A great soprano returns to St. Paul
by John Birge, Minnesota Public RadioSt. Paul, Minn. — Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade is one of America's finest opera singers, but she grew up with the Broadway tunes she heard on her mother's records. On Wednesday night, von Stade joins her friend, bass Samuel Ramey, for a Schubert Club recital of both opera favorites and Broadway show tunes.
In the 37 years since her Metropolitan Opera debut, von Stade has earned a reputation for a repertoire that ranges from the Baroque to works by contemporary composers. Twin Cities composer Dominick Argento wrote two song cycles and the opera "The Aspern Papers" for her.
In a conversation with Minnesota Public Radio's John Birge, von Stade talks about her life as a mezzo-soprano, the future of opera and her admiration for her recital partner, Samuel Ramey.
John Birge
• Host, Classical MusicJohn Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years.
