The Mischievous Maestro bounced into the world under an October moon weighing more than he should and thirsty, of course. After the musically dark period of infancy, he started playing piano and joined the band program in primary school. He then mastered the trombone (not really) and then switched to percussion at the urging of his high school band director. Graduating high school, the Mischievous Maestro ventured out into the world of music on his own. The next period of his life, also known as the seemingly never-ending tenure in college (he did earn several degrees), he funded his music education by wading in puddles behind many bars. He also started developing a taste for opera composed from 1880 to 1930 and for perfectly crafted cocktails. The Mischievous Maestro is one who likes things well-balanced and harmonious. He is a Libra, you know. The Mischievous Maestro has lived and worked in many cities across the United States and abroad both with opera companies and in pubs. Five years ago he relocated to New York City with his beautiful wife, bookshelves full of scores, hoards of CDs, a fully-stocked bar, and continues conducting with opera companies from coast to coast and Europe.  

The Mischievous Maestro was sitting in a neighborhood pub one evening when the idea of developing this podcast hit him like a bolt of lightning (or maybe that was the second shot of Jäger). As he was regaling the bartender with stories of his favorite opera, he thought maybe it would be a fun idea for a podcast: Opera with Cocktails, two things he is very passionate about. The Mischievous Maestro then posted the idea on social media and to his astonishment, everyone loved it! That is how the Mischievous Maestro podcast was conceived. 

A few of the Mischievous Maestro’s favorite things are Puccini operas, the writings of Charles Dickens and sitting under a harvest moon enjoying a bottle of Nouveau Beaujolais.