Best Sondra Radvanovsky Podcasts (2024)

1
Love and Other Drugs: Gounod's Roméo et Juliette 54:14

10M ago54:14

54:14

Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is the most famous love story in the Western canon. It’s a tale so embedded in our culture — one that has seen so many iterations and retellings — it might feel hard to appreciate its original pathos, and the way it perfectly distills the intersections of young romance, idealism, and rebellion. In this episode, host…

1
You Don't Own Me: The Myth and Magic of Bizet's Carmen 53:47

10M ago53:47

53:47

Carmen is maybe the most famous heroine in all of opera. She’s a woman of Romani descent living in 19th century Spain, sensual and self-confident, aware of the power she wields over men — and she enjoys it. In her signature aria, popularly known as the “Habanera,” she describes herself as a bird who can’t be captured. True to her own word, Carmen —…

1
Revisiting Mozart’s Queen of the Night: Outrage Out of This World 27:11

11M ago27:11

27:11

When the Voyager spacecraft set off to explore the galaxy in 1977, it carried a recording to represent the best of humanity. The “Golden Record” featured everyone from Bach to Chuck Berry, but there was only one opera aria: the rage-fest and coloratura masterpiece from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” As Kathryn Lewek reprises her role as Queen of the N…

1
Love Takes Flight: Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas 52:54

12M ago52:54

52:54

It’s the early 1900s, and the steamship El Dorado makes its way along the Amazon River towards Manaus, a city in the heart of the Brazilian rainforest. Onboard is the world-famous opera singer Florencia Grimaldi. She’s got a gig at the opera house in Manaus, but that’s just a cover. She’s actually hoping for a reunion with her long-lost love, the b…

1
Davis’s X: The Life and Legacy of Malcolm X 45:50

12M ago45:50

45:50

Malcolm X led many lives within his 39 years: as a bereaved but precocious child; as an imprisoned convict; as a firebrand spokesperson for the Nation of Islam and Black nationalism; and ultimately as one of the most pivotal figures of the Civil Rights movement. Today, he continues to inspire passion and controversy, his legacy as nuanced as the ma…

1
Revisiting Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice: Don’t Look Back in Ardor 32:55

12M ago32:55

32:55

If a loved one were to die, how far would you be willing to go to bring them back? Orpheus, the ancient Greek musician, goes to hell and back to have the love of his life, Eurydice, by his side again. The gods cut a deal with Orpheus: he can bring his love back from hell, but all throughout the journey, she has to follow behind him and he is not al…

1
Good Things Come to Those Who Weep: Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore 42:09

1y ago42:09

42:09

“L’Elisir d’Amore” — “The Elixir of Love” — is what’s known as an opera buffa, or comic opera. That means that we’re in for a happy ending. But Donizetti knows that the payoff is only earned through the suffering of his protagonists. In one pivotal moment, our hero Nemorino glimpses his beloved shedding a single tear — and he concludes (crazily, bu…

1
Death, Faith, and Redemption: Heggie’s Dead Man Walking 44:58

1y ago44:58

44:58

What does redemption mean to a man sentenced to death? Is capital punishment justice or vengeance? Could anyone ever forgive a murderer? These are just some of the questions behind the true story of the nun who became a spiritual adviser to men on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Dead Man Walking was first a 1993 memoir by the Catholi…

1
Aria Code Returns for Season 4! 2:00

1y ago2:00

2:00

At last! After much anticipation, Aria Code returns! We’re guiding listeners through highlights from the Metropolitan Opera’s 2023-2024 season, pairing beloved classics with investigations into modern masterpieces. So get ready for a night at the opera — from the comfort of your own home. (Or wherever!) Arias from the likes of Jake Heggie’s Dead Ma…

1
Season 4, Episode 4 - Joyce El-Khoury 55:21

1y ago55:21

55:21

Join us as we talk with the gorgeously talented soprano, Joyce El-Khoury, about her career path, the roles that fit her voice the best, her new upcoming projects that are near and dear to her heart, and awesome advice she has for young singers just starting out. https://joyceelkhoury.com/ https://www.screamingdivas.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Two…

1
Season 4, Episode 3 - Quinn Kelsey 1:28:46

1y ago1:28:46

1:28:46

Join us as we talk with the gorgeous voiced Verdi Baritone Quinn Kelsey about fatherhood, his career, tattoos, and just fun shenanigans! To donate to the Maui Relief see links below: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/helpmauifamilies https://www.kaainamomona.org/maui http://www.quinnkelsey.com https://www.screamingdivas.com/ https://www.facebook.co…

