Joyce DiDonato, the superstar American mezzo soprano, is described by the New Yorker as 'the most potent singer of her generation'.

Here, the multi-Grammy award winner lets us into her world - not just the fabulous stage performances that came to a halt last March but how she is surviving lockdown, keeping the voice in shape and finding new virtual audiences.

Joyce is a diva without any of the attendant hauteur and capriciousness. Honest and funny and humane , she was born in Kansas to a large family that struggled financially. She was destined to be a teacher, not a global opera star. But her ambition goes beyond taking leading roles at the Royal Opera and the Met. Her masterclasses for young singers are legendary. And we hear how her background has shaped her as an activist - working, for example, with prisoners in a New York high security prison.

With the help of Sir Antonio Papanno, music director of the Royal Opera, and Richard Morrison chief music critic of The Times , this programme offers an account of an exceptional, world class talent..

Produced by Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4

Picture: Simon Pauly Show less