CHICAGO (AP) -- Soprano Deborah Voigt, famed for her German roles, will turn Italian when Lyric Opera of Chicago opens its 2009-10 season Sept. 26 with Puccini's "Tosca."

Lyric announced Wednesday that Voigt will be joined by Russian tenor Vladimir Galouzine as Mario Cavaradossi. American bass James Morris will portray the villainous Baron Scarpia.

The coming season, Lyric's 55th, features 77 performances of eight operas - mostly safe repertory choices that should sell well.

Other scheduled works: Gounod's "Faust," Verdi's "Ernani," Janacek's "Katya Kabanova," Lehar's "The Merry Widow," Donizetti's "The Elixir of Love," Berlioz's "The Damnation of Faust" and Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro."

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.