This extra-special, bonus episode of Opera Central is a real, uncut conversation between Music Director John Baril, Orchestra Personnel Manager and Violist Brian Cook, Mezzo-Soprano Megan Marino and Baritone Michael Mayes over a couple of beers. The two couples chatted about life and art during the time of COVID outside of the historic Penrose House Complex in Central City after Meg and Mike performed in the Garden for the CCO Al Fresco series. Covering topics like how their lives have changed since the pandemic, how watering flowers and maintaining historic properties have inspired John and Brian to live in the moment, and the ways Meg and Mike envision American opera changing for the better, you'll feel like you're right there among the elements with these four friends. Since the interview had to be recorded outside for safety purposes, you'll hear wind, motor noise, bird calls, the occasional dog barking, and even the famous Central City Wild West Shootout in the background. That's summer life outside in Central City! You'll hear Mike speak first, then John, Brian, and finally Meg. Enjoy! Megan and Michael's "opera meets bluegrass" #CCOAlFresco concert is available online starting August 26 at centralcityopera.org/ccoalfresco. Along with being Central City Opera's Orchestra Personnel Manager, Brian Cook is a music educator, chef, massage therapist and more! Learn more about him at cookwithcook.com. John and Brian reference "working for (Director of Historic Properties) Eric Chinn" throughout the episode. If you'd like to volunteer to help maintain Central City Opera's historic properties and garden, email us at [email protected]. Megan and Michael talk about connecting more deeply with their neighbors and making music on their front porches during this prolonged period at home during the pandemic. Jason Hicks, their neighbor/the front man of the acclaimed Blue Canyon Boys, even joined them as a featured artist on our #CCOAlFresco concert series! Read more about Jason and the Blue Canyon Boys at bluecayonboys.com. **Easter egg alert!** Check out a secret performance of Megan Marino's French opera/"Pure Imagination" mashup referenced in the interview here. All four of these guests have appeared on the podcast in the past. Check out John's episodes (Season 4, Episode 3 - BILLY BUDD; Season 3, Episode 5 - IL TROVATORE; Season 2, Episode 8 - COSI FAN TUTTE; and Season 1, Episode 2 - TOSCA). Find Brian's past episode here (Season 1, Episode 19), Megan's past episode here (Season 2, Episode 13 - COSI FAN TUTTE) and Michael's past episodes here (Season 2, Episode 12 - CARMEN and Season 1, Episode 7 - TOSCA).

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

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