Live From Lincoln Center Presents 'Celebration: Stephanie Blythe Meets Kate Smith,' 4/19

Live From Lincoln Center presents famed mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe's personal tribute to the late Kate Smith, an iconic American singer during the mid-20th century who was a symbol of national optimism. The broadcast, "Celebration: Stephanie Blythe Meets Kate Smith," is hosted by Audra McDonald and will air on PBS stations on Friday, April 19, 2013 at 9 p.m. (ET) (check local listings).

Stephanie Blythe's commanding and rich voice has captivated audiences in many of the world's great opera houses and concert stages. This season, she performs in a new production of Un ballo in Maschera as well as Il Trovatore and the Ring Cycle at the Metropolitan Opera. Last August, she triumphed in Dido and Aeneas with the Mark Morris Dance Group during Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival. In addition to singing operatic roles, Blythe has long been a champion of American song. Her tribute to Kate Smith, a beloved singer whose stirring and resilient voice helped to comfort and galvanize the nation during World War II, was taped during Lincoln Center's American Songbook series in February 2013 from the Allen Room. Blythe, accompanied by Craig Terry, performs popular works famously sung during Smith's legendary career, including "When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain," "We'll Meet Again," "God Bless America," and "Look for the Silver Lining."

Live From Lincoln Center is in its 38th broadcast season and has received 13 Emmy Awards to date. Live From Lincoln Center, which celebrates the live performance experience, has made the world's greatest artists on Lincoln Center's renowned stages accessible to home viewers in virtually every corner of the United States. This episode will be directed by Brad J. Fuss. The executive producer is Andrew C. Wilk. Lincoln Center's Chief Media and Digital Officer, Elizabeth W. Scott, is executive in charge of the series' production.

"Celebration: Stephanie Blythe Meets Kate Smith" is the fourth of six Live From Lincoln Center broadcasts to air this winter and spring on PBS, part of an expanded 2013 season. The next episode of Live From Lincoln Center features the New York Philharmonic's staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein's iconic musical Carousel, which stars Kelli O'Hara, Nathan Gunn and Stephanie Blyth on April 26 at 9 p.m. (ET). The final broadcast of the season airs on May 24 at 9 p.m. with host Audra McDonald performing at a special gala concert. Please check local listings for exact air times in each market.

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