The Scottish Opera Podcast
Welcome to The Scottish Opera Podcast
Step into the exciting world of opera with Scottish Opera's debut podcast series! Join host Jamie MacDougall, tenor and former BBC Radio Scotland presenter, as each new guest brings their unique perspective about what goes on behind the scenes at a national opera company. You’ll hear from directors and designers who dramatise these stories, conductors who interpret music new and old, and singers from international stars to our dedicated Community Chorus members.
Expect deep dives on beloved classics, previews of world premieres, and explorations of opera as a tool for education and wellbeing. With each new episode, we celebrate the talent, dedication, humanity, and creativity that makes opera special and offer new angles on this vibrant art form.
Whether you're an opera aficionado or just dipping your toe into this world, The Scottish Opera Podcast is your window into the craft, challenges, and diversity of opera today.
This podcast is produced in partnership with City of Glasgow College and supported by students on Broadcasting courses at the college, with thanks to James Wilson, Curriculum Head of Broadcasting.
The Scottish Opera Podcast
Series 2. Episode 1. Emerging Artist Edward Jowle reflects on a year with Scottish Opera.
Presenter Jamie MacDougall catches up backstage at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre with Emerging Artist Edward Jowle. This episode was recorded just as Scottish Opera’s November run of Puccini’s La bohème was about to begin, with Edward preparing to sing the role Schaunard and Jamie himself performing Alcindoro and Benoît.
Edward shares how he first discovered opera, reflects on his early years of study, and describes the thrill of stepping onto the Scottish Opera stage for the first time in October 2025. He also talks about working alongside his fellow bohemians, Mario Chang, Roland Wood, and Callum Thorpe and what life has been like behind the scenes.
Produced outside of the studio and on on location by Melissa Jones.