High Notes and Anecdotes

High Notes and the Herald Sun Aria - 2025

Episode 31 - Watch out! We jumped in the car, braved the rain and took you straight into the Melbourne Recital Centre for the Herald Sun Aria final. Expect backstage vibes, on-road banter and honest takes on six incredible young singers. There’s talk about conductor magic, judging pressure and how repertoire and orchestra placement can change everything. Grab some road trip snacks and join us!

High Notes & Dr Simon Lobelson

Episode 30 - Welcome back, friends! Catch up with Simon Lobelson, baritone, conductor, teacher and "angry fiddler" as he chats to Helena and Adam about Mozart obsessions, contemporary opera surprises and the honest lessons he gives to young singers.
Tune in for warm laughs, practical teaching gems and delightfully weird stories from the stage (think Kafka insects, squeaks, burps and farts). It’s a cozy chat with a great mate. Don't miss this one.

High Notes and Helen Hogh

Ep 29 - Helena and Adam are back for a mischievous chat with Helen Hogh: artist manager, custard tart courier and the kind of honest, fiercely-caring person every singer hopes for. You’ll hear about the messy, human side of helping manage careers, like turning down gigs, holding artists’ hands after performances and why a good manager is basically your backstage superhero.
It’s funny, candid and full of fascinating insights. Tiaras and Tanqueray even make cameos.

High Notes and Homecoming

Episode 28 - Today it's just Helena and Adam and it's like you're just hanging out with us while we talk about upcoming gigs, oratorio and Helena's new teaching studio. We trade Aussie food hot takes (dim sims, mushy peas and pie floaters) and reminisce about touring pranks and backstage hijinks.
Come for the opera gossip, stay for the laughs and don't miss Bastien's cameo at the end...

High Notes & the Wagnerians

Episode 27 - Hey friends! Join Helena and Adam as they hang out with Wagnerian superstars, Christine Goerke and Brian Mulligan. The conversation wanders from crocodile-headed costumes and cupcake mishaps to mozzarella-in-the-dressing-room survival hacks.
They get real about finding the right repertoire, the terrifying-but-beautiful leap into Wagner and the backstage camaraderie that keeps you going through four-hour marathons. Funny, warm and full of oddly specific opera life hacks, you’ll laugh, you’ll learn and you might never hear a duck noise the same way again.

High Notes & Benjamin Northey

Episode 26 - Hi friends! Don't miss Helena and Adam's fascinating chat with the brilliant conductor, Ben Northey. He tells stories from his jam-packed life on podiums around the world, including that now-famous mallet catch, how opera is its own glorious chaos and why great conducting is really about connecting people, not just waving arms.
We chat about mentoring, bringing Indigenous voices to the orchestral stage, managing an insane schedule and little rehearsal tricks that actually work. It’s warm, funny and full of behind-the-scenes gold.
Tune in if you love music, want to understand what a conductor really does, or just want a brilliant, honest conversation with someone who’s living at full tilt.

High Notes & Melanie Hillman

Episode 25 - Hey friends! We're back for Season 2! Join Helena and Adam as they kick off the new season with the fabulous actor, director and producer, Melanie Hillman. They chat about Mel's new Sondheim revue, Colour and Light, and the joys of reworking classics. It’s full of rehearsal gossip, pandemic-era logistics and important takes on casting and representation. It's witty and nerdy in the best way - perfect for anyone who loves theatre, Sondheim or a good backstage story.

High Notes & and the Three Tenors Season 1 Finale

Episode 24 - Hey there, friends! Grab a comfy spot because it's the Season 1 Finale and we've got a whirlwind of opera shenanigans waiting for you. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of laughs and a lot of high notes, literally!
This time, we’ve pitted tenor against tenor in a game show format! It's the brilliant Henry Choo, the hilarious Mark Cunningham and the amazing Christopher Turner in a head-to-head operatic showdown. We've got custom buzzers, impromptu jams and some cheeky confessions. From barns to unexpected onstage nudity, our talented tenors spill all the tea. And yes, there’s a chat on eating pizza! It's definitely an episode packed with moments you won't want to miss. Listen in and we'll be back with Season 2 in September!

High Notes and Adrian Tamburini

Episode 23 - Hey there! This episode is an absolute delight as we sit down with the brilliant Adrian Tamburini. From his journey across opera stages to starring as Hades in 'Hadestown' in Australia, Adrian opens up about his diverse career and love for music. You'll hear about his unique voice journey, shaping roles and how he connects with audiences.
Adrian shares the challenges of an eight-show week, his magical moments on stage and he wades in on the great pizza cutlery debate. As a gifted mentor, he also talks about the art of teaching and the transformative power of singing. It's personal, fun and certain to leave you inspired! Don't miss out on this musical adventure!

High Notes & Helena's Big Move

Episode 22 - Hi friends! Wow, do we have an episode for you! With just 2 more episode to go in season 1, Adam and Helena chat about her epic 22-year adventure in the UK, filled with thrilling opera performances, quirky accommodation tales and a citizenship ceremony!
In this special installment, Helena shares her announcement about moving back to Australia and what it means for her career and personal life. We reminisce about our days at the Royal Academy of Music, share laughs over Helena's move into the 'noisy building', and delve into what it’s like packing up over two decades of life abroad.
So, come join the chat, as Helena and Adam laugh, reflect, and navigate the rollercoaster that is an artist's life.