Saturdays at 4:00 pm
Discover or rediscover your love for the art of singing: an hour for newcomers and connoisseurs alike
Have you ever wondered why people become obsessed with opera? Do you know the difference between an art song and an aria? Is there a singer whose voice goes right to your heart, but you can’t put your finger on why? Each week, Oliver Camacho shares his passion for vocal performance across many genres with highly personal analysis and anecdotes. Learn about the technical aspects of singing, the qualities that make certain artists beloved, opera highlights to help you prepare for upcoming Chicago-area performances, and more.
The American Bass-Baritone
February 4, 2023, 4:00 pm
A Black History Month program spotlighting Paul Robeson, William Warfield, Simon Estes, Eric Owens, and Ryan Speedo Green.
On the Mozart and Rossini Tenor with Frank Lopardo
April 9, 2022
One of the great Bel Canto specialists discusses his career on stage and in the recording studio.
On Jake Heggie’s “Two Remain”
April 2, 2022
The composer recounts how the stories of two Holocaust survivors were developed into an opera.
Celebrating the Career of Sir Andrew Davis with Ed Frazier Davis
March 19, 2022
A playlist curated by composer, baritone, and conductor Ed Frazier Davis to honor his father.
On Women Poets and Composers with Michelle Areyzaga
March 12, 2022
One of the foremost interpreters of art song curates a playlist of American songs emphasizing women poets and local composers.
On the Air de Cour with Nathalie Colas
March 5, 2022
An exploration of an intimate genre of 16th and 17th century French lute song.
A More Complete History of American Art Song with Dr. Louise Toppin
February 26, 2022
Louise Toppin on the influence of Langston Hughes and Chicago's own Margaret Bonds
The Impeccable Artistry of VOCES8
February 19, 2022
An interview with members of the revered British vocal ensemble.
Songs of Faith and Hope with Shawn E. Okpebholo
February 12, 2022
An interview with the composer on his new album "Lord, How Come Me Here? – Spirituals, Folk Hymns, and Art Song Reimagined."
Rising Stars in Opera
February 5, 2022
A crop of exciting new singers including Justin Austin, Jeanine De Bique, and Noah Stewart.
On Verdi Tenors with Russell Thomas
January 29, 2022
A survey of great tenors known for their interpretations of Verdi.
On Singing Bach with Countertenor Reginald Mobley
January 22, 2022
One of the foremost interpreters of J.S. Bach, shares his approach to singing what is considered to be the most technically and intellectually challenging music in the vocal repertoire.
Mozart and the Oboe — the Instrument of Love
January 15, 2022
Discover how Mozart used the oboe to add subtext to his sacred music and operas.
2022 Grammy Nominees
January 8, 2022
A survey of the nominees for Best Opera Recording and Best Classical Solo Vocal Album including the Metropolitan Opera’s recording of Philip Glass’s Akhnaten, Opera Philadelphia’s recording of David T. Little’s Soldier Songs, and albums by former Listening to Singers guests Will Liverman and Laura Strickling.
2021 In Memoriam
January 1, 2022
A tribute to artists we lost in 2021, including Gianna Rolandi, Carmen Balthrop, and Giuseppe Giacomini.
Margaret Bonds’s The Ballad of the Brown King
December 25, 2021
A nativity story that centers the darkest-skinned of the Three Kings.
Ornaments! with lutenist Brandon Acker
December 18, 2021
Oliver and Brandon demonstrate essential ornaments like the appoggiatura and the trill.
Mark Adamo’s “Becoming Santa Claus”
December 11, 2021
The composer and librettist offers a preview of his opera in advance of its Chicago premiere.
Broadway star, operatic bass, and actor Zachary James
December 4, 2021
Meet one of the star's of the Metropolitan Opera's acclaimed production of Akhnaten.
Saint Nicolas, a cantata by Benjamin Britten
November 27, 2021
A charming work for amateur musicians that illustrates Britten's uncompromising genius.
On Singing Handel with Sherezade Panthaki
November 20, 2021
The soprano soloist from Music of the Baroque's "A Thanksgiving Messiah" on the challenges and pleasures of singing Handel.