Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk is a sensational tale of adultery, lust, sadism, violence, greed and murder - not least because of the 'butch, sexy and compelling' performance of opera singer Katarina Dalayman.
The Royal Opera House's first staging of Shostakovich's original opera has been heralded as a 'gripping moving enthralling 'masterpiece''.
Katarina joins Martha to talk about the challenges of playing the lead role in what is defined as one of the few truly great operas of the 20th century.
Shostakovich's Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at the Royal Opera House - two more performances on 17 and 20 April
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk will be the Opera on 3 on BBC Radio 3 at 6.30pm on 8 May
