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The Fredonia Shakespeare Club met recently for its 10th regular meeting of the 2014-2015 season. Hosted by Judi Lutz Woods at the Literacy Volunteers’ Book Store in Dunkirk. Treasurer Joan Larson presided at the meeting.
In accordance with the general theme for the year, “Women of Achievement,” Larson presented her paper on Renee Fleming. The paper is summarized as follows:
Renee Fleming, not an easy singer to define except for the exceptional quality of her voice and the artistry she displays, is one of music’s “Women of Achievement.”
Some singers can be defined either as specialists in a particular area, such as opera, or as artists who pursue mediums such as jazz or through a recording venue or in recital with an orchestra.
Fleming was seen lately in the opera “The Merry Widow,” recently shown at the 1891 Opera House and in September performed at Kleinhan’s with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She released a Christmas CD which featured the artists shown on her special on PBS TV. Many also recall her magnificent performance of the National Anthem at last year’s Super Bowl.
Fleming grew up in a Rochester suburb and was educated at SUNY Potsdam, Eastman School of Music and Juilliard. Her parents were both music teachers.
By definition, she is a lyric soprano. She not only has a beautiful voice, but she has been praised for her beauty, charm and vivacity, which make her an exceptional performer.
Larson played four selections during her paper so that the members could hear Fleming’s artistry and the diversity. The first selection was “Oh Silver Moon” also known as “Song to the Moon” from the opera “Rusalka” by Anton Dvorak. This has become Fleming’s signature aria because she sang it for her audition to the Metropolitan and performed it in productions of Rusalka and in recital halls around the globe. This aria was also heard in the movie “Driving Miss Daisy.”
The second selection was “Oh Bambino Caro” from the opera “Gianni Schicchi” by Giacomo Puccini. The third selection was “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” followed by Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” from the movie “Shrek.”
Renee Fleming has been described as the “Most sought after lyric soprano of her generation, the toast of opera houses from New York to Milan, the American singer every impresario and concert manager in the world wants to engage.” Because of the diversity and creativity of her career, the world may look forward to many years of the beautiful lyric soprano enriching lives.
After the presentation, Woods called the group to tea, at which she was assisted by Gloria Garretson.
The next meeting will be hosted by Page Woodbury, during which Virginia Horvath will present her paper on “Amelia Earhart.”