Lyric Opera of Chicago has grown since its founding in the '50s to become the third-largest opera company in the U.S. Its mix of star power and high production values has kept audience capacity at over 100 percent for more than a decade. Productions are also broadcast over the radio in May. Here's a list of this season's productions, along with our recommendations of available recordings. For more information on Lyric Opera and how to order tickets, call (312) 332-2244 or visit their Web site at www.lyricopera.org.

November 18, 21, 24, 27, 30; December 3, 6, 11, 14, 18, 1999

Asher Fisch, conductor;
Franz Grundheber, Catherine Malfitano, et al.
Giuseppe Verdi, Macbeth (New Production)

December 4, 7, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19; January 5, 7, 10, 15, 2000

Leopold Hager, conductor;
Felicity Lott, Thomas Allen, et al.
Johann Strauss, Jr., Die Fledermaus

January 14, 19, 22, 24, 28; March 2, 7, 11, 19, 2000

Yves Abel, conductor;
Frank Lopardo, Elizabeth Futral, et al.
Gaetano Donizetti, The Elixir of Love

January 31; February 4, 8, 13, 16, 19, 23, 26; March 1, 4, 2000

Semyon Bychkov, conductor;
Jane Eaglen, Ben Heppner, et al.
Richard Wagner, Tristan und Isolde

February 12, 15, 18,, 21, 27, 29; March 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 18, 2000