In this episode of The Gould Standard, Alexander Neef, General Director of the Opéra national de Paris, joins Brian Levine to reframe how we think about opera, and to provide a user-friendly on-ramp for opera-curious newcomers. Beginning with its roots in Renaissance Italy, Neef traces opera’s evolution from courtly entertainment to a global cultural force, one that has continually reflected the deepest tensions, social and cultural trends of its time. From the human dramas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Giuseppe Verdi to the radical innovations of Richard Wagner, and the trauma-driven experimentation,  sense of dislocation and alienation of the twentieth […]

Artist Chris Levine takes listeners inside the cutting edge of portraiture, where art, science, and spirituality come together. From the technical challenges of holography, where even microscopic vibrations can ruin an image, to the pioneering image making that led to his iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, Levine reveals how precision and intuition shape his work. He recounts the surreal experience of photographing the Queen, the pressure of reimagining one of the most depicted figures in history, and how a second sitting unlocked the now famous Equanimity image. The conversation then turns to Elton John, exploring their creative collaboration, Levine’s contributions to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the challenge of capturing both the performer’s flamboyance and inner stillness. Blending innovation with introspection, Levine reflects on art as a path to healing, the power of light, and how moments of stillness can reveal something profoundly human beneath the surface.

Join Dr Gabor Maté and Brian Levine in this enlightening episode of The Gould Standard, as they explore the profound impact of music on the human experience. Delve into topics ranging from the primal elements of music and its role in early childhood development, to the therapeutic potential of music in trauma recovery. Maté and Levine recount powerful anecdotes, share personal experiences, and discuss the universality of music across different cultures. Discover how music, from lullabies to complex symphonies, serves as a profound source of emotional and psychological nourishment.

Join us for part one of a revelatory conversation (presented at The Promise of Music - The First World Congress on the Social Impact of Music presented by The Glenn Gould Foundation in October 2025). Dr. Gabor Maté is a world-renowned authority on trauma and its wide-ranging harms. Noted for his compassion, wisdom and holistic approach to mind and body, Dr. Maté is a best-selling author, and internationally sought-after speaker. Dr. Maté discusses his foundational understanding of trauma, and its destructive effects on mental and physical health, relationships and society at large. Discover how deep-seated psychic wounds influence physical diseases, addictions, and societal behaviours. The discussion also explores the intergenerational transmission of trauma and its socio-political ramifications, alongside the alternatives offered by different cultures, including those of Indigenous peoples. This episode delves into the unity of mind and body, the profound impact of unresolved trauma, and the broader implications for society and our collective history.

Join Brian Levine, Executive Director of The Glenn Gould Foundation, as we look back on the 86th anniversary of Glenn Gould's birth and the first official Glenn Gould Day in Toronto. Featuring sisters Heather Tucker and Susanne Rayner. Discover the origins of Glenn Gould's musical journey through his very first piano—a humble Dominion piano—and learn about the rich history and personal connections between the Gould family and the Morton family. Hear anecdotes about Glenn's early life, his unique bond with the Dominion upright, and the cherished memories shared by those who knew him best.

Join host Brian Levine on The Gould Standard podcast as he welcomes back the prolific and insightful Stephen Fry. In this enriching episode, Fry reflects on his roles in 'Wilde,' 'V for Vendetta,' and 'Gosford Park,' and explores the future of art in an AI-dominated world. Touching on themes of creativity, persecution, and the intersection of technology and society, Fry provides thought-provoking insights into both his artistic journey and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and a call to cherish and safeguard human ingenuity. Stephen Fry: Website: https://www.stephenfry.com/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000410/ X: https://x.com/stephenfry?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenfryactually/?hl=en The Glenn Gould Foundation: https://www.glenngould.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-glenn-gould-foundation/ https://www.youtube.com/@theglenngouldfoundation https://www.facebook.com/TheGlennGouldFoundation/ https://twitter.com/GlennGouldFndn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-glenn-gould-foundation/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E4NjSP86kUnBxc3iVMQDs Podcast: https://pod.link/thegouldstandard

In this episode of the Glenn Gould Podcast, Brian Levine is joined by guest Micah Hendler where we explore the concept of small victories through music—moments of connection and understanding that we can create ourselves, even amidst great divides. Micah Hendler is the founder and artistic director of the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, which follows this principle through its work in Jerusalem, where they use music to serve as a bridge between Israeli and Palestinian youth. The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is unique in that half of its members are Israeli, and the other half are Palestinian. Through music, we’re able to find a way to coexist and foster greater understanding for each other, allowing Israeli and Palestinian youth to connect and share their experiences together.

Rick Beato is a musical and internet phenomenon. On this episode of The Gould Standard, host Brian Levine sits down with Rick, a renowned music educator, producer, and YouTube sensation. Starting with discussion around Rick's early influences, including his classical music background and exposure to jazz. Rick shares his journey from teaching to becoming a successful music producer and YouTuber with 4.5 million subscribers and over 1.5 Billion views. Rick shares the secrets to the success of his popular Youtube series “What Makes This Song Great?,” the vital importance of ear training, the impact of technology on music production, the negative impacts of music streaming services and the irreplaceable importance of live performance. Rick also discusses his interviews with legendary musicians and the role of harmony (musically and emotionally) in creating impactful music. It’s an in-depth and inspiring discussion about one man’s passionate love of music and his dedication to sharing a lifetime of joy, insight and brilliant communication with devoted audiences globally.

Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), Afghanistan’s first modern music academy, established in 2010 to preserve the beautiful musical heritage of his country after years of rule under the Taliban had attempted to ban and eradicate all musical culture. Bringing together a diverse student body that included young women and children from the most disadvantaged rung of society, ANIM was founded both to teach music and promote human advancement and social justice. Dr. Sarmast, a true musical hero, shares his powerful journey in this episode of The Gould Standard. We dive into the origins of ANIM, his experiences in Afghanistan, and the institute’s saga of escape and survival as it continues its mission following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Dr. Sarmast reflects on Afghanistan's rich musical heritage and its role in uniting a nation torn apart by ethnic, civil, and religious strife. Dr. Sarmast’s dedication to the music and people of Afghanistan comes into dramatic focus as he recounts the personal threats he faced, including surviving a Taliban-orchestrated suicide bombing at a performance. Despite the dangers, Dr. Sarmast remained resolute in his mission to use music as a tool for education and healing. Dr Sarmast’s inspiring love for music with its power to heal and unify, shines when discussing the work of his students, faculty and the pride that he has seen them bring to the people of Afghanistan as a beacon of hope and freedom in dark times.

The inimitable Stephen Fry joins us for a warm and witty conversation, sharing stories from his rich and varied career, as a writer, actor, director, TV host, memoirist and all around polymath. Stephen talks about his latest acting projects with his signature charm, giving listeners a peek behind the curtain of his work in television and film. Fry also reflects on his adventures filming documentaries and traveling across America, offering humorous and heartfelt insights into the people and cultures he encountered along the way. As the conversation turns to his writing, Fry opens up about his deep love for classical myths, explaining why these ancient stories still captivate him—and why they continue to speak to us today. He also shares his thoughtful views on religion, exploring the connections between mythology and belief with the kind of sharp intellect and humor that have won him renown the world over. Whether discussing his work, travels, or philosophical musings, Fry’s passion and warmth make this episode an engaging and entertaining listen.