Mezzosoprano Marianne Crebassa and pianist Fazil Say gave one of the most unusual and bewitching recitals I have ever seen at La Scala. The programme was based on their CD Secrets, which won Gramophone Magazine’s Solo Vocal Award in 2018. Crebassa's naturally produced mezzo — recalling Frederica von Stade in both vibrato and emission — brims with powerful rich colours, … [Read more...] about Marianne Crebassa and Fazil Say’s extraordinary recital at La Scala
Frederica von Stade
Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? Maybe at 5. Why did you start singing? I always loved to sing anywhere, anytime. Which singer inspired you most when you were young? Gwen Verdon, Julie Andrews. Which singer do you most admire? It’s hard to choose... favourites are Janet Baker, Susan Graham, Richard Stilwell, Joyce DiDonato, Kiri Te Kanawa. What’s your … [Read more...] about Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Jennifer Larmore answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? I always sang. My mother told me that I sang even before I talked. I also cannot remember a time when I didn’t sing. Why did you start singing? It has been the most natural thing in the world for me to sing. I always enjoyed it. I liked the sound of my own voice and I liked the way it made me feel. Which singer inspired you the most … [Read more...] about Jennifer Larmore answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Frederica von Stade’s bottled sunshine
Frederica von Stade's long-time accompanist, Martin Katz, sums up the mezzo's essence which has made her such a loved figure: She has an intense belief that people are good, and that all comes into her work. It's like bottled sunshine." As starts to wind down her career she talked with San Francisco Chronicle music critic, Joshua Kosman. Here are her words. On … [Read more...] about Frederica von Stade’s bottled sunshine
Frederica von Stade: I will always, always, always love the Met more than any place
On Friday Frederica von Stade will give the concert which opens the season of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. She spoke with New Jersey On-Line. Here are her words: On her career "I just can't believe I've had such a long career, I never expected to." On opera "Starting with my generation it became a different sport, so to speak, because all of a sudden top-notch … [Read more...] about Frederica von Stade: I will always, always, always love the Met more than any place
“Jackie – Celebrating Marilyn Horne” – Metropolitan Opera Luncheon 2011
The Metropolitan Opera Guild pays tribute to Marilyn Horne, on Monday, October 31. Stars and fans of opera will come together in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria for the Guild's 77th Annual Luncheon. "Jackie - Celebrating Marilyn Horne" will honour the incomparable achievements of one of the greatest singers of our time with tributes from her colleagues; live and … [Read more...] about “Jackie – Celebrating Marilyn Horne” – Metropolitan Opera Luncheon 2011
Federica von Stade says goodbye to the opera stage: You can’t compete with kids who are 25 years younger. There comes a time when you feel like you’re dressed up in your daughter’s prom gown
On 6 February in Houston Federica von Stade gave her last operatic performance. She sang the role of Mrs. De Rocher, the murderer's mother, in Jake Heggie's 'Dead Man Walking', a role was written for von Stade, and she originated it for the world-premiere San Francisco production. In a recent interview von Stade said: Playing Mrs. De Rocher lets me explore the fears that … [Read more...] about Federica von Stade says goodbye to the opera stage: You can’t compete with kids who are 25 years younger. There comes a time when you feel like you’re dressed up in your daughter’s prom gown
Bartoli’s Sacrificium and Muti’s Verdi Requiem recordings win Grammy Awards
Right down there at the bottom of the barrel are the classical nominations - after rap, blues, latin, heavy metal, R&B, country, jazz, pop and every other form of popular music imaginable there are a few categories for classical music at the Grammys. Just two awards come after and those are for videos, not audio recordings. Here are the winners for 2011. Best Classical … [Read more...] about Bartoli’s Sacrificium and Muti’s Verdi Requiem recordings win Grammy Awards