Lyric Opera Of Chicago Podcasts

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.

Sir Andrew Davis, Lyric's renowned music director, introduces listeners to the 2010-11 season, including wonderful highlights from all eight operas.

Soprano Nicole Cabell, who stars as Adina in Lyric's production of The Elixir of Love, is Backstage at Lyric. In this podcast, she joins George Preston, host of Lyric's opening-night broadcasts on WFMT. Their conversation explores the relationships between Adina and Nemorino in Donizetti's lovable comedy, a gem of the bel canto repertoire.

Soprano Angela Mannino joins host Roger Pines for a lively discussion of her current role in Lyric's production of The Elixir of Love. She also expresses her excitement regarding her upcoming Metropolitan Opera debut and recalls her experiences substituting at Lyric in a major role at the eleventh hour for last season's Abduction from the Seraglio.

Lyric general director William Mason says Elixir is one of his "desert island" operas. In other words, it's a not-to-be-missed classic -- and so is our Discovery session with Nicole Cabell (Adina) and Giuseppe Filianoti (Nemerino) discussing this bel canto feast. Hosted by Roger Pines.

Two award-winning young artists join host Roger Pines for a delightful conversation on The Merry Widow. Soprano Andriana Chuchman, who audiences will remember from last season's Manon, and tenor Stephen Costello, recipient of the 2009 Richard Tucker Award, discuss their current roles and recent achievements. They also share their plans for the future and what they hope to accomplish in their careers.

Mary Ernster and Bernie Yvon, well-known to musical-theater audiences in Chicago, discuss their roles as Sylviane and Bogdanovich in Lyric's new production of The Merry Widow. In this interview, they also talk about the differences between singing musical theater and opera; about sharing the stage with a world-class orchestra; and what it's like collaborating with acclaimed Broadway director Gary Griffin. George Preston is your host.

In a delightful conversation, soprano Elizabeth Futral, who stars as Hanna in Lyric Opera's new production of The Merry Widow, joins George Preston, host of Lyric's broadcasts. While also recalling her previous roles at Lyric, Ms. Futral provides insights into Hanna's music and personality and also explores the relationships between characters in Lehar's sparkling yet highly affecting operetta.

Comedy, romance, waltzes, and a score chock full of delightful music. It's all there in Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow. And here to share their thoughts on the most popular and delightful operetta of all time are its stars, conductor and director.

A short featurette with Gavin Plumley on the music of Katya Kabanova.

American tenor Brandon Jovanovich, winner of the highly prestigious Richard Tucker Award, has earned critical acclaim for his Lyric Opera debut role, Boris in Katya Kabanova. He speaks with Roger Pines about the challenges of portraying this character, while also discussing his other roles in Czech repertoire and his background in theater.

In this podcast, soprano Karita Mattila illuminates her role as Katya and expresses her great enthusiasm for Johnathan Miller's production from the Metropolitan Opera. Roger Pines hosts.

Katya Kabanova is Janacek's drama of forbidden love in a provincial Russian town. Join mezzo-soprano Judith Forst (Kabanicha), tenor Brandon Jovanovich (Boris), and conductor Markus Stenz for an in-depth look at a breathtakingly beautiful, deeply moving opera by the "Czech Puccini."

Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky and director Jose Maria Condemi join dramaturg Roger Pines for an enlightening exchange on Lyric's new production of Verdi's Ernani. In this episode, they share vivid insights into the characters and provide invigorating commentary on the Victor Hugo play upon which the opera is based.

Israeli baritone Boaz Daniel is returning to Lyric as Don Carlo in Ernani. Here he speaks with Lyric Opera broadcast host George Preston about this intriguing character, who sings some of the most magnificent music Giuseppe Verdi ever composed for the baritone voice.

Italian tenor Salvatore Licitra is returning to Lyric to star in the title role of Ernani. Listen to his conversation with Lyric Opera dramaturg Roger Pines, in which Licitra speaks about singing his role's challenging music and reveals what makes Ernani important and memorable as a key "transition work" in Verdi's career.

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.