prepare to hit that elusive high note—your personal Roman Emplire, constantly looming in your thoughts. In our latest episode, we promise an eye-opening journey into the minds and souls of opera singers, exploring the immense mental and physical preparation required for these critical moments. Through candid reflections, we uncover how the pressure of high notes is not just an opera singer's challenge but a universal struggle shared by anyone in a high-stakes profession.
We also take a lighthearted look at the humorous side of performing, recounting a personal anecdote from a competition where an unexpected illness led to a memorable stage mishap. There's nothing quite like an unexpected nod from an audience member to break the tension of a challenging aria and remind us of the importance of humor and resilience. This episode shines a spotlight on the delicate balance performers maintain between consistency and risk-taking, revealing how experimentation can lead to exhilarating live performances for artists and audiences alike.
The episode wraps up with an exploration of artistic growth, where we trace the journey from novice beginnings to achieving personal excellence. It's a story of embracing vulnerabilities, learning from setbacks, and finding one's unique voice both on and off the stage. We delve into the significance of vocal "cover" and how it relates to broader themes of self-expression and identity, offering insights that resonate not just with singers but with anyone striving for excellence in their field. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of artistry, identity, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

Support the show

The Behind the Curtain Podcast is hosted by Soprano Soula Parassidis and Tenor Norman Reinhardt. Follow Living Opera on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Website.
Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.

Send us a text

In Behind the Curtain, hosts Soula Parassidis and Norman Reinhardt delve into the raw realities of life as opera singers. In this premiere episode, they reflect on the catalyst moment that led to the founding of their organization, Living Opera. It all began in Paris on October 13, 2016, when Norman faced an unexpected crisis during a high-profile, celebrated performance. This episode invites listeners into the high-stakes world of opera, exploring the unseen pressures that come with it.

Performance anxiety in opera, or any performing art, is a delicate balance between passion and pressure. Soula and Norman unpack the illusion of perfection that often overshadows the joy of performing, discussing the personal and professional toll it takes. They explore the importance of support systems and the fine line between striving for excellence and the harmful pursuit of perfectionism. Through candid conversations, they redefine success in classical music, emphasizing the need for trusted individuals to stay grounded.

By confronting their fears, they reclaim the joy in their craft. Sharing stories of both trauma and triumph, the hosts highlight the value of reframing experiences and returning to the basics of artistry. This helps combat cynicism and encourages a healthier mindset. The episode concludes with a reminder to nurture positivity and joy in both work and life, while acknowledging the inevitable challenges.

A powerful testament to resilience, this episode invites listeners to look beyond the curtain and discover the true essence of performance—an inspiring start to a new podcast series!

Support the show

The Behind the Curtain Podcast is hosted by Soprano Soula Parassidis and Tenor Norman Reinhardt. Follow Living Opera on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Website.
Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.

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What happens when the worlds of economics and opera collide? Christos Makridis , professor, entrepreneur, social scientist, and co-founder of Living Opera, joins us to explore this unique intersection and reveal why the arts often go unnoticed by those who study numbers and markets. Christos takes us on his journey from the realms of economics and engineering into the intricate world of the performing arts, sharing his research on artists' labor market experiences and the fascinating challenges of interpreting artistic careers through data. We uncover why understanding the unpredictable nature of creative paths is more crucial than ever.
We confront the issue of artist compensation and the broader value of the arts in our society. With artists often earning less than their peers, we challenge the misconception that the arts are less significant compared to other fields, such as healthcare. Through engaging examples and thoughtful dialogue, we highlight the essential role the arts play in enhancing our lives and explore strategies for better funding and support. Join us for a rich discussion on the arts' indispensable place in our world and the creative solutions needed to ensure their prosperity.

Support the show

The Behind the Curtain Podcast is hosted by Soprano Soula Parassidis and Tenor Norman Reinhardt. Follow Living Opera on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Website.
Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.

Send us a text

What if the warmth of Christmas music could bridge gaps and foster global connections? As we unveil our mini Christmas special and launch our album All is Bright, we invite you to join us on a melodic journey that captures the true spirit of the season. This episode offers a performance of Silent Night, including a special verse in German for our Vienna audience, and a rendition of What Child Is This? Discover how our humble beginnings on Instagram evolved into a worldwide artistic community, and how Christmas music continues to be a source of hope and brightness amidst global challenges.
Beyond music, we talk about the significance of self-awareness and proactive learning. We discuss our transformation from students to active learners, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions to enhance our skills. By pinpointing what feels off, we explore how we can effectively overcome obstacles and perform at higher levels. Tune in to discover how this journey of self-improvement not only enriches our musical abilities but also deepens our connection with a broader cultural audience.

Support the show

The Behind the Curtain Podcast is hosted by Soprano Soula Parassidis and Tenor Norman Reinhardt. Follow Living Opera on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Website.
Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.