Anthony Plog on Music

Conversations with performers, composers, and entrepreneurs

Nina Yoshida Nelson: An International Opera Star, Artistic Director at the Boston Lyric Opera, and President of the Asian Opera Alliance - Redefining what it means to be an opera singer

Anthony Plog, host
Eddie Ludema, producer
Date posted: Jul 19, 2024

Described by Broadway World as a "richly powerful singing actress," Nina is redefining what it means to be an opera singer. Beyond her international singing career, she is the Artistic Director at the Boston Lyric Opera and the co-founder and President of the Asian Opera Alliance. Nina is someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk, using her career to expand the boundaries of the opera world. It was a true pleasure and honor to speak with Nina about her journey as an artist, administrator, and advocate.

Part 1

We kick off our conversation by delving into how Nina balances her many roles—opera singer, Artistic Director of the Boston Lyric Opera, President of the Asian Opera Alliance, and being a wife and mother of two. Nina shares her experiences at the Boston Lyric Opera, discussing how she landed the job and the challenges she faces in her new role. We then explore the founding and mission of the Asian Opera Alliance. Nina has performed several significant Asian roles in contemporary operas, and for "American Dream," she interviewed her grandmother about her experiences in a World War II internment camp, leading to a new aria for the opera. Part 1 concludes with Nina reflecting on the early days of her opera career and how a single gift from Léni Fé Bland transformed her life.

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In Part 2, Nina shares insights from her 150-200 performances as Suzuki in "Madame Butterfly," comparing her early days in the role to her current approach. We also discuss the complexities of starting an opera career, which involves much more than just singing—understanding the business side is crucial. Throughout our conversation, Nina speaks about her husband Jeff, a hornist with the Canadian Brass and a Professor at Indiana University, and how they support each other in their musical and personal lives.



The podcast theme music, Four Sierra Scenes, written by Anthony Plog, is taken from Crystal Records S205, copyright ©1980 Crystal Records Inc., and is used by permission. Unauthorized duplication is not permitted.