AA Opera

Ep.105 Zachary James

October 06, 2023 10:50 - 51 minutes - 90.8 MB

WE ARE BACK! Season 8 kicks off with International Opera Singer, Stage and Screen Actor, Zachary James! Ash + Avi chat to Zach about his career in showbiz and how we can as artists can embrace versatility! Such an inspiring episode, we hope you enjoy. Zach's Links: Website | Instagram Our Links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee

Ep. 104 - Kate Lindsey

April 28, 2023 10:45 - 1 hour - 66.8 MB

This week Ash + Avi are joined by the fantastic world renowned mezzo, Kate Lindsey! Kate’s career is one so many singers aspire to. She shares what her journey has been like, working on special projects like “Handmaids Tale” as well as motherhood as an opera singer. We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Kate's Links: Website | Instagram Our Links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee

Ep. 103 - Freddie De Tommaso

April 14, 2023 10:50 - 34 minutes - 62.6 MB

This week Ash + Avi sit down with one of Opera's freshest and most celebrated Tenors, Freddie De Tommaso. Freddie reflects on his Opera Journey so far and how it came to be! He also shares the inspiration behind his debut album 'Passione' and his latest chart-topping release Il Tenore. What a pleasure it was to talk to such a genuine and talented artist. Enjoy! Freddie's Links: Website | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music Our Links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee

Ep. 102 - Benson Wilson

April 07, 2023 11:45 - 47 minutes - 44.4 MB

This week Ash + Avi got to chat with Baritone Benson Wilson. Benson is currently a Harewood artist at ENO. Benson Talks about the influence of his heritage on his performances and how he has developed a career in the industry as well as what it means to him to be an opera singer. Benson's links:

Ep. 101 - Kitty Whately

March 24, 2023 11:50 - 50 minutes - 46.8 MB

This week Ash + Avi welcome Mezzo-Soprano Kitty Whately. We find out about her exciting career and her latest album release ‘Befreit: A Soul Surrendered’. Kitty is also the co-founder of SWAP'ra. A fantastic organisation for women and parents within the Opera industry. Tune in to find out about their mission, values and how to get involved! Kitty's Links: Instagram | Twitter | Listen | Album Our Links:⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Buy us a Coffee

Ep. 100- THE 100th EPISODE!

March 17, 2023 11:47 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

This week Ash + Avi are in the hot seat! And are share some very big news... What could it be? Tune into episode 100 to find out everything! Our Links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee

Ep.99 - Aidan Oliver

March 10, 2023 11:50 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

This week Ash + Avi chat with Conductor & Chorus Director Aidan Oliver. We talk about the Glyndebourne that we know and love as well as Aidans work with Edinburgh Festival Chorus and Philharmonia Voices. We discuss the joys of choral music and tips on auditioning! Aidan's Links: Website | Twitter | Glyndebourne Support the Podcast Buy us a coffee

Ep. 98 - Ossian Huskinson

March 03, 2023 11:46 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

This week Ash + Avi met up with fellow Royal Academy of Music alumni, Bass-Baritone Ossian Huskinson. Since graduating from RAM Opera school Ossian has been working on the opera stages throughout the UK and Europe. Ossian is currently a Harewood Artist at ENO. Find out more about Ossian's exciting career on the episode. Ossian's Links: Website | Instagram Our Links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee

Ep.97 - Bruno Ravella

February 24, 2023 11:50 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

This week Ash + Avi chat with international Opera Director Bruno Ravella. Bruno shares his directing story so far, we discuss the importance of languages, the perks of working abroad and advice for aspiring directors. Make sure you're following Bruno to keep up to date with his latest productions! Bruno's Links: Website | Instagram | Wexford Festival Support the Podcast Buy us a coffee