1
Season 4, Episode 2 - Erin Morley 1:15:11

1y ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Join us as we talk with the amazing soprano, Erin Morley, about her latest triumph at the Metropolitan Opera, finding balance, her career path, and skydiving during the pandemic. https://www.erinmorley.com/ https://www.screamingdivas.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TwoScreamingDivas https://www.instagram.com/screamingdivas https://twitter.com/2Scream…

1
Season 4, Episode 1 - Michael Spyres 1:25:01

1+ y ago1:25:01

1:25:01

Join us as we talk to the incredibly talented Bari-Tenor Michael Spyres about his career path with its twists and turns, his journey into opera administration, how he finds his balance, and his infectious love of this art form. https://www.michaelspyres.com/ https://www.screamingdivas.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TwoScreamingDivas https://www.inst…

1
Season 3, Episode 8: Brian Jagde 1:12:48

2+ y ago1:12:48

1:12:48

Join us as we head to Vienna to talk with the fabulous wonderfully gifted tenor Brian Jagde, about the latest restrictions to work overseas, the new roles and adventures that are planned in the future, and all about life in general as an international opera singer. https://brianjagde.com/ www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Season 3, Episode 7: Michael Chioldi 57:21

2+ y ago57:21

57:21

Join us as we head to NYC to talk with the generous, big hearted, and immensely talented American Baritone, Michael Chioldi, about his breakout performance of Rigoletto at the Metropolitan Opera, his 30 year career and what he has learned along the way. https://www.michaelchioldi.com/ www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Season 3, Episode 6: Kathryn Lewek 1:09:29

2+ y ago1:09:29

1:09:29

Join us as we head to Connecticut, to talk with the reigning Queen of the Night, the gorgeously talented, Kathryn Lewek, about all those record breaking Queens, her career path for the future, and how she balances it all with her focus on what's most important. https://kathrynlewek.com/ www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Season 3, Episode 5: Alexander Neef -General Director of Paris Opera 58:08

3y ago58:08

58:08

Join us as we head to Paris, France to talk with the General Director of the Paris Opera, Alexander Neef, who was our very first guest (but at a different opera house), about making career changes DURING the pandemic, what measures were taken to keep his opera house open during the height of the pandemic, streaming platforms and cultivating new, yo…

1
Season 3, Episode 4: Anthony Roth Costanzo 1:05:21

3y ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Join us as we head to NYC to talk with the amazingly multi-talented and inspirational countertenor, Anthony Roth Costanzo, about life lessons, finding your inspiration as well as your authentic self and how he learns new roles and music…oh, and how to own being naked on stage! https://anthonyrothcostanzo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/arcostanzo/ h…

1
Season 3, Episode 3: Rachel Willis-Sørensen 1:05:32

3y ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Join us as we head to Paris, France to talk with the super fun, down to earth, gorgeously talented soprano, Rachel Willis-Sørensen about her career, the gift of speaking up for oneself, and her advice for the generations to come. https://rachelwillissorensen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rachelwillissorensen/?hl=en www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Season 3, Episode 2: Stephanie Blythe 1:23:44

3y ago1:23:44

1:23:44

Join us as we head to Upstate New York to talk with legendary mezzo-soprano, Stephanie Blythe, about gender-bending operatic roles, her career path thus far as well as some amazing advice for up-and-coming young singers….don’t miss this one! http://www.stephanieblythemezzo.com/ https://twitter.com/BlytheMezzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%…

1
Season 3, Episode 1: Nadine Sierra 1:14:40

3y ago1:14:40

1:14:40

Join us as we head to NYC to talk with the supremely talented operatic soprano, Nadine Sierra, about how the pandemic gave her a new vision for her life, her concert tours and friendship with Andrea Bocelli, and her hope for the future. https://www.instagram.com/nadine.sierra/?hl=en www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Season 2, Episode 26: Gregory Kunde 55:28

3y ago55:28

55:28

Join us as we head to Piacenza, Italy to talk with the American operatic tenor extraordinaire, Gregory Kunde, about his 42 year career, the choices he made, and about how it's our job to give back to the generations behind us. https://gregorykunde.com/ www.screamingdivas.comBy Sondra Radvanovsky & Keri Alkema

1
Season 2, Episode 25: Denyce Graves 1:19:14

3y ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Join us as we head to Washington, D.C. to talk with operatic royalty, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, about how her whole career and life has led her to the doorstep and purpose of her Foundation. Walking in the footsteps of Mary Caldwell Dawson, the Denyce Graves Foundation will bring lasting change to not only Pittsburgh, but to communities all acro…

1
Season 2, Episode 24: Javier Camarena 1:01:31

3y ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Join as we go backstage in Bergamo, Italy to talk with the Superstar tenor and King of the High C's, Javier Camarena, about singing during the pandemic, what it feels like when a BIS happens, and how all singers are more than just what is in our throats. www.javiercamarena.com www.screamingdivas.comBy Sondra Radvanovsky & Keri Alkema

