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.
Edita Gruberova, Queen of Coloratura
October 23, 2021
A tribute to the legendary artist who died at the age of 74 on October 18th.
On Singing Alfredo with Charles Castronovo
October 16, 2021
The American tenor gives his insight into performing Alfredo in Verdi's "La Traviata"
A Preview of Orlando with Haymarket Opera Company’s Chase Hopkins
October 9, 2021
Selections performed by star countertenor Bejun Mehta and some of Chicago's leading Baroque specialists with Haymarket's period-instrument orchestra.
Songs for Soothing Grief with Eugenia Cheng
October 2, 2021
Eugenia Cheng selects songs for difficult times.
Tenores mexicanos que cantan Rossini
September 25, 2021
Three fantastic artists — Francisco Araiza, Ramón Vargas, and Javier Camarena.
Ailyn Pérez — Chicago’s Homegrown Diva
September 18, 2021
A conversation with the Mexican-American soprano as she prepares to take the stage in The Elixir of Love at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
COT Season Preview with Lidiya Yankovskaya
September 11, 2021
Chicago Opera Theater's music director previews the new season which includes Jamie Barton's role debut as Carmen.
Sondra Radvanovsky on Singing Lady Macbeth
September 4, 2021
One of the premiere Verdi sopranos previews a tour de force role debut.
A Pastoral English Songbook
August 28, 2021
A program of songs by Roger Quilter, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Ivor Gurney
Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! with Lucas Meachem
August 21, 2021
Lucas Meachem on "the hardest aria in the lyric baritone repertoire."
Improve Your Vocabulary with Henry Purcell
August 7, 2021
Epithalamium, epicedium, and other SAT words learned by listening to Purcell.
A More Complete History of American Art Song with Dr. Louise Toppin
July 31, 2021
Louise Toppin on the influence of Chicago's own Margaret Bonds
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.