The Scottish Opera Podcast
The Scottish Opera Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to the Scottish Opera Podcast—where every voice has a story to tell.Our podcast invites you backstage into the heart of our creative universe. Through conversations and discussions, you'll meet the passionate individuals who make art happen: from visionary directors and world-class performers to our skilled technicians and dedicated community chorus members. Each episode unveils the talent, dedication, and creativity that brings our productions to life.Whether you're an opera aficionado or just beginning to explore the art form, our podcast offers access to the craft, challenges, and triumphs of creating world-class art. Join us as we delve into everything from beloved classics to cutting-edge new works, revealing the human stories behind the production and the dedication behind each performance.This podcast is produced in partnership with City of Glasgow College and supported by students on Broadcasting courses at the college, with thanks to James Wilson, Curriculum Head of Broadcasting.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast dives into various themes surrounding opera, including the exploration of classic and contemporary works, the challenges of production, and community engagement. Episodes highlight projects like 'Special Delivery', a children's production, and 'The Small Magician', which introduces educational resources, reflecting on Scotland's rich cultural landscape through discussions of operatic excerpts and community workshops.

Welcome to The Scottish Opera Podcast
Step into the exciting world of opera with Scottish Opera’s debut podcast series! Join host Jamie MacDougall, tenor and former BBC Radio Scotland presenter, as each new guest brings their unique perspective about what goes on behind the scenes at a national opera company. You’ll hear from directors and designers who dramatise these stories, conductors who interpret music new and old, and singers from international stars to our dedicated Community Chorus members.
Expect deep dives on beloved classics, previews of world premieres, and explorations of opera as a tool for education and wellbeing. With each new episode, we celebrate the talent, dedication, humanity, and creativity that makes opera special and offer new angles on this vibrant art form.
Whether you’re an opera aficionado or just dipping your toe into this world, The Scottish Opera Podcast is your window into the craft, challenges, and diversity of opera today.
This podcast is produced in partnership with City of Glasgow College and supported by students on Broadcasting courses at the college, with thanks to James Wilson, Curriculum Head of Broadcasting.
Presenter Jamie MacDougall catches up backstage at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre with Emerging Artist Edward Jowle. This episode was recorded just as Scottish Opera’s November run of Puccini’s La bohème was about to begin, with Edward preparing to sing the role Schaunard and Jamie himself performing Alcindoro and Benoît.
Edward shares how he first discovered opera, reflects on his early years of study, and describes the thrill of stepping onto the Scottish Opera stage for the first time in October 2025. He also talks about working alongside his fellow bohemians, Mario Chang, Roland Wood, and Callum Thorpe and what life has been like behind the scenes.
Produced outside of the studio and on on location by Melissa Jones.

Disclaimer
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