What happens when you bring together a 30-year veteran opera journalist and the complete archives of Canada's longest-running arts magazine? Magic, memories, and an unforgettable journey through operatic history.

Joseph So, who has been writing for Opera Canada since 1995, takes listeners on a captivating tour through his remarkable career interviewing the greatest singers of our time. From his first transformative opera experience seeing Renata Tabaldi in La Gioconda at the Met in 1967 to his recent interview with Gerald Finley, So's encyclopedic memory and genuine passion for the art form shine throughout this conversation.

The podcast coincides with Opera Canada's monumental launch of its complete digital archives spanning over 65 years of continuous publication. As So recounts his friendship with magazine founder Ruby Mercer, we glimpse the personal connections that have shaped Canadian opera history. His poignant stories about interviewing Maureen Forrester as she battled dementia and his tribute to soprano Erin Wall following her tragic death showcase the human dimension of this magnificent art form.

Perhaps most delightfully, So shares candid insights about the temperaments of different voice types, confessing that while tenors might be "great to the ear," they often prove the most challenging interview subjects. This blend of reverence for the art and honest behind-the-scenes perspective makes this episode essential listening for anyone who loves opera or appreciates the dedication of those who document our cultural heritage.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.