Ep. 96 - Emma Black

February 17, 2023 11:46 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This week Ash + Avi met with director Emma Black. Starting out at Opera North as a choir administrator, Emma has a very unique and interesting journey to her directing career. She has loads of insights and is very involved with education outreach as well. You can now find Emma back at Opera North directing Eugene Onegin. Follow Emma Instagram | Website | Eugene Onegin @ Opera North

Ep.95 - Rachael Williams

February 10, 2023 11:50 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

This week Ash + Avi are joined by Rachael Williams, CEO of Streetwise Opera. Rachael shares with us what Streetwise Opera is all about and WOW - what a fantastic organisation. We also chat about what it means to be a good leader within this industry, alongside a few nuggets of advice for emerging producers. We hope you enjoy! Make sure you check out the links below to learn more and support Streetwise Opera. Streetwise Links Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Ra...

Ep. 94- James Black

February 03, 2023 11:45 - 1 hour - 62 MB

This week Ash + Avi met up with artist manager James Black. James previously an international countertenor now an artist manager working with singers across opera and concerts. We discussed his journey of becoming an agent, and James work with young emerging artists in the industry as well. We hope you enjoy! James' links: Website | Twitter Our Links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee

Ep.93 - Louise Bakker

January 27, 2023 11:50 - 56 minutes - 108 MB

This week on AA Opera we were joined by Louise Bakker - Stage Director. Louise talks about building a career as a director within Opera, the wonderful production of Orpheus in the Underworld at RCM, her work at Aylesbury Opera and the importance of learning and participation within the Industry. This episode also tackles tough topics of life at Conservatoire and arts funding cuts. Tune in and be inspired! Louise's links: Website | Instagram

Ep. 92 - Sophie Dicks

January 20, 2023 11:45 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MB

This week Ash + Avi chatted with Mezzo-Soprano Sophie Dicks. Sophie has been working in the UK opera industry since she was a student at Conservatoire . She has performed with Opera Holland Park, English Touring Opera, Welsh National Opera, and more. Sophie opened up to us about her vocal health journey as well as her newest journey of becoming a mother while continuing to pursue a career onstage. And as she says "everyone else has to just get on board with it." We know you will love Sophi...

Ep.91 Anush Hovhannisyan

January 13, 2023 11:45 - 59 minutes - 113 MB

This week we chat with our dear friend and Soprano Anush Hovhannisyan. Anush is the face of Opera's future and we are delighted to share this episode in which Anush shares her story of her musical childhood in Armenia and how she came to grace the UK Opera scene with her extraordinary voice and stage presence. We also dive deep into conversations about artistic development. Enjoy! Anush's Links: Website | Instagram | Our links: Website | Instagram | Buy us a Coffee

Ep.89 - Just the two of us

May 06, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

The season 6 FINALE is here! What a season it's been! We reminisce on the early days of AA Opera, but most of all - we look to the future and finally reveal 'that' big announcement... You can catch us both at Opera Holland Park this summer as members of the Chorus! Tune in to find out all the details and raise a glass as we celebrate season 6 and our first contracts as professional Opera singers! (WE DID IT!) Tickets are now on sale so head to the links below, and be sure to follow us on...

Ep.88 Kezia Bienek

April 29, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutes - 82.5 MB

This week we chat with Mezzo-Soprano Kezia Bienek! Kezia is making a name for herself on stages all across the UK. Right now in Madam Butterfly with WNO, you can also catch her in the title role of Carmen this summer at Opera Holland Park and with Opera North later this year... an exciting career alongside being a parent and a trained Birth & Postnatal Doula - say what?!?! Yes - an amazing lady. We admire Kezia so much! It's such a joy to share this episode! Kezia's Links: Website | Inst...

Ep. 87- Mikael Eliasen

April 22, 2022 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MB

This week Ash + Avi got to chat with performer, educator and collaborator, Mikael Eliasen. Mikael has over 30 years of experiences as head of Opera at the Curtis Institue in Philadephia. He also worked closely with San Fransico Opera and has many more years of experience traveling around the world performing recitals. Mikael has a wealth of knowledge and a love for opera, new and old. You don't want to miss this epsiode! Support us: www.patreon.com/aaopera Our links: Website | Instagr...

