Audio
Backstage at Lyric #85
Rising Stars: Amber Wagner and Corey Crider
March 17, 2010
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #84
The Marriage of Figaro: Joyce DiDonato
March 11, 2010
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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.
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Backstage at Lyric #83
The Marriage of Figaro Discovery Series: Danielle de Niese and Kyle Ketelsen
March 5, 2010
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).
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Backstage at Lyric #81
The Marriage of Figaro: Danielle de Niese
March 3, 2010
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #80
The Marriage of Figaro: MARIUSZ KWIECIEN
March 3, 2010
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #79
The Marriage of Figaro: KYLE KETELSEN
March 3, 2010
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).
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Backstage at Lyric #78
The Damnation of Faust Discovery Series: Susan Graham, Paul Groves, Sir Andrew Davis and Stephen Langridge
February 19, 2010
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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.
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Backstage at Lyric #77
The Damnation of Faust: Donald Nally
February 15, 2010
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #76
The Damnation of Faust: John Relyea
February 15, 2010
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 Méphistophéles, and a love for Russian music that was fulfilled when he performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.
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Backstage at Lyric #75
2010/11 Season Preview with Music Director Sir Andrew Davis
February 4, 2010
Sir Andrew Davis, Lyric's renowned music director, introduces listeners to the 2010-11 season, including wonderful highlights from all eight operas.
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Backstage at Lyric #74
The Elixir of Love: Nicole Cabell
February 2, 2010
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #73
The Elixir of Love: Angela Mannino
February 2, 2010
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #72
The Elixir of Love Discovery Series: Nicole Cabell and Giuseppe Filianoti
January 22, 2010
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #71
The Merry Widow: Andriana Chuchman and Stephen Costello
Friday, December 18
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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.
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Backstage at Lyric #70
The Merry Widow: Mary Ernster and Bernie Yvon
December 14, 2009
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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.
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Backstage at Lyric #69
The Merry Widow: Elizabeth Futral
December 11, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #68
The Merry Widow Discovery Series: Roger Honeywell, Elizabeth Futral, Emmanuel Villaume and Gary Griffin
December 4, 2009
Comedy, romance, waltzes, and a score chock full of delightful music. It’s all there in Franz Lehár’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.
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Backstage at Lyric #67
Katya Kabanova: Brandon Jovanovich
November 24, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #66
Katya Kabanova: Karita Mattila
November 20, 2009
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In this podcast, internationally celebrated Finnish soprano Karita Mattila brings illuminating insights to the title role of Katya Kabanova. She expresses her enthusiasm for Janácek's timeless masterpiece and for Jonathan Miller’s production, in which she is starring at Lyric after triumphing in it at the Metropolitan Opera. Roger Pines hosts.
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Backstage at Lyric #65
Katya Kabanova Discovery Series: Brandon Jovanovich, Judith Forst and Marcus Stenz
November 20, 2009
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Katya Kabanova is
Janácek’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."
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Backstage at Lyric #64
Ernani Discovery Series: Sondra Radvanovsky and Jose Maria Condemi
October 30, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #63
Ernani: Baritone Boaz Daniel
October 27, 2009
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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.
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Backstage at Lyric #62
Ernani: Tenor Salvatore Licitra
October 27, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #61
FAUST DISCOVERY SERIES: ANA MARÍA MARTÍNEZ, PIOTR BECZALA AND SIR ANDREW DAVIS
October 14, 2009
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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.
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Backstage at Lyric #60
FAUST: SOPRANO ANA MARÍA MARTÍNEZ
October 8, 2009
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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.
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Backstage at Lyric #59
FAUST: TENOR PIOTR BECZALA
October 2, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #58
TOSCA: BASS-BARITONE DALE TRAVIS
October 1, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #57
TOSCA DISCOVERY SERIES: DEBORAH VOIGT AND GARNETT BRUCE
September 25, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #56
Tosca: Bass-baritones Sam Handley, Craig Irvin and Paul Corona
September 10, 2009
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!
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Backstage at Lyric #55
Behind-the-scenes with Chorus Master Donald Nally
August 4, 2009
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.
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Backstage at Lyric #54
Behind-the-scenes with Peter Schwob
July 22, 2009
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, you’ll hear him describe his job and what he anticipates being the most challenging aspects of the productions in the upcoming 2009/10 season.
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Backstage at Lyric #53
Faust: Tenor Joseph Kaiser
July 7, 2009
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?" Find the answer in this engaging and insightful interview. Roger Pines hosts.
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Backstage at Lyric #52
A Star You Should Know: Voigt and Urmana
May 26, 2009
Two world renowned sopranos share the spotlight in this season's production of Tosca:
Violeta Urmana: "Her Tosca was a triumph…powerful singing…and staggering vulnerability in the role." Los Angeles Times
Deborah Voigt: The diva "gave an impetuous, vocally gleaming portrayal…she leapt to a slicing high C that shook the house as she sang of thrusting the knife into Scarpia's heart." The New York Times
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Backstage at Lyric #51
A Star You Should Know: Paul Groves
May 25, 2009
The celebrated American tenor Paul Groves stars as Faust in Berlioz's spectacular and rarely staged The Damnation of Faust.
Paul Groves has triumphed as Faust from Paris to L.A., "easily conquering the composer's excessive demands." Opera News
He "delivers the full range of Faust's character, from suicidal depresstion to ecstatic love..." Classics Today
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Backstage at Lyric #50
A Star You Should Know: Karita Matilla
April 22, 2009
"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 Janáček'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.
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Backstage at Lyric #49
A Star You Should Know: Piotr Beczala
April 16, 2009
Look forward to the highly anticipated Lyric debut of Polish tenor sensation Piotr Beczala, who will appear in the title role of Gounod's Faust October 5 through 23.
He electrified audiences worldwide earlier this season when he filled in at the last minute in the Met's "Live in HD" broadcast of Lucia di Lammermoor.
Learn more about one of the hottest tenors on the planet by listening to our 2-minute feature on Beczala with commentary by general director William Mason, dramaturg Roger Pines, and an aria excerpt from Faust. The audio clip is the first installment of our new podcast mini-series, "A Star You Should Know."
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