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.
There are no upcoming broadcasts at the moment.
Replete with Rigolettos
July 24, 2021
A survey of some of the great recordings of the benchmark Verdi baritone role.
Remembering Lorraine Hunt Lieberson with guest Drew Minter
July 17, 2021
The luminous mezzo-soprano was universally praised for her insightful and deeply affecting artistry. This week, countertenor and stage director Drew Minter, joins Oliver to remember his friend and colleague.
An Appreciation of Brigitte Fassbaender
June 26, 2021
Selections from one of the world’s most acclaimed opera and Lieder singers who celebrates her 82nd birthday on July 3.
An AIDS Quilt Songbook with Sing for Hope co-founders Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora
June 19, 2021
Selections from the all-star volunteer album to benefit amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.
Learning to Love Lully
June 12, 2021
Unlocking the secrets to enjoying early French opera — a genre that presents many obstacles, but has many rewards.
Three Outspoken Artists – Jamie Barton, Patricia Racette, and Laurie Rubin
June 5, 2021
The first episode for Pride Month spotlights three openly lesbian or bisexual artists.
A Memorial Day Program of Song with John Brancy and Peter Dugan
May 29, 2021
An hour-long episode featuring an interview with Grammy Award-winning baritone John Brancy and the host of From the Top, pianist Peter Dugan.
Lieder Power Couple – Mitsuko Shirai and Hartmut Höll
May 22, 2021
The Japanese mezzo-soprano and German pianist are prolific and frequently recorded artists. They met in Stuttgart as students and later married. As a duo, they have set a high standard as interpreters of German lieder. Mitsuko Shirai and Hartmut Höll have given recitals all over the world, but they are especially well known in Germany and Japan. Shirai was praised ...
The Diverse Identities of Nicholas Phan
May 8, 2021
A program for Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month featuring Nicholas Phan and Brian Asawa.
A Tribute to Christa Ludwig
May 1, 2021
A mere sampling of the recorded legacy of one the quintessential musicians of the 20th century. This week, Oliver pays tribute to the great artist whose voice defied categorization.
Amanda Forsythe’s Astonishing Feats
April 24, 2021
Making the most difficult 18th century music sound easy.
The Heroic Power and Stamina of James King
April 17, 2021
What defines a heldentenor? The American tenor James King thrived in the most demanding roles in operas by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. His voice was described as strong and dependable, with the stamina to sustain him in longer dramatic roles. His six feet of height coupled with ringing, secure high notes made him an ideal heroic tenor.
The Uncompromising Musicianship of Ian Bostridge
April 10, 2021
An admiration for a unique artist with special guest Marcus Shields.
The Flawless Technique of Luciano Pavarotti
April 3, 2021
What made Pavarotti such an irresistible singer? A beautiful instrument, charisma to spare, and a technique that was the envy of the opera world.
A Consort of Women
March 27, 2021
The fourth program for Women's History Month focuses on the influence of the 17th century concerto delle donne.
The Singer / Conductor
March 20, 2021
Meet two singers enjoying dual careers as conductors. The third program for Women’s History Month features French contralto Nathalie Stutzmann and Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan.
American Art Song with Laura Strickling
March 13, 2021
An hour-long episode for Women’s History Month spotlighting American composers. Soprano Laura Strickling — a leading proponent of contemporary art song — joins Oliver to present works by Clarice Assad, Stacy Garrop, Jacqueline B. Hairston, Lori Laitman, Gilda Lyons, Sheila Silver, and others. Learn more about Laura Strickling HERE. Learn more about the album Confessions HERE.
