When Classical Music Meets AI — Paola Prestini

About this episode

Paola Prestini discusses the intersection of opera and technology, including the role of AI in classical music.

Opera is often thought of as one of the most traditional art forms. Rooted in centuries-old conventions and grand theaters, it’s not usually the first place people look for experimentation or technological innovation. But in today's conversation with Paola Prestini — co-founder and artistic director of National Sawdust and VisionIntoArt and one of the top composers in the world — we challenge that very assumption. Paola speaks to how opera can be a space to explore new technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and even artificial intelligence. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org . To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling , visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home . -- © 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp. Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp. 124 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 Founder and CEO, Charles Melcher Director, Carolyn Merriman Assistant Producer, Tsuki Carlson in collaboration with Charts & Leisure Founder, Jason Oberholtzer Producer, Meghal Janardan Editor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Paola Prestini, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

People in this episode

Guest: Paola Prestini

Topics covered

• classical music
• AI
• opera
• technology
• interdisciplinary collaboration
• innovation

Keywords

• opera
• classical music
• artificial intelligence
• technology
• innovation
• collaboration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Sawdust, VisionIntoArt, Future of StoryTelling

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