Reaching the 100th episode of Harbour for the Arts feels surreal in the best way. When I started this show, I was recording in closets, cars, and any quiet corner I could find, just hoping someone out there would connect with what I had to say. A hundred episodes later, I can look back and see how every chaotic moment, every heartfelt message from listeners, and every creative risk shaped this community into something real and powerful. This episode is my chance to celebrate that journey — the growth, the lessons, and the joy of showing up as an artist week after week.

In the extended version, I open up even more about the behind‑the‑scenes moments that changed me, the episodes that almost didn’t happen, and the ways this podcast has held me through some of my biggest transitions. I also share what’s coming next as we step fully into the video era. If you’re loving this celebration, the full extended video episode — with behind‑the‑scenes, bonus stories, and my personal message to the Harbour community — is available exclusively for subscribers. Join my subscriber club for only $15 per month and get extended podcast episodes, blogs, videos, and discounts to my upcoming shows.

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code

New Partner

LESSON WITH YOU

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Lesson With You, a trusted global music education provider offering live, one-to-one online lessons in 24 instruments and voice for students of all ages. Their 60+ expert instructors hold advanced degrees from top music schools, are fully background-checked, and teach only their primary instrument. To celebrate, we’re offering all our followers/listeners a free 30-minute online lesson with a professional instructor—perfect for jump-starting progress, refreshing technique, or exploring a new instrument from home. Try your free, no-obligation lesson today!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Opera is a dramatic reflection of love and relationships.

Valentine's Day can be celebrated in various ways, including self-love.

Toxic relationships in opera mirror real-life dynamics.

Carmen and Don Jose's relationship highlights obsession disguised as love.

Tosca and Cavaradossi's love is complicated by political turmoil.

Butterfly and Pinkerton's relationship showcases colonial delusion.

Self-love is crucial for artists and individuals alike.

Recognizing and celebrating small wins is important.

Buying your own flowers is a form of self-care.

Opera tells the truth about love and relationships loudly.

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code

• A nuanced discussion on Black History Month: celebrating identity year-round
• Marian Anderson’s historic concert and its ongoing legacy of racial segregation
• The love-hate relationship with Porgy and Bess among Black singers
• The disparities in how Black performers are treated and typecast in opera
• Personal stories of navigating privilege, entitlement, and representation
• The significance of Black composers and diversifying opera programming
• Reflections on roles, racial stereotypes, and expanding narratives in performance
• Supportive messages on community, connection, and small acts of kindness

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code

Opera is not dying; it's just gated and exclusive.

Setting personal goals is essential for growth and success.

Opera should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite.

Community engagement is vital for the survival of the arts.

Fashion and storytelling play a significant role in the opera experience.

Breaking down barriers can make opera more inviting.

The arts provide a space for reflection and detachment from reality.

Inclusivity in opera can lead to a thriving cultural scene.

Artists are shifting the culture by bringing opera to new spaces.

Opera is evolving and waiting for the right energy and audience.

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code

Takeaways

It's important for artists to reflect on their wins.

Rest is essential for vocal health and performance.

Saying no is a crucial skill for artists.

Every yes is a withdrawal from your energy bank.

You don't have to justify your boundaries.

Creating a sustainable singing life honors your humanity.

Your energy is sacred and should be protected.

Resting does not make you less committed.

Sustainability in your career can look different for everyone.

Protecting your energy is an act of artistic integrity.

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code

Takeaways

The new year is a time for reflection and reset.

Having a theme helps in organizing thoughts and actions.

Being unapologetic can boost self-confidence.

Artists should not accept unpaid gigs that undermine their value.

Gratitude should not come at the cost of personal well-being.

Setting boundaries is essential for a sustainable career in the arts.

Exposure does not pay the bills or support a career.

It's important to communicate needs clearly in professional settings.

The right opportunities will come when you value yourself.

Creating a 'not doing that' list can help prioritize artistic integrity.

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code

takeaways

• Reflect on your achievements and setbacks regularly.
• Setbacks can be valuable lessons for growth.
• Prepare for the new year with a repertoire refresh.
• Engage with opera by understanding its history and context.
• Opera etiquette enhances the experience for everyone.
• Support local artists and productions in your community.
• Be open to new experiences in the arts.
• Social media can be a tool for supporting artists.
• Financial support isn't the only way to help the arts.
• Community and connection are vital in the arts ecosystem.

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code

Takeaways

• Artists deserve support both on and off the stage.
• Reflecting on achievements fosters growth and new opportunities.
• Navigating family conversations can be challenging for artists.
• It's okay to choose solitude during the holidays for peace.
• Working during the holidays can be isolating but fulfilling.
• Setting boundaries is essential for personal energy management.
• Humorous misconceptions about opera singers are common.
• Responding to questions about your career can be done gracefully.
• You don't owe anyone a detailed explanation of your career.
• Reclaiming December as a time for self-care is important.

Host Bri Cooper

Shop Harbour for the Arts™

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry

Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo

What's up! https://linktr.ee/harbourforthearts

Email: Harbourforthearts@gmail.com

Instagram Harbour for the Arts

Instagram Bri Cooper, Mezzo Soprano, MBA, BM (@bricooper.mezzosoprano) •

Instagram photos and videos

Spotify Playlists Harbour for the Arts

Tik Tok Bri Cooper Mezzo Soprano

SHOPPING

Shop my merch!

Harbour for the Arts™

Need a part-time job! Try Reflex app for retail assignments; use my referral code bcooper621

https://workreflex.com/?code=BCOOPER621

Use my Rakuten Code