Ep.86 - Rebecca Meltzer

April 01, 2022 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MB

We are delighted to have Rebecca Meltzer with us this week! Rebecca has so many creative strings to her bow. A Director, Movement Director, Teacher, Facilitator and Founding Director of Waterperry Opera. Wow...so much to unpack! Hear about Rebecca's journey to her creative career today, starting out at Durham University followed by her studies at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and all of the growth and experiences in between! We have an interesting chat about the importance of...

Ep. 85- Bridget Cunningham

March 25, 2022 11:55 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

This week Ash + Avi met with the wonderfully talented and intelligent Bridget Cunningham. She is a conductor, harpsichordist and musicologist with a special focus on Handel. You can find her work in so many places including at Buckingham Palace performing for the Royal Family. Bridget shares what she is currently working on and a little bit more of an insight into the world of Handel and his music. With a new album coming out in June you definitely want to keep your eye out on her socials to...

Ep.84 - Nadine Benjamin MBE

March 18, 2022 12:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB

This week Ash + Avi chat to British Soprano Nadine Benjamin. We hear about how Nadine's unconventional route into Opera has led to an exciting and successful career in the Music industry. In high demand as a Soprano with major Opera Companies, Nadine is well known for having played some of the most iconic leading ladies such as Musetta, Aida and Countess. Having established this reputation, Nadine looks forward to performing in new Opera's and more contemporary repertoire and recitals... tun...

Ep. 83 - John Savournin

March 11, 2022 12:00 - 49 minutes - 46 MB

This week Ash + Avi met up with Bass-Baritone and Director John Savournin. You can currently find John on the stages of Opera Holland Park, English National Opera, his own company Charles Court Opera and many more! If you like G&S you are also in for a treat! This weeks 'Know it All' is brought to you by Ashleigh! Links for 'Drops': https://bit.ly/3KAdAot * John's Links: Website | Instagram Support us: www.patreon.com/aaopera Our links: Website | Instagram Hope you enjoy! xxx L...

Ep.82 - Tara Erraught

March 04, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 59 MB

Joining AA Opera this week is Irish Mezzo-Soprano Tara Erraught! Tara is celebrated as a Bel Canto QUEEN and is critically acclaimed for her performances on the Operatic and Concert Stages across the globe.🌎 👑 Tara sits down and inspires us with her story with some great advice for singers along the way...from demystifying Coloratura to tackling the trouser roles or maybe just having a good old word with yourself and committing to the Opera trade! This episode will leave you feeling empower...

Ep. 81 - Lloyd Griffith

February 25, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 68.1 MB

We are delighted to share our chat with Comedian, Lloyd Griffith. You may recognise Lloyd from your TV screens, making you laugh in his hilarious comic sketches, he can also be found cheering in a Football Stadium near you! ⁣ What brings Lloyd to AA Opera podcast I hear you say? Well, it turns out Lloyd is a choir boy... well he was - today he's still a legit singer (countertenor turned Baritone - yes tune in to hear him explain that one ). This episode promises a geek out on Britain's glor...

Ep. 80 - Verity Wingate

February 11, 2022 15:36 - 1 hour - 63.4 MB

This week Ash + Avi met up with Soprano Verity Wingate. Verity has just returned to the UK after spending 2 years in the Dutch National Studio. She also talked about her experience at The Belvedere Singing Competition and she is full of knowledge and wisdom. And most recently she made her English National Opera debut in Philip Glass' Satyagrha. We hope you enjoy! Verity's Links: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Support us: www.patreon.com/aaopera Our links: Website | Instagram

Ep.79 - Tom Elwin

February 04, 2022 12:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MB

This week on AA Opera we chat with Tenor, Tom Elwin. Tom shares memories of his early years as a Choir boy followed by his journey to becoming an Opera Singer. As an active career in todays industry, Tom has lots to tell us about working in the UK, Germany, covering roles and an important and insightful chat about vocal health, singers take note! With Tom's upcoming performance as Rodolfo with English Touring Opera, Ashleigh shares some fun facts about La bohème in our new 'Know it All' Seg...

