Podcast: JOHN DEMAIN Introduces PORGY AND BESS

Maestro John DeMain made his Seattle Opera debut in 1987, conducting The Gershwins' (R) Porgy and Bess (R) the first time the complete opera was given in Seattle. Between his day job as Music Director of the Madison Symphony, in Wisconsin's capitol, and conducting engagements elsewhere, DeMain has returned to conduct in Seattle several times, including every Seattle Opera performance to date (including the upcoming ones!) of Porgy and Bess.
In this podcast, which includes musical illustrations from Seattle Opera's 2011 performances, DeMain discusses the work often called "the greatest American opera" with Seattle Opera Dramaturg Jonathan Dean and even tells the story of how America's opera companies retrieved Porgy and Bess, which had been simplified to make an easier-to-produce musical, starting with the bicentennial celebrations at Houston Grand Opera in 1976.

Behind the Scenes: Porgy Orchestra

Some of opera’s most memorable music is in Porgy and Bess, and the orchestra is responsible for making it come alive to us. Go backstage to an orchestra rehearsal and hear the songs you know and love, plus Maestro John DeMain walks us through some of the challenges of this work, why Gershwin is so difficult to perform, and why our orchestra is up to the task.




Learn more about Porgy and Bess on the Seattle Opera website.

Porgy and Bess: Director's Talk

The artists are hard at work in rehearsal, and Stage Director Chris Alexander brags on the amazing talent found in the cast and conductor. Watch Alexander's take on this production, peek behind-the-scenes at the rehearsal process, and hear commentary from the star singers themselves.




Learn more about Porgy and Bess on the Seattle Opera website.

Porgy and Bess: Speight's Corner

Porgy is here for the first time in over 15 years, and General Director Speight Jenkins reveals which cast members he wouldn’t do this opera without as well as explains the merits of Porgy as an opera versus a musical. Maestro John DeMain makes a special appearance to discuss a particular performance that made operatic history.




Learn more about Porgy and Bess on the Seattle Opera website.