Lyric Opera of Chicago Podcasts

Sir Andrew Davis joins Ana María Martínez (Margueite) and Piotr Beczala (Faust) in an exploration of the most popular of all operatic versions of the famous Faust legend. In this session, these three remarkable artists exchange ideas about the characters and music of Gounod's Faust as well as the opera's importance within the French repertoire. Roger Pines moderates.

The ravishing Puerto Rican-born soprano returns to Lyric, starring as Marguerite in Gounod's glorious Faust. "Sparkling and spirited...she's the linchpin of the performance," raved the Chicago Tribune. In this conversation with dramaturg Roger Pines, Martínez provides behind-the-scenes details on stage director Frank Corsaro's production and offers fascinating commentary about how she interprets Marguerite.

The sensational Polish tenor Piotr Beczala makes his eagerly anticipated Lyric debut in the title role of Gounod's Faust. He talks in detail about the very human qualities of his character and other aspects of Lyric's production, including the fight choreography. Beczala also discusses growing up in southern Poland and what he plans to do during his stay in Chicago.

The celebrated American bass-baritone Dale Travis returns to Lyric for two roles this season, as the Sacristan in Puccini's Tosca and as Baron Zeta in Lehar's The Merry Widow. In this conversation, Travis talks about the influence of television on his approach to performing; how he interprets the role of the Sacristan and Baron Zeta; his long association with the Lyric Opera "family;"and what he loves most about the city of Chicago. Producer Mark Travis is your host.

Internationally celebrated soprano Deborah Voigt returns to Lyric to star in the title role of Puccini's Tosca. She's joined by the production's stage director, Garnett Bruce, in this panel discussion. They bring tremendous insight, as well as humor, to a conversation about all aspects of Tosca. Lyric dramaturg Roger Pines moderates.

Three gifted bass-baritones from the Ryan Opera Center join Lyric dramaturg Roger Pines in a wide-ranging conversation. They discuss their roles in the upcoming 2009/10 season, provide insights into the bass-baritone voice type, and share onstage bloopers, backstage mischief, and more!

Donald Nally takes you behind-the-scenes for a fascinating look at the upcoming 2009/10 season from the chorus master's perspective. In this interview, Donald explains the many daunting challenges the chorus will face in a wide range of exciting and demanding repertoire. Roger Pines hosts.

Technical Director Peter Schwob has the complex job of coordinating everything you see on stage at Lyric Opera, from costumes and scenery to wigs and makeup, to special effects and lighting. In this illuminating conversation, hear him describe his job and what he anticipates being the most challenging aspects of the productions in the upcoming 2009/10 season.

Get ready for Faust with young tenor sensation Joseph Kaiser. Kaiser shares his experiences preparing for a role that asks, "If you could be young again, what would you do differently?"

Two world renowned sopranos share the spotlight in this season's production of Tosca.

The celebrated American tenor stars as Faust in Berlioz's spectacular and rarely staged The Damnation of Faust.

She's the most electrifying singing actress of our day, the kind of performer who drives the public into frenzies. That's how Musical America described the Finnish soprano when it named her the Musician of the Year in 2005. In November and December, the megastar returns to Lyric in the title role of Janacek's Katya Kabanova. Her portrayal of one of the great tragic heroines in opera is sure to be a highlight of the 2009/10 season. Discover more about this breathtaking artist by listening to our second installment of our podcast mini-series, A Star You Should Know. The 2-minute clip features commentary by general director William Mason and dramaturg Roger Pines, plus and an aria excerpt from Schoenberg's Gurrelieder.

Acclaimed Polish tenor Piotr Beczala makes his Lyric Opera debut this fall as the title role in Charles Gounad's Faust. A star in Europe, Beczala made his mark in America and beyond earlier this year when he stepped in to perform the leading male role Edgardo opposite Anna Netrebko in the Met's Lucia di Lammermoor, which was simulcast in theater's around the world. Beczala is a critical sensation, garnering rave reviews from press and audiences alike.

The story's a simple one - but the demands on the singers are anything but! Marvel at our "best in the business" Mozart masters in this delightful Discovery Series podcast featuring tenor Matthew Polenzani, director Chas Rader-Shieber and conductor Sir Andrew Davis.

Internationally recognized soprano Erin Wall is Backstage at Lyric. Erin, whose career began at Lyric Opera of Chicago, returns to play the lead role of Konstanze in Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio. Hosted by Roger Pines.