What the Fach?

Timothée Chalamet said opera is dead. The Met is down to nine donors. And someone in a young artist program was told to try a weight loss drug. We are back in the same room and we have a lot to say. Featuring: karaoke confessions, frozen foreheads, billionaires buying streaming services, and a feminist theory that connects all of it... Comment below with your thoughts and feelings!

Soprano Emily Hindrichs spills all on how she went from New Orleans to accidentally building a powerhouse career in Europe – landing at Oper Köln and escaping a lifetime of only singing Queen of the Night. She breaks down what fest life is really like (spoiler: structure! colleagues! health insurance!) and why the German system can either lift you up or chew you up if you’re not steering your own ship.We get into the cultural whiplash of working on both sides of the Atlantic, the steep learning curve of surviving and thriving in the German language, and how to handle feedback without losing your mind. Emily also talks about creating Lighthouse Opera Köln, the mentorship programme she literally runs from her living room, plus the importance of intimacy coordination, stage combat, and saying “nope, not for me” without guilt.Funny, frank, and full of wisdom, a must-listen for anyone trying to navigate opera without burning out.

In this episode, we dive into the highs, lows, and hilarious realities of life in the chorus. We share personal stories and insights that most young singers will relate to, such as auditions – what works, what doesn't, and how to cope.We ask the all-important question: Which opera characters would we date... and which ones are immediate red flags?Then, get ready for some voice type hot-takes as we challenge the usual stereotypes and spill our opinions on what makes a mezzo or a soprano.

In the pilot episode of What the Fach?, Clover and Erin introduce themselves – two young singers navigating the highs, lows, and everything in between of the opera world. Expect honest chats, unfiltered stories, and a healthy dose of humour as they kick off this new adventure. Whether you're a fellow musician or just opera-curious, they're so glad you're here. Fach, pronounced "fahkh", is the German system used in opera to classify singers by voice type and the roles they're suited to. But voices don't always fit neatly into boxes – and neither do people. @whatthefachpod