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UnMic'd

Episode 6: Ceiling Breakers
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - 6:00pm

UnMic’d is a new show produced by Arizona Opera that explores the blurry edge that connects the world of opera to, well, just about everything else. Each episode, Arizona Opera President and General Director, Joseph Specter, will be joined by a recognized professional from the field of opera, together with an individual from another field who engages in similar work. A composer from opera and a composer of pop and musical theater. A stage combat instructor and an instructor of mixed martial arts. A costume designer and a couture fashion designer. The elements of opera are the elements of our everyday lives. Explore the blurry edge with us on UnMic’d.

  

 

Episode 6: Ceiling Breakers

Release Date: May 18, 2021

What does it take to rise to the top of an arts organization? And what does it take to break through the barriers of gender and race in order to reach that peak?

Classical arts organizations across the US—including opera companies and symphony orchestras—are engaged in an important moment of self-reflection on the subjects of leadership and representation.

In this episode of UnMic’d, host Joe Specter is joined by Afton Battle, General Director of Fort Worth Opera and Deborah Borda, the Linda and Mitch Hart President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, to discuss how these remarkable arts leaders reached the roles in which they serve today. What journey did they take as women in an industry led primarily by men? What obstacles did they face overtime in their rise into leadership? What advice do they have for future leaders, aspiring to follow in their footsteps? Come be inspired with us as Afton and Deborah share their stories and the impact they are continuing to have on the arts community.

 

MEET THE GUESTS:

Afton Battle
AFTON BATTLE
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Deborah Borda
DEBORAH BORDA
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Arizona Opera is deeply grateful to our 2020/21 Reimagined Season Lead Digital Sponsors, Ron and Kay McDougall.
Lead Digital Sponsorship of Connection Lab provided by Ron and Kay McDougall. Additional sponsorship is made possible, in part, by the Arizona Community Foundation and Manley Films.