Podcasts
Backstage at Lyric #39
» Stream / Listen        Porgy and Bess is the great American opera and for its Lyric Opera premiere, we've assembled a dynamic panel of artists and Gershwin scholars. They delve into Porgy's extraordinary genesis — descendant of an "Old Southern" family pens a novel on which a Jewish-American composer creates an operatic masterwork that deals with love and death in an insular black community. Enjoy this freewheeling discussion of Porgy and Bess and the reactions it has inspired over the decades in white and black America. Symposium panelists include University of Michigan musicologist Naomi André, Gershwin authority Wayne Shirley, baritone Gordon Hawkins (Porgy), soprano Morenike Fadayomi (Bess), and conductor John DeMain. The presentation is moderated by renowned music critic Wynne Delacoma. Backstage at Lyric #38
» Stream / Listen  In his debut engagement at Lyric Opera, American baritone Lester Lynch is alternating between the roles of Crown and Porgy in the company premiere of Gershwin's PORGY AND BESS. Lynch discusses the challenges of singing and acting both of those characters, and also explains what he finds most rewarding about the production. Backstage at Lyric #37
» Stream / Listen  Paul Curran has returned to Lyric this season as stage director of the new production of Berg's Lulu. Curran made his Lyric debut last season with another new production, Die Frau ohne Schatten. He's one of the most sought-after opera directors in the world with successes in Santa Fe, Toronto, Milan and Saint Petersburg. He shares his thoughts on the sensuality of Lulu and provides fascinating commentary on his approach to directing this masterpiece of music theater. Backstage at Lyric #36
» Stream / Listen   Fasten your seatbelts! Marlis Petersen is Lulu, the sexually smoldering femme fatale in Alban Berg's crime story/opera. And who better to join her in a Discovery Series session than Sir Andrew Davis, the conductor of the intricate and emotion-layered musical score that contains some of the last century's most complex and expressionistic orchestral writing. Title this one, "Honey, it ain't Die Fledermaus!" Moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #35
» Stream / Listen  The remarkable American tenor William Burden portrays the crucial character of Alwa in this season's new production of Berg's Lulu. In this discussion you'll hear not just about Burden's challenging role in Lulu but also about his feelings for this provocative opera and working with the gifted artistic team putting the production together. Backstage at Lyric #34
» Stream / Listen  After her triumph last season in Strauss's Die Frau ohne Schatten, the extroardinary American mezzo-soprano Jill Grove is back at Lyric in the new production of Berg's Lulu. In this conversation she discusses the character she plays in this opera, Countess Geschwitz; the production (including the exciting film sequence, in which she figures prominently); and being a new mother -- her most important offstage role! Moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #33
» Stream / Listen  Donald Nally, Lyric Opera's brilliant chorus master, gives us the inside story on preparing the chorus for the first three productions of the 2008/09 season: Massenet's Manon, Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, and the Lyric premiere of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Backstage at Lyric #32
» Stream / Listen     Before he gave us Carmen, Bizet penned this atmospheric jewel of forbidden love and broken promises set in ancient Ceylon. Nicole Cabell (Leïla), Nathan Gunn (Zurga), and Eric Cutler (Nadir) are joined by conductor John Mauceri for an exploration of this exotic work. Moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #31
» Stream / Listen    Soprano Andriana Chuchman and mezzo-sopranos Kathryn Leemhuis and Katherine Lerner are three brilliantly talented members of Lyric Opera's Ryan Opera Center. They're all performing in Massenet's Manon, the opening production of Lyric's 2008/2009 season. They talk not only about the experience of working with the production's stars, but also about what it's like to be a young singer today at a leading international opera company. Backstage at Lyric #30
» Stream / Listen    A sweet country girl fluctuates between a life of luxury and one of true love – bad idea! Soon enough she's speeding toward perdition. Natalie Dessay (Manon), Jonas Kaufmann (Des Grieux), and conductor Emmanuel Villaume in a discussion of Massenet's opera and the Abbé Prévost story that inspired it. Backstage at Lyric #29