Ep. 78- Anthony Roth Costanzo

January 28, 2022 12:00 - 51 minutes - 47.9 MB

This week Ash + Avi had the honour to chat with Anthony Roth Costanzo. Anthony Roth Costanzo is the worlds leading countertenor. He has been on some kind of stage for most of his life and has performed with the likes of Pavarotti and... Michael Jackson! ARC is also now for his critically acclaimed performance of Philip Glass' Akhenaten, which he originated and will be return to this year. He's also a Grammy award nominee for he solo album ARC. Anthony is such an inspiration for his work on...

Ep.77 - John Paul Jennings

January 21, 2022 12:00 - 55 minutes - 106 MB

This week we are joined by up & coming American Conductor John Paul Jennings 🎶 JP is currently a postgraduate student at the Royal College of Music. He’s making quite a name for himself over here in the UK with regular performances and collaborations with Regents Opera. JP shares insights into studying abroad, embracing the process of your journey to ‘becoming’ an artist and shares his conducting inspirations and aspirations. 🌍✨ This weeks episode Composer of the Month is back! It's our p...

Ep. 76- Ross Ramgobin

January 14, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 119 MB

Hello and we are back this week with the wonderful Baritone Ross Ramgobin. Ross is a staple figure in today's opera scene preforming on many of the worlds great stages. This episode we discussed learning music, mental health, the love of football and lots about opera of course! We also had a guest in the background serenading this recording. Let us know if you can figure out what they are singing. We are with another mini-lecture (please help with a name for this segment!) led by Avi. Ho...

Ep.75 Amy Lane

January 07, 2022 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MB

Ash + Avi are BACK! Season 6 is officially a go and they are here with a new episode... every week! To kick it off we have Opera Director Amy Lane! Tune in to hear about her fascinating career path from starting out as a professional singer, to finding a passion for Stage Management all before having a successful Directing career. Amy has such a wealth of knowledge and experience to share! 💡 Alongside her directing engagements worldwide, she is now the Artistic Director of the Copenhagen ...

Ep. 74 - Angel Blue

September 03, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MB

This week Ash + Avi are signing off season 5 with a BANG! This weeks guest is non other than Grammy award winner Soprano Angel Blue! Angel has one of the most exciting contemporary careers with a schedule filled with performances on all the major stages in the world. She shares overcoming rejection, focusing on your craft and approaching everything with a positive smile and an open heart! You most definitely do not want to miss this episode! And follow Angel on her social media so you do n...

Ep.73- Harry Baker

August 27, 2021 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.7 MB

Our composer of the month Harry Baker joins us for a full episode! Harry Baker is an award-winning improvising pianist and composer active in jazz, classical, and new-music settings. Harry shares his story, tips and tricks for aspiring composers. Not only that, we get insight into his performances on stage and radio, as well as collaborations with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and the award-winning Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Be sure to check out Harry’s debut EP, ‘The Floatin...

Ep. 72 - Stay Golden

August 20, 2021 11:41 - 49 minutes - 46.2 MB

Hello and here we go! This episode is mostly just Ash + Avi have the best time! In addition to the last segment from this weeks 'Composer of the Month' Harry Baker! But this episode is really quizzical! have a listen and we would love to hear your answers and what was the most surprising thing you learned about us? Harry's Links: Website | Instagram Support us: www.patreon.com/aaopera Our links: www.aaoperapod.com

Ep.71 - Eleazar Rodríguez

August 13, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

Get ready to have a good time everybody! On this week's episode, we are joined by Mexican Tenor, Eleazar Rodríguez. An acclaimed international opera singer celebrated for his vibrancy, and he certainly brings smiles to us in this interview. You may also know him as a comedy extraordinaire riding the wave of Reels over on Instagram, we really have him to thank for bringing some much-needed humour through what has been a difficult year in the Opera industry. Listen in for insights into his c...

