Lyric Opera of Chicago Podcasts

American mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, acclaimed as one of the most thrilling singers of our time, sings Ulrica in A Masked Ball and then Katisha in The Mikado in her Lyric debut season.

Tenor Marcello Giordani, one of Italy's greatest stars and a huge favorite at the Metropolitan Opera, makes his long-awaited return to Lyric as Dick Johnson in The Girl of the Golden West.

The magnificent American baritone Thomas Hampson, a great favorite of Chicago audiences, is returning to Lyric this season in one of his most celebrated characterizations, the title role of Macbeth. Here he discusses the role in depth with Mark Travis, producer of Lyric's broadcasts.

Thomas Hampson continues his illuminating conversation with Mark Travis about the challenges he finds in the music and character of Macbeth.

Introducing German soprano NADJA MICHAEL, a provocative and totally riveting singing actress who makes her eagerly awaited Lyric debut as the leading lady of Lyric's new Macbeth.

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center was established in 1974 as the professional artist-development program for Lyric Opera of Chicago. In this podcast, host Roger Pines interviews soprano Amber Wagner and baritone Corey Crider, two exceptionally gifted young artists currently completing their tenure in the program.

American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato is Backstage at Lyric! In this episode, the renowned singer discusses her role as Cherubino in Lyric's current production of The Marriage of Figaro, the challenges of singing Mozart's music, and performing at London's Covent Garden in a wheelchair! WFMT's George Preston hosts.

It's one of the great works of Western culture, and Lyric's cast is second to none. Do not miss this Discovery Series session with the delightfully engaging Danielle de Niese (Susanna) and Kyle Ketelsen (Figaro).

The American stage director, who has a long association with Lyric, is remounting Sir Peter Hall's production of The Marriage of Figaro with a new cast. Here he discusses the special qualities of this work, the most important relationships that must be presented onstage, the Beaumarchais play on which the opera was based, and the strengths of the Hall production.

The vivacious Australian-born lyric soprano, who created a sensation in her Lyric debut two seasons ago as Handel's Cleopatra, is making her eagerly awaited return to the company as Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro. Here she discusses the qualities she most admires in Susanna, as well as her stage partnership in this opera with Kyle Ketelsen, her feelings regarding Figaro as a whole, and how her performances of pre-1800 repertoire has enhanced her artistry.

The renowned Polish baritone, who triumphed at Lyric two seasons ago as Tchaikovsky's Onegin, is back with the company in 2009-10 in his internationally celebrated portrayal of the Count in The Marriage of Figaro. In this podcast he explores the Count's complex character and also discusses his aria, the most challenging for a baritone in the Mozart repertoire.

The American bass-baritone, recognized worldwide as one of the most outstanding exponents of Mozart's Figaro, is singing this signature role at Lyric this season. In an interview he discusses the character of Figaro, the qualities that make a Mozart ensemble, and his own collaboration onstage with his Susanna (Danielle de Niese).

Sir Andrew Davis calls it "an opera of the mind." It is that and much more in this new production, which comes alive with projections and technical wizardry that Berlioz could only dream of. Join the singers, conductor, and director for a stimulating discussion of Berlioz and his most adventuresome work.

Lyric Opera's Chorus Master Donald Nally is Backstage at Lyric! In this podcast, Maestro Nally discusses Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust and the extraordinarly challenging music performed in that work by the chorus. While recapping highlights of the current season, Maestro Nally also shares what he's looking forward to at Lyric in 2010-11. Hosted by Roger Pines.

John Relyea recaps his career and speaks with host Roger Pines about Lyric Opera's new production of The Damnation of Faust. In this interview, he discusses the music of Berlioz, his preparation for the role of Mephistopheles, and a love for Russian music that was fulfilled when he performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.