» Stream / Listen  Christopher Feigum is rapidly making a terrific name for himself as one of the most charismatic and vocally elegant young baritones in America. He's opening the current Lyric season as Lescaut, the heroine's brother in Massnet's Manon. Feigum discusses the roguish aspects of Lescaut's character, working with stage director David McVicar, his experience in Lyric's Ryan Opera Center, and the benefits of living in Chicago. Backstage at Lyric #28
» Stream / Listen  Music director Sir Andrew Davis reveals the spectacular highlights of Lyric's upcoming 54th season - featuring thrilling masterworks including 5 new-to-Chicago productions. For an all-encompassing musical and theatrical experience filled with glorious music that dazzles the senses and stirs the soul, join us for the 2008/09 season at Lyric Opera of Chicago! Backstage at Lyric #27
» Stream / Listen  Lyric Opera's technical director Peter Schwob and production design director Scott Marr divulge the secrets of bringing the physical world of opera to life -- from the birth of a concept to the final staging. The two backstage "wizards" discuss their day-to-day challenges; standout productions from seasons past; and some of the many highlights on tap for the 2008/09 season. Moderated by Jack Zimmerman. Backstage at Lyric #26
» Stream / Listen  She is the dreamy country girl who reveals her deepest passion - too soon. He is the blueblood playboy who discovers true love - too late! Lyric Opera of Chicago closes the 2007/08 season with what critics hail as an "exceptional" and "powerful" production of Eugene Onegin. Listen as soprano Dina Kuznetsova (starring as Tatyana, one of Russia's most beloved heroines), and conductor Sir Andrew Davis, join Roger Pines for an enlightening discussion about Tchaikovsky's poignantly beautiful masterpiece of unrequited love. Backstage at Lyric #25
» Stream / Listen  Frank Lopardo, one of today's leading tenors internationally, returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago as Lensky in Tchaikovsky's masterpiece Eugene Onegin. The Lyric favorite discusses why he so loves this particular role (his tenth with the company); how he perfected his Russian diction; the philosophy that guides his acclaimed career; the joy of performing again with soprano Dina Kuznetsova (Tatyana, previously Gilda in Rigoletto opposite Lopardo at Lyric); and his special affection for this company. Backstage at Lyric #24
» Stream / Listen  Russian-American soprano Dina Kuznetsova and Georgian mezzo-soprano Nino Surguladze, star as sisters Tatyana and Olga in Tchaikovsky's masterpiece Eugene Onegin. The pair reflect on Pushkin's classic novel in verse (Tchaikovsky's inspiration for the opera) and its enormous influence in Russian culture; the contrasting natures of Tatyana and Olga; the special touches that make Lyric's production so exquisitely beautiful and romantic, and more. Backstage at Lyric #23
» Stream / Listen  What is more delightful than a performance of Barber? Especially when it has Nathan Gunn (Figaro) and Joyce DiDonato (Rosina). Both engage in a lively exchange on Rossini's comedic masterpiece, moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #22
» Stream / Listen Nathan Gunn, one of today's most charismatic and artistically adventurous artists, sings the title role of Figaro in Lyric Opera's The Barber of Seville. The American baritone discusses the challenges of performing Figaro's aria (probably the most popular baritone aria ever written); his view of Figaro as a character; the wonderful teamwork of Lyric's cast; and the story behind his new solo CD, which features songs by a broad spectrum of gifted contemporary American composers -- from Ben Moore and Gene Scheer to Tom Waits and Billy Joel. Backstage at Lyric #21
» Stream / Listen Internationally celebrated American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato makes one of this season's most anticipated Lyric Opera debuts as Rosina in Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville. She discusses the many aspects of Rosina's character, and why the Lyric production is such over-the-top fun. DiDonato reveals, too, how she developed her own voice and style while performing Rossini in the world's most famous opera houses; overcoming the physical rigors of performing; the value of continuing to return to a particular role onstage; and how her "chemistry" with co-star Nathan Gunn enhances their portrayals in Lyric's now-legendary production. Backstage at Lyric #20
» Stream / Listen     He's old, unloved, overweight, and broke -- yet Falstaff is one of the most endearing characters in opera and literature. Find out about the work that bears his name, the opera that is the masterful last creation of Verdi's long career. Veronica Villarroel (Alice), Andrew Shore (Falstaff), Boaz Daniel (Ford), and director Olivier Tambosi join Roger Pines for a discussion of this late-Verdi gem. Backstage at Lyric #19
