The OperaWire Podcast

Francesca Zambello speaks to David and Francisco about the Washington National Opera's new season and its new era after leaving the Kennedy Center.   
New Season:
Madama Butterfly (Puccini) – DAR Constitution Hall 
Nixon in China (John Adams) – DAR Constitution Hall 
We the People (Special Concert) – DAR Constitution Hall
Odyssey (Family-friendly opera inspired by Percy Jackson by Ben Moore and Kelley Rourke)
O'Keeffe: Kiss the Sky (World premiere ballet-opera with music by Christopher Tin) – Harman Hall at Shakespeare Theatre Company
American Opera Initiative (WOLF | LAMBS) (Composer JL Marlor and librettist Clare Bierman) – Harman Hall at Shakespeare Theatre Company
Idomeneo: A Trojan Tale (Puccini) - Harman Hall at Shakespeare Theatre Company 
La traviata (Verdi) - Music Center at Strathmore

Following his open letter, Andrew Potter speaks with David and Francisco about his decision to leave staged opera and the impact it has made on the industry. He also speaks about AI and why he believes it can be a useful tool. 
 
Read the full letter: https://operawire.com/editorial-why-im-retiring-from-staged-opera-at-43/

David Lomelí Speaks with David and Francisco about managing the Dallas Opera, the future opera and how can the opera industry use AI.

Denyce Graves Joins David and Francisco Salazar to discuss The Denyce Grave Foundation and its roots. She also delves into her experience as a director and what it meant to retire from the stage.

David and Francisco Salazar speak about the highlights of the 2025-26 season and what their favorite performances were. 
 

What is it like to raise a child in the opera industry while traveling around the world? Dr. Rachel Copeland & Scott Skiba join Francisco Salazar and Afton Markay for a discussion about the ins and outs of having a family while directing and singing opera. 

David and Francisco Salazar speak to tenor Jack Swanson about his new venture Vocalise and vocal health. Swanson also reminisces about "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" and his recent millstone. He also delves into Fatherhood and raising a child as an Opera Singer. 
 

Johnathan McCullough joins David and Francisco Salazar on the OperaWire Podcast to speak about the acclaimed National Youth Opera Academy and his balancing his career as a singer, director and program director.  

On this episode of the OperaWire Podcast, David and Francisco speak about the Metropolitan Opera's financial crisis, the opera gala, and the Saudi deal. They also speak about the Teatro La Fenice's conductor crisis. 

David and Francisco Salazar speak to filmmakers Christine La Monte and Yvonne Russo, the team behind the Oscar nominated film "Viva Verdi!"