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Frederica Von StadeAmerican singer, mezzo-soprano
Date of Birth: 01.06.1942
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Frederica von Stade
Early Life and EducationFrederica von Stade, an American mezzo-soprano, was born on June 1, 1945 in Somerville, New Jersey. She earned the nickname "Flicka" during her childhood. Von Stade studied at Mannes College the New School for Music in New York City, and she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1970. The following year, she performed as Cherubino in "Le nozze di Figaro" at the Santa Fe Opera. Her performance was highly praised, with reviewers noting her talent and potential.
Career
Cherubino became von Stade's signature role, and she performed the role during her European debut at the grand fashion show "Versailles 1973," which catapulted her to international fame. After a six-year hiatus, she returned to the Metropolitan Opera in 1982 and became one of the company's leading artists. Von Stade received acclaim for her performances in various roles such as Idamante in "Idomeneo," Hansel in "Hansel and Gretel," Rosina in "Il Barbiere di Siviglia," Octavian in "Der Rosenkavalier," Blanche in "Dialogues des Carmélites," Mélisande in "Pelléas et Mélisande," Charlotte in "Werther," and Hanna Glawari in "The Merry Widow." She excelled in the bel canto style and gained recognition for her interpretations of mezzo-soprano roles in Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" and "La Cenerentola."
In addition to opera, von Stade also participated in various musical theater productions, including "Show Boat," "The Sound of Music," "A Little Night Music," and "On the Town." She appeared in numerous PBS special programs, including the Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert in 1991. Von Stade also made appearances in several CBS broadcasts of the Kennedy Center Honors. She is known for her concert performances, showcasing a wide repertoire ranging from Mozart, Haydn, and Mahler to selections from Broadway musicals. Her album of Mahler songs received high praise. Several contemporary composers, including Dominick Argento, Jake Heggie, Conrad Susa, and Richard Danielpour, have written music specifically for von Stade's voice. She was the first performer to portray the role of Tina in the world premiere of Argento's opera "The Aspern Papers" in 1988 at the Dallas Opera. Von Stade also recorded other works by Argento. Conrad Susa composed the role of Marquise de Merteuil in his opera "Dangerous Liaisons" for her, which premiered on September 10, 1994 at the San Francisco Opera. Richard Danielpour composed "Elegies" for orchestra, mezzo-soprano, and baritone as a tribute to von Stade's father, who died at the end of World War II, two months before her birth. The premiere of "Elegies" took place in 1998, performed by the Jacksonville Symphony conducted by Roger Nierenberg.
