In this inspiring episode, Elena Armijo speaks with tenor, producer, and creative entrepreneur Nathan Granner. With a career spanning 30 years, Nathan shares his path through the world of classical music, opera, film, and now, innovation at the intersection of technology and art. From humble beginnings in a small Iowa church to starring roles in Pulitzer Prize-winning productions and a bold leap into startup culture, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep commitment to connection.
Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.
Nathan and Elena explore the role of values in artistic innovation, the changing landscape of the opera world, and the surprising skills that transfer from stage to boardroom. With clarity and heart, Nathan shares personal stories of triumph and struggle, from finding belonging in music to confronting burnout, navigating leadership, and launching a startup that brings physical touch and value back into the music industry.
Nathan introduces his latest venture, Curiyo Embedded, a company redefining what a “record” can be by turning everyday objects into collectible, musical experiences that are tangible, protected, and artist-first. At the heart of his message is a call to lead with love and create in alignment with purpose.
This episode is a celebration of artistry, leadership, and innovation grounded in human connection. Whether you’re in the arts, in business, or in a season of personal transformation, there’s something here for you.
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This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:
Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer
Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)
Jo van Eeden, Project Manager
Elena Armijo
Nathan Granner
Opera Singer
Lauded American tenor Nathan Granner captivates audiences with his eloquent voice, emotional intensity, and commanding stage presence. Traversing from the lyrical narratives of bel canto to the bold frontiers of contemporary opera, he continues to affirm his reputation as one of today’s most versatile and compelling tenors.
The San Francisco Chronicle praised Granner’s “sinewy, ringing tone; splendidly flexible,” while San Francisco Classical Voice extolled his “tons of squillo on his top notes, his honeyed tone, and his sensitive dynamic choices.”
A sought-after interpreter of contemporary works, Granner has originated defining roles in world premieres including Korey Wise in Anthony Davis’ Pulitzer Prize-winning The Central Park Five (Detroit Opera, Portland Opera, Long Beach Opera), Aubrey Wells in Laura Kaminsky’s Today It Rains (Opera Paralléle), and the title role in Gordon Getty’s Goodbye, Mr. Chips. He also created Dr. Morel in Stewart Copeland’s The Invention of Morel (Chicago Opera Theater, Long Beach Opera).
Recent seasons showcase both his expansion into leading late bel canto and Verdi repertoire and his continuing exploration of new works. Between 2023–25, Granner added Mario Cavaradossi (Tosca, Opera Orlando), Don José (Carmen, Opera Santa Barbara), Radamès (Aida, Dayton Opera), and Ullman/Grady (The Shining, Portland Opera) to his repertoire. He also portrayed Bobby Riggs in Laura Karpman and Gail Collins’ Balls and Hans Sachs’ Trainer in David T. Little’s Vinkensport, or The Finch Opera (Opera Paralléle), and brought to life moun… Read More