On Monday, May 10, 2010, Chicago Opera Theater (COT) hosted an intimate reception offering people the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade (aka "Flicka") and composer Jake Heggie followed COT's An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie, which was Ms. von Stade's final recital in Chicago before retirement. This fundraising event raised over $10,000 in support of the company.
At the recital, Ms. von Stade was accompanied by Mr. Heggie and performed selections from Massenet, Mahler, Sondheim, Copland, Heggie and others, as she told the story of her life and career. The reception immediately followed the recital at the Mid-America Club with 85 guests."A special thank you to Flicka and Jake," said General Director Brian Dickie at the reception. "Tonight's performance along with Three Decembers has made the 2010 Spring Festival Season unforgettable!"Ms. von Stade also took the opportunity to thank Mr. Dickie for his continued and tireless support of the art form of opera. "Brian, really this night is about you," von Stade generously offered. She and Brian first worked together at the Glyndebourne Festival in her company debut of what would become one of her most popular roles: Cherubino from Le nozze di Figaro in 1973.In addition to meeting the stars guests enjoyed appetizers courtesy of the Mid-America Club, wine from William Hill Estate Winery, and New Amsterdam Straight Gin sponsors of Chicago Opera Theater's signature drink the "Operatini."
Founded in 1974, Chicago Opera Theater has carved a significant place for itself in the operatic life of Chicago and has reached an audience of hundreds of thousands through its main stage performances, outreach, education and young artist programs.
Since Brian Dickie's appointment as General Director in 1999, COT has evolved as an opera company that is young, fresh, and colorful - an image well suited to its surroundings at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.
Chicago Opera Theater's 2010 Spring Festival Season continues with Jake Heggie's Three Decembers which features acclaimed mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade in her final Chicago staged opera performances before her retirement. ONLY THREE PERFORMANCES LEFT - May 12, 14 and 16! For more information, visit ChicagoOperaTheater.org or call 312.704.8414.
