Hailed as “one of America’s finest artists” (New York Times), Frederica von Stade shares a rare post-retirement performance, joining the “vocally resplendent” (Schmopera) Susan Graham for a truly legendary concert of art song.
For many years, the two world-class mezzos have been colleagues and friends, inspiring one another to reach new artistic heights. Graham has long cited von Stade as an artistic influence, telling CS Music that “two of my greatest idols were Frederica von Stade and Tatiana Troyanos.” The pair also worked closely during the development of Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking at San Francisco Opera, where von Stade observed Graham’s remarkable transformation in the role of Sister Helen Prejean: “Susie is an incredibly magnificent artist, an incredibly sound human being.”
Their reunion at Ravinia this summer offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience two of opera’s most cherished voices together in the intimate world of art song. They are joined by pianist Kevin Murphy, Artistic Director of the Singers Program at the Steans Institute, who has collaborated in concert and recital with many of opera’s leading artists, including Renée Fleming, Nathan Gunn, and Bryn Terfel.
