In a new series we’re running over here at Opera Canada, we’re asking our favourite Canadian opera artists: what else are you into? In our call for artist-driven recommendations, Canadian stage director Tom Diamond offers up his picks for film, television, books, & more:
Movie?
“I recently saw and was greatly moved by Nomadland, with the singular caveat that I felt that the lead character (played by the extraordinary Frances McDormand) did not encounter any real malevolence on her journey. I found that somehow unrealistic, but a minor complaint in a very beautiful and provocative film. Also, I loved In and Of Itself, Derek DelGaudio’s brilliant play filmed by Frank Oz and produced by (among others) Stephen Colbert. Be prepared to be amazed!”
TV series?
“Mr. Robot, Sam Esmail’s mind-boggling epic series starring Rami Malek became my #2 all-time fave series after The Wire.”
Book?
“During the pandemic I found myself interested in autobiographies of great actors. Highly recommended is Frank Langella’s Dropped Names, especially beguiling as narrated by him in the audiobook version.”
Canadian director Tom Diamond. Photo: Ross Mortimer
Podcast?
“I love podcasts and one I NEVER miss is the weekly Book Review Podcast from the New York Times.”
Music?
“During the pandemic I have gone back to music that I loved in my youth including anything by Burt Bacharach, Joni Mitchell (Blue just turned 50 and I still have my original vinyl copy), the amazing Laura Nyro, Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, and musicals – A Chorus Line and Sunday in the Park with George (which I think is Sondheim’s masterpiece).”
Eager for recos from your favourite operatic artists? Let us know who you’d like to see featured in this 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.