Ep.70- Claire Barnett-Jones

August 06, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MB

We are delighted to be joined by Mezzo-Soprano Claire Barnett-Jones! Claire has been a busy bee since we recorded this interview... Winning the Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize in Cardiff Singer of the World 2021 has been a particular highlight! What a treat to be joined by such a wonderful lady who is taking the Operatic world by storm! We chat about Claire's early steps in the industry, insights into the Harewood Artist Program at ENO, and we chat about performing in a pandemic! Also, ...

Ep. 69 - Laura Attridge

July 30, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MB

This week Ash + Avi had a wonderful time chatting with Director Laura Attridge! Laura is a director and poet on a mission to empower singers and to define what opera can be in the 21st century! We talk audition tips and more about Laura's incredible workshops for singers. In addition to her amazing directorial work and incredible writing as well! You defintely want to check out this episode and follow Laura as well! Laura's Links: Website , twitter ,Instagram AA Opera Links: Website ,...

Ep.68 - Will Todd

July 09, 2021 11:00 - 57 minutes - 53.3 MB

This week we chat with composer Will Todd! His music is celebrated all over the world from Mass in Blue being one of the most famous choral pieces, to his arrangement of Amazing Grace being performed at President Obama's inauguration day- Yes, this guy is pretty special! Will's music is valued for being super exciting as he blends genres together! We chat specifically about his Opera compositions and collaborations but be sure to check out Will's full collection of Choral, Orchestral, and m...

Ep.66- Channa Malkin

July 08, 2021 09:48 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MB

We are delighted to bring you our interview with Soprano- Channa Malkin, this conversation has everything from the success of 'Handel goes Tinder' to life as an 'Opera Mum'! Also, find out more about Channa's latest album, 'This is not a lullaby'. We are once again joined by our Composer of the month Anna Appleby and this week's quiz will make you want to get glammed up and head out to an Opera party... but which one will it be? Channa's Links: NEW Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/7A...

Ep. 67 - Anna Appleby

July 02, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MB

This weeks incredible guest is the one and only Anna Appleby (and as she says a true AA Opera girl herself). Anna's music has been featured on the podcast all month long and we are so happy to finally share our full interview with her. Anna is a contemporary composer, currently an artist in residence at Glydebourne. Anna has such an amazing creative catalogue and composing isn't her only MO. Make sure after you listen to the episode to go check out all her work. Including her new single An...

Ep. 65 - Nina Brazier

June 18, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MB

This week we have an amazing guest for you (as always ) It's Nina Brazier. Staff director at Oper Frankfurt and founder of The Opera Pod! It was so lovely to chat with her and we are sure you will love to hear what she had to say. Plus we are back with another amazing composition from this months composer Anna Appleby.

Ep.64 - Christopher Gillett

June 11, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MB

Ash + Avi chat with tenor and writer Christopher Gillett. If there's anyone who shares our love of Benjamin Britten, Chris is the guy! So much so, he's got a brand new book all about 'Knowing Britten'.Tune in for some top-notch Britten chat, industry insights, and hear about the wonderful work of Wild Plum Arts! We are also delighted to launch our brand new segment "Composer of the month". Our first shining star is Anna Appleby! This weeks quiz was "Is it an Opera or an Apple" if you'd...