» Stream / Listen   Two outstanding young American artists, soprano Stacey Tappan and tenor Bryan Griffin, play the captivating young lovers Nannetta and Fenton in Lyric's production of Falstaff. The duo provide lively commentary about their roles in one of the most effervescent of all operatic comedies. Topics include Verdi's marvelous ensemble writing, the high-energy direction of Olivier Tambosi, and their experiences in Lyric's Ryan Opera Center. Backstage at Lyric #18
» Stream / Listen Stage director Olivier Tambosi tells us why he believes Verdi's Falstaff is the composer's greatest masterpiece. He describes the beauty of the score and the joy of experiencing the comedy in the opera house. Tambosi discusses the differences between Shakespeare's plays and adaptations of his works by 19th-century opera composers. He delves deeply into the character of Falstaff, revealing why generations of audiences have fallen in love with this incorrigible – and profoundly human – stage creation. Backstage at Lyric #17
» Stream / Listen The defining event of the 20th century, the development of the Atomic Bomb, is the basis for this John Adams work. The symposium's distinguished panelists include composer John Adams; his librettist and director Peter Sellars; Gerald Finley, who portrays Robert Oppenheimer in the opera; Nobelist Norman Ramsey who worked with Oppenheimer at Los Alamos; Pulitzer Prize-winning Oppenheimer biographer Martin Sherwin; noted physicist and teacher Henry Frisch, whose parents worked on the Manhattan Project and who now is a keeper of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' Doomsday Clock (the figurative representation of humanity's proximity to global catastrophe); and president and CEO of The Art Institute of Chicago, James Cuno. Join them for a fascinating look at both the opera and the incidents and characters that inspired it. A once-in-a-lifetime convergence of music, history, and scholarship, this not-to-be-missed symposium is an historic event in its own right! Moderated by Wynne Delacoma and Peter Sagal. Backstage at Lyric #16
» Stream / Listen     The defining event of the 20th century, the development of the Atomic Bomb, is the basis for this John Adams work. The symposium's distinguished panelists include Nobelist Norman Ramsey who worked with Oppenheimer at Los Alamos; Pulitzer Prize-winning Oppenheimer biographer Martin Sherwin; and noted physicist and teacher Henry Frisch, whose parents worked on the Manhattan Project and who now is a keeper of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' Doomsday Clock (the figurative representation of humanity's proximity to global catastrophe). Join them for a fascinating look at both the opera and the incidents and characters that inspired it. A once-in-a-lifetime convergence of music, history, and scholarship, this not-to-be-missed symposium is an historic event in its own right! Moderated by Peter Sagal. Backstage at Lyric #15
» Stream / Listen      The defining event of the 20th century, the development of the Atomic Bomb, is the basis for this John Adams work. The symposium's distinguished panelists include composer John Adams; his librettist and director Peter Sellars; Gerald Finley, who portrays Robert Oppenheimer in the opera; and president and CEO of The Art Institute of Chicago, James Cuno. Join them for a fascinating look at both the opera and the incidents and characters that inspired it. A once-in-a-lifetime convergence of music, history, and scholarship, this not-to-be-missed symposium is an historic event in its own right! Moderated by Wynne Delacoma. Backstage at Lyric #14
» Stream / Listen  Baritone Gerald Finley and bass Eric Owens star as the real-life characters J. Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves. The pair discuss the historical research involved in preparing for the roles, their love for Oppenheimer's deeply moving Act I aria, "Batter my heart," their characters as archetypes, the challenge of opera in the age of the soundbyte, and their enthusiasm for contemporary opera. Wynne Delacoma hosts. Backstage at Lyric #13
» Stream / Listen  Conductor Robert Spano first discusses the music in Doctor Atomic, highlighting its rhythmic volatility, Debussy-like textures, and outpouring of emotion. He then explains the role of the chorus as "us" (the questioning citizenry). Among the other fascinating topics in this conversation are the way working with singers reconnects Spano with "breath" and the lyricism of music-making, the unfolding of musical and theatrical time in opera, working with living composers, and the evolution of opera. Wynne Delacoma hosts. Backstage at Lyric #12
