In a new series we’re running over here at Opera Canada, Artist’s Picks, we’re asking our favourite Canadian opera artists: what else are you into? In our call for artist-driven recommendations, Canadian composer Cecilia Livingston offers up her Artist’s Picks for film, television, books, & more:
Movie?
“The Black Stallion (Ballard, 1979). It’s a very strange film, with so much silence at its heart. Not really a ‘kids’ movie’ at all. I watch it very rarely – it’s almost painfully beautiful. I’m also on a Jane Austen film adaptations kick; I’m writing a Cambridge Companion chapter on adaptation and composition, and thinking a lot about creative decision-making in the adaptation process, particularly around structure.”
TV series?
“Veep. Foul, vituperative, satirical, vicious, brilliant. Selina’s always having a worse day than me. Very reassuring. (Best not to discuss my love of Bravo! in this respectable publication!)”
Canadian composer Cecilia Livingston. Photo by Daniel Denino.
Book?
“Jane Eyre. I reread it every few years.”
Podcast?
“Alas, I’m not a podcast person. When my ears aren’t working, they like quiet.”
Non-classical music?
“Radiohead, always.”
Eager for recos from your favourite operatic artists? Let us know who you’d like to see featured in our Artist’s Picks Q&A series – leave a comment below, or get in touch at outreach@operacanada.ca.
Jenna is the editor and co-creator of Schmopera. She also writes for The Globe and Mail and Opera Canada. She’s a pianist and vocal coach, and working with singers is how she fell in love with opera.