1
P.S. I Love You: Renée Fleming Sings Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin 51:13

3y ago51:13

51:13

Saying “I love you” for the first time takes courage, especially when you don’t know the response you'll get. But being open with your emotions and putting yourself out there can change you in unexpected ways. In Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, it’s the 16-year-old Tatyana who pins her heart on her sleeve. Young and naive, but also fierce…

1
Season 2, Episode 23: Will Liverman 59:03

3y ago59:03

59:03

Join us as we head to Chicago, IL to talk with the next great American Lyric Baritone, Will Liverman, about his superstar making role in FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES, which opened the Metropolitan Opera season, his new opera which he composed, THE FACTOTUM, and the release of his new cd, DREAMS OF A NEW DAY. http://www.willliverman.com/ To Purchase his…

1
To Be Or Not To Be: Dean's Hamlet 41:58

3y ago41:58

41:58

“To be or not to be, that is the question.” It’s hard to think of a more famous line from a more famous play. In this iconic speech from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the troubled Danish prince asks whether this whole life thing is even worth it. But “to be or not to be'' is not the only question we’re asking this week. When everyone knows this line so wel…

1
Season 2, Episode 22: Latonia Moore 1:02:02

3y ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Join us as we head to New York City to talk with the gorgeous voiced, Grammy award winner, operatic soprano, Latonia Moore, about her career journey, her family, and her life changing experience with the Metropolitan Opera's season opener, “Fire Shut Up In My Bones". https://www.latoniamooresoprano.com/ www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Potion, Emotion, Devotion: Wagner's Tristan und Isolde 39:46

3y ago39:46

39:46

When we talk about “falling in love,” we talk about it like it is something that just happens. Suddenly the ground opens up and we are falling for somebody, as if there is no choice in the matter. This is everywhere -- in movies, TV shows, novels, and of course, in opera. Take Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde - while Tristan is bringing her across the I…

1
Season 2, Episode 21: Ailyn Pérez 1:15:06

3y ago1:15:06

1:15:06

Join us as we head to Florence, Italy to talk with the gorgeously talented and huge hearted soprano, Ailyn Pérez, about her departure into new and exciting repertoire, her journey through the pandemic, social media, and always finding the sunshine. https://ailynperez.com/ www.screamingdivas.comBy Sondra Radvanovsky & Keri Alkema

1
Season 2, Episode 20: Christina Scheppelmann, General Director of Seattle Opera 1:07:06

3y ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Join us as we head to Seattle, Washington, to talk with the General Director of Seattle Opera, Christina Scheppelmann, about her incredible career, how Seattle Opera was able to produce content during covid, and the path forward in the music business. www.seattleopera.org www.screamingdivas.comBy Sondra Radvanovsky & Keri Alkema

1
Blanchard's Fire Shut Up in My Bones: A Boy of Peculiar Grace 42:45

3y ago42:45

42:45

This week we’re decoding with the man who wrote the code - Terence Blanchard, composer of Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Not only is it the work that reopened the Met after its 18-month pandemic shutdown, but it’s also the first opera by a Black composer ever to be performed there. Based on the 2014 memoir of the same name by New York Times columnist Ch…

1
Season 2, Episode 19: Craig Colclough 1:18:59

3y ago1:18:59

1:18:59

Join us as we head to Chicago, IL, to talk with the gorgeous voiced American Bass Baritone, Craig Colclough, about his glorious last minute debut with Chicago Lyric Opera as Macbeth, his career path, how the pandemic affected his life , singing in masks, and finding our way forward. http://www.craigcolclough.com/ www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Season 2, Episode 18: Elza Van Den Heever 1:12:45

3y ago1:12:45

1:12:45

Join us as we head to France to talk with our dear friend , the incredibly talented South African soprano, Elza Van Den Heever, about her journey through the pandemic, the joy and new found talent she found in baking, her career, and the beauty of vulnerability. https://elzavandenheever.com www.screamingdivas.com…

1
Verdi's Nabucco: By the Rivers of Babylon 44:16

3y ago44:16

44:16

Psalm 137 depicts the ancient Hebrews, enslaved and weeping “by the rivers of Babylon,” as they remember their homeland, Jerusalem. Those words have inspired songwriters of reggae, Broadway, disco, folk and more, but one of the most memorable versions is featured in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Nabucco. The opera retells the story of the Babylonian capti…

1
Once More Into the Breeches: Joyce DiDonato Sings Strauss 32:38

3y ago32:38

32:38

The young Composer in Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos is one of opera’s great trouser roles -- a female singer playing the part of a young man. He is set to premiere his new opera at the home of the richest man in Vienna, only to learn moments before the performance that a bawdy comedy troupe will be performing at the same time. As his plans collapse a…

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