Ep. 63 - Elizabeth Llewellyn

June 04, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 49 MB

This week Ash + Avi met up with Soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn. Elizabeth has just released her new album Heart and Hereafter a collection of song cycle by composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Elizabeth shares with them all about how the album came to be plus a bit more! This weeks quiz was "Harry Potter spell or musical term" if you'd like to play click here. Elizabeth's links: https://elizabethllewellyn.com , Instagram Heart and Hereafter on Spotify Support us: www.patreon.com/aaopera...

Ep. 62- Hello SEASON 5

May 28, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

This week Ash + Avi catch up answer your questions and take an internet quiz (so you know the results are so accurate!) Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in touch : @AAOperaPod [email protected] IG: @aaoperapod Facebook: Twitter: --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aa-opera/support

Ep. 61 - Luca Pisaroni

March 26, 2021 15:00 - 54 minutes - 50.6 MB

This week Ash + Avi had a chat with world renowned Baritone Luca Pisaroni. Since making his debut at age 26 with the Vienna Philharmonic at the Salzburg Festival, Luca has continue to bring his wonderful voice and artistry to audiences across the globe. All while bringing his with Catherine and their two opera dogs (Lenny & Tristan) along. Primephone: http://bit.ly/2MonthsForFree code *AAOPERA* Luca's link: Website, Instagram Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in t...

Ep. 60 - Alex Woolf

March 19, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 71.2 MB

This week Ash + Avi had a chat with Composer Alex Woolf. Alex was awarded BBC Young composer of the year in 2012, and since then has gone on to have a fantastic career, composing a wide range of music from choral to chamber and most recently Opera! Primephone: http://bit.ly/2MonthsForFree code *AAOPERA* Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in touch : @AAOperaPod [email protected] IG: @aaoperapod Facebook: Twitter: --- Support this podcast: https://anchor....

Ep. 59- Michal Doron

March 12, 2021 12:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

This week Ash + Avi had tea/coffee with Dresden Semperoper Ensemble member Michal Doron. They talked moving to a new city the importance of honest conversation and more... You don't want to miss this episode. Primephone: http://bit.ly/2MonthsForFree code *AAOPERA* Michal's links: Website , Instagram Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in touch : @AAOperaPod [email protected] IG: @aaoperapod Facebook: Twitter:

Ep. 58 - Julia Burbach

March 05, 2021 12:00 - 52 minutes - 49 MB

This week Ash + Avi had the pleasure of talking to director Julia Burbach. From small scale fringe to fully staged productions on the main opera houses around the world Julia has so much knowledge about the industry and her passion is contagious! You definitely want to listen to this one! Primephone: http://bit.ly/2MonthsForFree code *AAOPERA* Julia's links: Website , Instagram Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in touch : @AAOperaPod [email protected]...

Ep. 57- Samantha Crawford

February 26, 2021 12:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

This week Ash + Avi got talking with Soprano Samantha Crawford all about motherhood and the opera industry. Primephone: http://bit.ly/2MonthsForFree code *AAOPERA* Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in touch : @AAOperaPod [email protected] IG: @aaoperapod Facebook: Twitter:

Ep. 56 - Louisa Muller

February 19, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 64.1 MB

This week Ash + Avi sat down with Director Louisa Muller. This conversation is full of amazing insight and Louisa has so many amazing tools and is so open to share. Primephone: http://bit.ly/2MonthsForFree code *AAOPERA* Louisa's Links: www.louisamuller.com , Instagram, Facebook . Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in touch : @AAOperaPod [email protected] IG: @aaoperapod Facebook: Twitter:

Ep. 55 - Simon Wallfisch

February 12, 2021 11:13 - 1 hour - 62.8 MB

This week Ash + Avi gotten chatting with Baritone Simon Wallfisch. He has so much insight this is surely an episode no one wants to miss. Primephone: http://bit.ly/2MonthsForFree code *AAOPERA* www.simonwallfisch.com Support us: www.patreon.com/AAOPERA www.aaoperapod.com Stay in touch : @AAOperaPod [email protected] IG: @aaoperapod Facebook: Twitter:

Episodes

Twitter Mentions