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.

Backstage at Lyric #50 -- A Star You Should Know: Karita Matilla

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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 #50 -- A Star You Should Know: Karita Matilla

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