The littlest angel
A member of the cher public who attended yesterday’s Met Guild luncheon honoring Frederica von Stade reports: “Evelyn Lear went so far as to call [Flicka] ‘Mother Teresa — a saint.’ As part of his homage, Thomas Hampson sang one of the Cherubino arias — it was really sweet.
“He introduced the piece by saying that when Flicka began her career, he was still ‘playing with Lincoln Logs.’ (She jeered!) Then he got out his lyric sheet for the aria and fiddled with his reading glasses. ‘So much for the Lincoln Logs,’ she sang.”
“I have never heard so many people ardently praise someone’s goodness. Trust me — they sure didn’t at the luncheon for Zeffirelli two years ago!”
I’m waiting for Nelli Nerva (sorry for mangling of your moniker) to chime in with “Thomas Hampson is not only one of the world’s great singers but a consumate actor” etc. LOL
Susanna Phillips sang Donna Anna last spring with Boston Lyric Opera – and was sensational!
StageLefty’s correct. Flicka would most certainly refuse sainthood, but she’s most definitely an angel. She is a person of profound faith who understands the actions speak far louder than words. There are countless stories of her good works -- i.e., literally and figuratively holding Zheng Cao’s hand as she battled cancer.
Ah, the glories of YouTube!!! Crappy video but what a treasure… I’ve long felt that my favorite recording of Flicka’s is her Magnolia.
There ain’t nothing wrong with Jerry either. I did admire him alot. What a sad ending.
SilvestriWoman — the Show Boat excerpt is wonderful. Seeing Jerry Hadley just breaks my heart.
Seeing this wonderful video makes me wonder why it, and ones like it aren’t relased on commercial DVD …. especially when we see all the CRAP they DO release instead!!
I’m weighing in on Jerry H – what a beautiful voice – so superb in those Mozart roles.
When Jerry was here to sing, I always derived a great deal of pleasure from his performances. I indeed miss him much.