Subsequent subjects for the series include conductor James Conlon (December 13), recently named the music director of the Los Angeles Opera; choreographer Susan Stroman (February 7, 2005); and actor John Lithgow (March 28, 2005).

"This new educational venture by the Kennedy Center is an effort to demystify the process of art-making," Kaiser said in a statement. "By listening to world-class artists discuss their artistic choices we learn how art is made. This must deepen our appreciation for the performances we attend."

Kaiser, the Kennedy Center's president since 2001, signed a contract extension last month that will keep him there until 2011. He previously ran the Royal Opera House in London and New York's Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and was credited with turning around both companies.

Horne, a mezzo-soprano, sang regularly at the world's leading opera companies and from the late 1950s through the 1990s. She is now largely retired from performance.