» Stream / Listen  Composer Richard Strauss and librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal gave us a fairy tale for adults - a paean to Mozart's The Magic Flute. Deborah Voigt, who plays the part-divine, part-human empress; Christine Brewer (the Dyer's Wife), director Paul Curran; and conductor Sir Andrew Davis offer their views on what many consider Strauss's finest opera. Moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #11
» Stream / Listen  Soprano Deborah Voigt describes her role as the part-divine, part-human Empress in Richard Strauss's Die Frau ohne Schatten. She talks about the opera's rich layers; the Empress's extraordinary journey from spoiled rich kid to sympathetic adult; the unique beauty in the production; working with director Paul Curran and the "spectacular cast;" and the impact of last season's "Salome." Moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #10
» Stream / Listen   Soprano Christine Brewer and bass Franz Hawlata provide lively commentary about their role as the "earthly" couple – Barak the dyer and his wife – in Richard Strauss's epic fantasy Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman without a Shadow). The duo discuss the couple's "very real" contemporary relationship, how their own marriages influence their portrayals, their approach to tackling the Olympian vocal demands, the magical effects in the production, and the score's erotic "ocean of sound." Moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #9
» Stream / Listen   Cleopatra played by Danielle de Niese: "A knockout!" The Times (London). And the very first female conductor in Lyric history: Emmanuelle Haïm. The pair discuss the 1724 Handel opera that holds modern audiences spellbound. Moderated by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #8
» Stream / Listen  The brilliant Scottish director gives his personal take on the fantastic story of Die Frau ohne Schatten. Additional topics include the production's magical effects, the unique role dancers play, the influence of playwrights and TV programs, and the overwhelming, earth-shaking power of Strauss's music. Roger Pines host. Backstage at Lyric #7
» Stream / Listen The Parisian-born conductor discusses the popularity of Handel's Julius Caesar, David McVicar's visionary staging, working with stars David Daniels and Danielle de Niese, Handel's arias as "paintings" of a character's personality, her relationship with the orchestra as conductor and harpsichordist, being a woman conductor in opera, and much more. Roger Pines hosts. Backstage at Lyric #6
» Stream / Listen  Countertenor David Daniels and soprano Danielle de Niese discuss Lyric's upcoming production of Handel's Julius Caesar. Topics include the Bollywood-influenced choreography in the production, humor in Handel's music, the duo's onstage chemistry, ornamentation, working in Chicago, and more. Roger Pines hosts. Backstage at Lyric #5
» Stream / Listen Celebrated stage director Peter Sellars discusses Lyric's upcoming premiere of John Adams's Doctor Atomic. Mr. Sellars discusses the unique way in which the libretto was crafted, the mythology of the story, the differences between opera and theater, and living in the nuclear age. Former Chicago Sun-Times music critic Wynne Delacoma hosts. Backstage at Lyric #4
» Stream / Listen   Legendary soprano Renata Scotto was our Mimi in 1960 and is back at Lyric to direct this season's production. Scotto joins Lyric Opera dramaturg and opera-expert-without-equal, Roger Pines, for an engaging conversation on the Puccini classic. Backstage at Lyric #3
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One of opera's greatest love stories seen through the eyes of its characters. Elizabeth Futral (Violetta), Joseph Calleja (Alfredo), and Mark Delavan (Germont) discuss what it is about this Verdi favorite that makes us endlessly enthralled -- with its story and music. Moderated by Jean Kellogg. Backstage at Lyric #2
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Mark Delavan, star of Lyric's upcoming La traviata, provides lively commentary about his role as Giorgio Germont, the man who tears apart his son's relationship with the famed Parisian courtesan, Violetta Valery. Mr. Delavan discusses how his portrayal compares to his own life as a father, the influence of film actors, the similarities between singers and athletes, and his favorite roles. Hosted by Roger Pines. Backstage at Lyric #1
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The 2007/08 season opens with Elizabeth Futral, a Ryan Opera Center alumna who has achieved major stardom internationally, as the Parisian courtesan Violetta; and Joseph Calleja, an important rising tenor on the operatic horizon, as Alfredo, the young man who falls in love with her. The pair discuss their chemistry in rehearsals, how they interpret their roles, their first experiences singing as children, and how they renew their energies in meeting the demands of high-pressure careers. Hosted by Roger Pines. |
