"The role vocally is so full and rich," she continued, and, well, Straussian, which is a place my voice likes to live."
Voigt has already sung the role in concert performance in Tanglewood in 2001 and performed the final scene in concert several times. Her previous appearances singing Strauss at Lyric Opera include Chrysotemis's monologue from Elektra in a gala concert and the title role in Ariadne auf Naxos in 1998-99.
Also appearing in Lyric's Salome are mezzo-soprano Judith Forst as Herodias, tenor Kim Begley as Herod, bass-baritone Alan Held as Jochanaan and tenor Joseph Kaiser as Narraboth. Andrew Davis conducts the production; sets are by George Tsypin; costumes by Tatiana Noginova and lighting by James F. Ingalls. Following tonight's opening, there will be eight more performances through November 21. Information and tickets are available at www.lyricopera.org.