Episode 28 - Madison Marie McIntosh - Life of a Contemporary Opera Singer

 Episode 28 - Madison Marie McIntosh - Life of a Contemporary Opera Singer

Our guest Madison Marie McIntosh shares with us on this podcast episode her life as a contemporary opera singer and performer.

You will now have the chance to hear what it’s like to be an opera singer and what goes on behind the scenes. 

Madison started singing at a very young age and with the support of her family was able to achieve great success as an opera singer.

Madison, a mezzo-soprano, discusses vocal ranges, operas, and how she keeps her voice and body healthy. 

She also gives us an 'Opera Snack' by performing a snippet from "Songs for the People," composed by Amy Scurria for a concert to benefit The American Prize performed on May 7.

Best of all she is a very kind and genuine person that you will enjoy listening to.

Show Notes: 

Opening music

R: I know you like to sing. Do you think you can sing opera?  

I: Publicly? No.

R: What about in the shower then? 

I: I can’t compete with your musical stylings in the shower Rod. 

R: You just like it when I roll my R’s and hit the high C.

R: Hi everyone...And here we are...Celebrating what people love to do creatively by giving them a voice... I’m Rod Jones 

I: And I’m Inci Jones...Welcome to the Thought Row podcast. We invite you to subscribe wherever you listen. We are available virtually anywhere you listen to your podcasts. 

R: No matter what you do creatively, this is the podcast for you. 

Inci, what are we discussing today? 

I: Today, we’re going to be speaking with Madison Marie McIntosh, an opera singer. 

R:  You know I have been following her on Instagram, where she posts some of her performances. Her talent is pretty amazing. Let’s hear this week’s quote. 

I:  Okay, so this quote really applies to the shower singers out there… So pay attention to this one, Rod...There's no half-singing in the shower; you're either a rock star or an opera diva. Josh Groban

Discuss - I’m certainly no diva or a rock star.

I: Now it’s your turn, Rod...We are ready for Rod’s motivational moments. 

R: Dedicate at least one hour a day to solitude and thinking. 

Discuss 

I: While we are on the subject of singing, I know that there is an audience dedicated to listening to opera. 

Discuss 

R: Everyone has their favorite genre of music, but it can be very rewarding to listen to styles of music that you wouldn’t think that you would like. 

Discuss 

I: Going outside your comfort zone can really stimulate creative thinking. 

Discuss - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH 

R: All this chat about singing reminds me that it’s time to hear what a real opera singer has to share.

I: I’m excited to talk with our special guest today...Madison Marie McIntosh.

R: Okay...here we go. 

Play middle music. 

R: Madison...welcome to the Thought Row Podcast; from what Inci & know about you so far, this is going to be an interesting interview about the magic of opera.

I: Hi Madison, I agree, and I know our listeners will now have the chance to hear what it’s like to be an opera singer and what goes on behind the scenes.  

R: Madison... We met on social media, and I really enjoy your posts because you're sharing your performances. 

I: Ok, Madison, before we officially start the interview...We always like to ask our guests what they had for breakfast.

R: Tell us about your earliest recollections of wanting to be a singer. 

Discussion 

I: Besides singing, did you ever explore other forms of music? Like instruments. 

Discussion

R: You are a Mezzo-soprano. Tell us what that exactly means.   

Discussion - talk about other vocal ranges. 

I:  Most operas are sung in Italian or other languages. How do you teach yourself to sing in various languages? 

Discussion

R: What is your favorite opera to perform in? 

Discuss  

I: It seems like you have to be really good at rolling your R’s and singing at the same time. How did you train your voice to do all of that? 

Discussion

R: When you are doing a duet with another opera singer, how do you manage to keep from overpowering each other? 

Discussion - loudness proximity 

I: I know that your voice is your instrument. How do you keep your voice in shape? 

Discuss - vocal exercises and The Plank 

R:  Madison, could you give our listeners a little opera snack today.

Madison: mention Amy and composition.

Inci:  you can see Madison on her YouTube channel

I: You’ve had the opportunity to perform in different locations around the world and in different opera houses. What was your favorite, and what was it like? 

Discuss - Rod stage question

R: Is there an opera that you especially want to perform in, where you have the leading role?

I: If someone wants to become an opera singer, what is your advice? 

R: There seems to be a dedicated audience that appreciates opera. Is there anything you are doing to help broaden the appeal of opera? 

I: Name three things you hope to achieve or accomplish in the next year? 

R: In less than five words, what would you tell people that want to live more creatively. 

I: So now... we’re going to ask you a question that we have been asking all of our guests. If you could sit on a park bench and chat with anyone from the past, who would it be?

R: Madison, thank you for being our guest today. And thank you for sharing your beautiful voice with us and our listeners.   

I: I agree with Rod….our listeners are going to enjoy this interview. Also...I just want to let everyone know...if you want to know more about Madison, we will have links for her under the show guest tab on Thought Row podcast.com. So everyone can learn more about her and connect with her on social media and her website. 

Rod & Inci - Thanks for being with us today...bye for now.

Close music.