http://www.LyricOpera.org The latest news, podcasts and videos from Lyric Opera of Chicago en-us Fri, 1 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT Arts & Entertainment Lyric Opera of Chicago http://lyricoperamedia.s3.amazonaws.com/_img/backstage.jpg http://www.LyricOpera.org (c) 2009 Lyric Opera of Chicago Only singers possessed of Herculean talent and stamina are able to do justice to the title roles of Tristan und Isolde - and Lyric has them! Deborah Voight (Isolde), Clifton Forbis (Tristan) and director Jose Maria Condemi join Lyric's Jesse Gram for an intimate discussion of Wagner's epic masterpiece. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=3#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl01_Repeater5_ctl03 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:43:00 GMT American mezzo-soprano Judith Christin joins us for our latest podcast. A favorite artist with opera companies all across the United States, Judith returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago to play the role of Mama Lucia in Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=2#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl02 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:43:00 GMT Join host Roger Pines for a lively discussion with Cav-Pag stars Guang Yang (Santuzza), Mark Delavan (Alfio) and Ana Maria Martinez (Tonio) in Lyric's latest Discovery Series podcast. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=3#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl01_Repeater5_ctl02 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:43:00 GMT Sir Andrew Davis previews the 2009/10 season with musical excerpts and commentary in this 18-minute audio clip. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=5#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl03_Repeater5_ctl01 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:43:00 GMT 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. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=2#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl0 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:43:00 GMT 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. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=3#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl01_Repeater5_ctl01 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:43:00 GMT 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. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=6#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl04_Repeater5_ctl02 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:43:00 GMT "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. http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?&tab=6#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl04_Repeater5_ctl01 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:43:00 GMT The celebrated American tenor stars as Faust in Berlioz's spectacular and rarely staged The Damnation of Faust. http://www.lyricopera.org/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=8984?&tab=4#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_rpt_audioGalleries_ctl01_Repeater2_ctl01 Mon, 25 May 2009 13:43:00 GMT Two world renowned sopranos share the spotlight in this season's production of Tosca. http://www.lyricopera.org/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=8987?&tab=4#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_rpt_audioGalleries_ctl01_Repeater2_ctl01 Tue, 26 May 2009 14:43:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2#audio_ctl00_ctl00_bodyContentArea_bodyContentArea_content1_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl00_Repeater5_ctl01&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric53 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?" Tue, 7 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric54 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. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric55 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. Tue, 4 Aug 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org?&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSSingleTickets Order today to get exactly what you want! Seat selection will never be better. Call 312.332.2244 or order online! Tue, 4 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric56 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! Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric57 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. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric58 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. Thu, 1 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric59 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. Fri, 2 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric60 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. Thu, 8 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric61 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. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric62 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric63 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=ErnaniWebVideo New web video featuring commentary by director Jose Maria Condemi and baritone Boaz Daniel (Don Carlo). Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric64 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. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric65 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." Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric66 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. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSKatyaWebVideo Interviews with the cast and conductor Markus Stenz. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageAtLyric67 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. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSGavinPlumley A short featurette with Gavin Plumley on the music of Katya Kabanova. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric68 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. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric69 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. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=1&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageDiaries New web video featuring backstage interviews with Mara Blumenfeld, Elizabeth Futral, Stephen Costello and Andriana Chuchman. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric70 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. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric71 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. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric72 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. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric73 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. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric74 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. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 GMT http://www.lyricopera.org/watchandlisten/index.aspx?tab=2&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSSBackstageatLyric75 Sir Andrew Davis, Lyric's renowned music director, introduces listeners to the 2010-11 season, including wonderful highlights from all eight operas. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 GMT