A great soprano returns to St. Paul

Frederica von Stade
Frederica von Stade says she's still learning how to use her voice 37 years after her Metropolitan Opera debut.
Photo courtesy of the Schubert Club

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.

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