Dignity returns to the NYC opera scene
On April 17, Dame Kiri te Kanawa returns to the scene of… well, not a crime, actually, more like a triumph: that is, her surprise Met debut in Otello way back in 1974. No, she’s not singing, but on April 17 she will make a personal appearance at the Metropolitan Opera Shop, to greet her fans and sign CDs from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.
The following day, the controversial Kiwi canary will grace this year’s Metropolitan Opera Guild Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria. The alphabetical list of singers and other colleagues who are scheduled to honor the diva includes Licia Albanese, Martina Arroyo, Harry Bicket, Stephanie Blythe, Russell Braun, Lawrence Brownlee, Barbara Cook, Mignon Dunn, Barbara Frittoli, Massimo Giordano, Maria Guleghina, Marilyn Horne, James Morris, Regina Resnik, Julius Rudel, Beverly Sills, Risë Stevens, Ruth Ann Swenson, and Benita Valente. (Apparently Joann Yockey and Linda Zoghby had prior commitments.)
Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade will do the vocal honors and the program will also include “rare” video clips of the honoree. Tickets to the Luncheon are $250 and $400.
How lovely to see Mignon Dunn’s name again after (for me) so many years.
Any word on the latest health reports for Horne, Swenson, Pavarotti, et al? Swenson was back onstage recently and Horne was a co-host on a recent broadcast.. I assume those are good signs.
I assume that both Horne and Swenson are recovering fine. I’ve even heard that Horne will be returning to the stage as The Duchess of Crankenthorpe, though I’m not sure where. As Swenson is singing Cleopatra next week, I assume she’s alright. What I wonder about is Dawn Upshaw. I haven’t heard anything about her since she announced the sickness.
Dawn Upshaw cancelled two concerts recently because, reportedly, she’s still recovering from the effects of chemo.
I know that is Renee on the book cover. It has to be.
ljc,
Which one is Renaaay? The dead body on the floor or the whore with the feathers in her hair?
Could be both–doing a jazz recital and as Leonore in Trovatore
Am hogging posting space, but there is an interesting youtube clip from jozefsterkens of Marjorie Lawrence being wheeled on stage somewhere at her first appearance after her polio, and Rodzinski is on the podium. Only 51 seconds in the clip, but a rare chance to see her on tape.
it was in 1947 with the Chicago Symphony.
hahahhaha. wow, I can’t seem to stop laughing at some of your comments. Very witty.