[3] In 1984 she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera (Met) in New York City in the title role of Handel's Rinaldo,[3][5] repeated at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

[1] Though known mainly for her interpretation of Baroque works, Podleś's repertoire ranged from Handel's Giulio Cesare to songs by Shostakovich.

Critics noted the expressive power of her voice and her ability to cope with the florid singing demanded of Rossini's heroes and heroines.

She also performed and gave a lot of recital, notably with her husband, later with the pianist Garrick Ohlsson and Anna Marchwiński.

[10] On 1 June, she announced that she was pausing her singing career ahead of an upcoming orthopaedic operation, while continuing to teach and with an intention to return to performing.

[1][2] Podleś made many recordings, CDs and DVDs of complete operas as well as symphonic works, arias and songs.

Arias by Rossini won her both the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik and the "Record of the Year" 1996 award of Studio magazine.