American soprano Sondra Radvanovsky is acknowledged by audiences and critics throughout North America and Europe as one of today's few true Verdi sopranos.  She is returning to Lyric this season to sing her first Amelia,  one of the most eagerly awaited role debuts of her career.  Here she discusses the formidable challenges of the role in relation to other heroines in her repertoire.   Lyric Opera dramaturg Roger Pines poses the questions.

Backstage at Lyric #101 -- A Masked Ball: Sondra Radvanovsky

Behind-the-scenes interviews from Lyric Opera of Chicago

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Music

Parsifal is an enigmatic work by the greatest of all German opera composers. Hear John Caird, the director of this new production, set designer Johan Engels, and Lyric Opera dramaturg Roger Pines discuss Wagner’s last opera.

Backstage at Lyric #133 -- Discovery Series: Parsifal

Shakespeare’s searing drama is made more intense by Verdi’s music. Enjoy this discussion with Johan Botha (Otello), Ana María Martínez (Desdemona), and conductor Bertrand de Billy. Moderated by dramaturg Roger Pines.

Backstage at Lyric #132 -- Discovery Series: Otello

One of Verdi's defining operas, Rigoletto is a fountain of memorable melodies, while its suject matter involves moral depravity, licentiousness, and plenty of emotional devastation. Be there when Giuseppe Filianoti (the Duke of Mantua), conductor Evan Rogister, and director Stephen Barlow delve into this Verdi favorite.

Backstage at Lyric #131 -- Discovery Series: Rigoletto

Twenty-four hours in 18th-century Nürnberg on the longest day of the year. That's the when and where of Wagner's comedy. But there is much more-after all, it's Wagner! Join James Morris, Johan Botha, Bo Skovhus, Sir Andrew Davis, and director Marie Lambert as they discuss the opera that Paderewski called "the greatest work of genius ever achieved by any artist in any field of human endeavor."

Backstage at Lyric #130 -- Discovery Series: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Some people say La Bohème is a comedy with a sad ending; for others, it's a heavenly romance. Regardless of how it's viewed, it's the most popular opera of all time! Ana María Martínez (Mimì), Dimitri Pittas (Rodolfo), and conductor Emmanuel Villaume talk about this melody-filled Puccini jewel.

Backstage at Lyric #101 -- A Masked Ball: Sondra Radvanovsky

Download our free app to listen on your phone