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.

Lyric Opera of Chicago Podcasts

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 #129 -- Discovery Series: La Bohème

We all know the children's story of two kids getting lost in the woods and happening upon a witch who lives in a gingerbread house. But the opera, especially this production, goes much deeper into the characters and their motivations. Elizabeth DeShong (Hansel), Maria Kanyova (Gretel), and general director Anthony Freud give you the what's-what on this late-Romantic classic.

Backstage at Lyric #128 -- Discovery Series: Hansel and Gretel

What's funnier than an old codger smitten with a beautiful young woman? That's the plot of this Donizetti comedy. But there's much more to it! Hear director Sir Thomas Allen, conductor Stephen Lord, and Marlis Petersen (Norina) discuss this comedy with a heart.

Backstage at Lyric #127 -- Discovery Series: Werther

One of the great romantic tragedies, Werther is a story of love, hope, and finally, despair. This production of the Massenet masterwork is directed by Francisco Negrin, who dazzled us last season with his Rinaldo. For this Discovery session he's joined by Matthew Polenzani (Werther) and Sophie Koch (Charlotte) in a thoughtful discussion of the opera that's based on the classic Goethe novel.

Backstage at Lyric #126 -- Discovery Series: Werther

If you love the bass voice, here's your chance to get up close to one of the most illustrious stars in the business. Hear Ferruccio Furlanetto explain the intricacies and delights of one of Verdi's most sublime scores.

Backstage at Lyric #125 -- Discovery Series: Simon Boccanegra

Richard Strauss became the "bad boy" of classical music by pushing the envelope to the extreme. His Elektra only cemented that reputation! Listen as Elektra herself, Christine Goerke, along with Emily Magee (Chrysothemis), Jill Grove (Clytemnestra), and conductor Sir Andrew Davis discuss this musically complex psychological thrill-ride.

Backstage at Lyric #124 -- Discovery Series: Elektra

Rinaldo is a tale filled with magic, sorcery, and vocal fireworks. Contralto Sonia Prina and soprano Elza van den Heever certainly know about vocal fireworks; conductor Harry Bicket and director Francisco Negrin add insights in the music and the staging.

Backstage at Lyric #123 -- Discovery Series: Rinaldo

Show Boat details the struggles of Americans, both white and black, from the age of steam and riverboats to the year of Lindbergh's transatlantic crossing. Panelists: Ashley Brown (Magnolia), Alyson Cambridge (Julie), Nathan Gunn (Ravenal), Morris Robinson (Joe), Northwestern University's David Bell (director of music theater), and Harvey Young (associate professor; theater, performance studies, African-American studies, and radio/television/film). You’ll hear Northwestern music students sing selections from the various versions of the work’s history!

Backstage at Lyric #122 -- Discovery Series: Show Boat Symposium

Lyric music director Sir Andrew Davis provides incomparable insight to the 2012/13 season operas.

Backstage at Lyric #121 -- 2012/13 Audio Preview with Sir Andrew Davis

Listen as Verdi soprano supreme Sondra Radvanovsky (Aida) and the always-incendiary Jill Grove (Amneris) discuss the late Verdi favorite, Aida.

Backstage at Lyric #120 -- Discovery Series: Aida

Join our all-star panel – Lyric’s own Nicole Cabell (Pamina), Charles Castronovo (Tamino), Stéphane Degout (Papageno), and Sir Andrew Davis - to get the what's what on Mozart's final opera, a story of love, friendship, and the ideals of the Enlightenment.

Backstage at Lyric #119 -- Discovery Series: The Magic Flute

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Lyric Opera of Chicago Podcasts

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