Puccini: Heroines

Sondra Radvanovsky, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Enrique Mazzola present "Puccini: Heroines," a live recording of a Giacomo Puccini program performed in February 2025. Radvanovsky’s extraordinary voice lends each heroine a vivid individuality, from the delicate lyricism of Anna and Mimì to the dramatic intensity of Tosca and Turandot, alongside roles that were not previously part of her stage repertoire. Together with Mazzola and the Lyric Opera Orchestra, she captures Puccini’s genius for combining concise, emotion-laden arias with profound insights into the characters. From the grace of "Le Villi" to the passion of "Manon Lescaut," the intimacy of "La Bohème," and the virtuosic drama of "Turandot"—Radvanovsky’s artistry makes every phrase shine. Encores include Musetta ("La Bohème") and Lauretta ("Gianni Schicchi"), which underscore both her theatrical flair and her authenticity—she seems to feel every nuance deeply herself. Sondra Radvanovsky and the Lyric Opera of Chicago were previously heard on "The Three Queens" (2022).