Metropolitan Opera Guild salutes Frederica von Stade
On Tuesday, April 20, two days before bidding farewell to her New York fans in a concert at Carnegie Hall, the beloved mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade will be honored at the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s 75th annual luncheon. With “Flicka and Friends – A Loving Tribute to Frederica von Stade,” the Guild will gather together colleagues and friends to salute the legendary artist in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf=Astoria, with a musical tribute by baritone Thomas Hampson and spoken tributes by some of Flicka’s long-time colleagues and friends, including baritone Vladimir Chernov, stage and screen actress Tyne Daly, mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, soprano Evelyn Lear, and baritone Richard Stilwell.
Among the many artists who will be there to help celebrate Flicka are Lucine Amara, Martina Arroyo, Barry Banks, Harolyn Blackwell, Rockwell Blake, Lawrence Brownlee, Chris Brubeck, Angela Gheorghiu, Marvin Hamlisch, Kristine Jepson, John Macurdy, Terrence McNally, Mildred Miller, Regina Resnik, Julius Rudel, Benita Valente, and James Valenti.
The afternoon will also include the screening of a new video biography of the honoree, video performances, and many more surprises.
Thomas Hampson, who has performed frequently with von Stade throughout his career, is reportedly preparing a three-song tribute comprised of a Mahler song, a Mozart opera aria, and the American standard “All The Things You Are”.
The Guild’s President, Susan Braddock, says, “All of us at the Guild are delighted to be able to present this tribute to Flicka. She’s a great artist, and one of the dearest people on earth.
In a feature published in the May issue of Gramophone, von Stade noted that she felt “overwhelmed” that she was being honored by the Metropolitan Opera Guild at its annual luncheon, and that as she prepares for the event, and for her farewell recital at Carnegie, her head is “full of memories….but not a glimmer of regret.”
Last year’s honoree at the Metropolitan Opera Guild annual luncheon was tenor legend Plácido Domingo.
“Flicka and Friends – A Loving Tribute to Frederica von Stade”
75th annual Metropolitan Opera Guild luncheon on Thursday, April 20 at the Waldorf=Astoria
Call (212) 769-7009 or visit the Guild’s web site at www.metguild.org for tickets.
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© 21C Media Group, April 2010