Opera Star Frederica von Stade Offers Masterclass and Benefit Concert!

Frederica von Stade, a deeply beloved, internationally renowned American opera and concert singer for over 40 years, will be in southeast Iowa this month to lead a September 14 Masterclass at the University of Iowa and to sing a September 16 benefit concert at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center. Both events are open to the public. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear one of the greatest voices of the classical world!

von Stade's background

Frederica has sung at the Metropolitan Opera over 300 times since her debut in 1970 and has been in high demand internationally as well, performing in operas, musicals, concerts, and recitals at venues such as La Scala, the Paris Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Salzburger Festspielhaus, Covent Garden, Glyndebourne, and Carnegie Hall.

A mezzo-soprano equally at home in lyric music and in coloratura, she has assumed fifty-seven operatic roles on stage and eight more in concert or on disc, progressing from minor parts to romantic leads – both male and female. Among her signature roles are Penelope, Rosina, Angelina, Charlotte, Lucette, Mélisande, Hanna Glawari, and Mrs de Rocher, and, in trousers, Cherubino, Hänsel, Chérubin and Octavian. She has participated in nine world premieres and has worked with the world's most renowned conductors, including Abbado, Bernstein, Boulez, Giulini, Karajan, Levine, Muti, Ozawa, Sinopoli, Solt and Tilson Thomas.

Frederica is also a prolific and eclectic recording artist, with over 70 recordings and nine Grammy nominations for best classical vocalist. Just last month, she was inducted into Opera America’s Hall of Fame for her singing and her humanitarian activities.

Upcoming Iowa City events

Frederica will lead a Masterclass at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at the University of Iowa School of Music, where she will guide the school's top students toward greater mastery of their craft as she draws on her extensive experience and expertise. This event is open to the public.

Frederica will perform a benefit concert titled "A Life of Lovely Song" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center. The concert is a biographical travelogue through her long career, filled with songs from classical literature, Broadway tunes, and an occasional aria or two. "Flicka," as she is fondly known, is a wonderfully gracious performer who narrates her many experiences on world-famous stages with charm and humor.

Joining her will be her long-time collaborator, pianist James Meredith, an internationally recognized concert artist and Director of Vocal Studies at the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra program in Berkeley, California. Frederica currently serves on the board of the YMCO and is passionate about supporting the hopes and dreams of young people for a life in music.

Proceeds from the concert will support Fairfield's Maharishi School, whose mission is to create an innovative Consciousness-Based educational environment where students think deeply and become creative, compassionate, contributing citizens of the world.

Tickets for the Sept. 16 concert are now on sale at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center box office at 641-472-2787.

Elaine Reding is a classical music and choral enthusiast who has sung with the Chamber Singers of Iowa City for two decades and has directed a small chamber choir in Fairfield for 30 years.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Opera Star Frederica von Stade Offers Masterclass and Benefit Concert!