Renée's CD "Verismo" wins a Grammy Award!
Renée Fleming's latest Decca solo album, "Verismo" has won the artist her third Grammy®. "Verismo" contains arias by Puccini and his contemporaries, with Marco Armiliato conducting the Coro e Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, and superstar tenor Jonas Kaufmann joining Fleming for the ensemble "Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso" from La Rondine. The album was named "Best Classical Vocal Performance" at the internationally telecast awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
America’s great soprano has called this familiar and unfamiliar repertoire, spanning the years between Catalani’s La Wally (1892) andTurandot (1926) "the highest expression of drama and passion". And her "Verismo" interpretations, "ennobled with cool classicism" (New York Times), have already attracted the widest critical acclaim. "The feeling throughout is generous and true," wrote the great authority on singing John Steane in Gramophone, while the BBC reviewer exclaimed, "the vocal delivery itself, despite all this drama is technically perfect, simply delivered and clearly defined...With this recording, Fleming has more than justified her diva status."
Renée's new CD "Verismo" released on September 15, 2009
The CD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
Renée's new CD "FOUR LAST SONGS" released on September 16, 2008
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Renée awarded the Swedish Polar Prize on August 26th, 2008
The POLAR MUSIC PRIZE was presented on Tuesday August 26th for the seventeenth year in succession. The laureates were the American soprano Renée Fleming and the British group Pink Floyd. Each recipient received a total amount of one million Swedish Crowns, which is equivalent to approximately USD 164.000 or EURO 106.000.
His Majesty the King of Sweden awarded the laureates which took place at the Stockholm Concert Hall. Represents from Pink Floyd were Roger Waters and Nick Mason. The subsequent banquet was held at the Grand Hotel’s Winter Garden. Her Majesty The Queen, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria, Prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt attended the festivities together with many dignitaries and celebrities from the world of music, industry, showbusiness and media.
The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by the late Stig "Stikkan" Anderson, one of the true greats in the history of popular music. As the publisher, lyricist and manager of ABBA, he played a key role in their enormous success. Its name stems from Anderson's legendary record label, Polar Records. The Polar Music Prize is one of the most prestigious and unique music prizes in the world, crossing over musical boundaries and awarded to individuals, groups and institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements.
The Renée Fleming Iris can now be yours forever
On November 19, 2007 the Renée Fleming Iris, created in porcelain by Boehm, was launched in Baton Rouge, Louisiana through a special commission by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. The Boehm Studio was founded in 1950 Helen Boehm and Edward Marshall Boehm and is known for creating natural life in fine porcelain. "I hope that creating this American made floral masterpiece by the Boehm artisans will live up to the beauty and grace that Ms. Fleming's artistry has brought to the world's opera stage!" – Helen Boehm
Renee Fleming was immortalized in bloom in 2004 with the announcement that an iris would be named in her honor by renowned Louisiana iris hybridizer Heather Pryor of Sydney, Australia and project leader Edna Claunch of Rochester, New York. The Renée Fleming Iris embodies the essence of its namesake – beauty, warmth and grace. With petals in pastel lavender, delicately veined violet with highly ruffled and scalloped edges, the Renée Fleming Iris is unmatched in its floral splendor. "It thrills me to see this magnificent flower captured forever in exquisite porcelain, and it is an honor to have my name associated with it." – Renée Fleming
Renée's CD "HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva" was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards
Renée was nominated for two Grammy Awards in the Classical Field, both for her recent album "HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva".
Renée was personally nominated for the Best Classical Vocal Performance Grammy Award. Other nominees in this category included Rolando Villazón (for Gitano - Zarzuela Arias), Lorraine Hunt Lieberson (for Lorraine Hunt Lieberson Sings Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs), Anna Netrebko (for Russian Album), and Sarah Connolly (for Sea Pictures, Op. 37). The award went to Lorraine Hunt Lieberson.
The album itself was also nominated for the Best Classical Album Grammy Award. Other nominees in this category included Cherubini: Missa Solemnis In E (Riccardo Muti, conductor; Wilhelm Meister, producer), Grechaninov: Passion Week (Charles Bruffy, conductor; Blanton Alspaugh, producer, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson Sings Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs (Lorraine Hunt Lieberson; Dirk Sobotka, producer), and Tower: Made In America (Leonard Slatkin, conductor; Tim Handley, producer). This award went to Tower: Made In America.
Renée's new CD "HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva" released on October 17, 2006
The CD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
Renée's new CD with Brad Mehldau "Love Sublime" released on June 27, 2006
The CD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
Renée's new DVD "Sacred Songs" released worldwide
DVD RELEASE OF RENÉE'S 'SACRED SONGS' ALBUM! LIVE FROM ONE OF EUROPE'S MOST BEAUTIFUL CATHEDRALS
On Sunday, 13 November 2005, the renowned American soprano, Renée Fleming, performed a selection of the world’s best-loved sacred songs and arias in front of a packed audience in Mainz’s beautiful Romanesque Cathedral. Accompanying her were the Cathedral’s choir and the celebrated Deustche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, under the lively direction of Trevor Pinnock. The concert was inspired by the success of Renée Fleming’s Sacred Songs CD, and was staged by ZDF and PBS (USA), for broadcast this Christmas and Christmas 2006.
In addition to performings arias and songs from her album, Renée also gives special bonus performances of two Christmas favourites: The Holly and the Ivy from the atmospheric Cathedral cloisters, and Silent Night in front of the traditional crib in Mainz town square. The disc features both CD-quality stereo and a DTS 5.1 surround sound, as well as many extra items, including Renée’s promo video of Schubert’s Ave Maria, photo galleries of both Renée and Mainz Cathedral and City, as well as trailers and the Decca/Philips DVD showreel.
The DVD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
iClassics.com
Renée stars in a new film "In Search of Mozart"
To mark the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth in January 2006, IN SEARCH OF MOZART is the first ever major feature-length documentary on Mozart’s life. Produced in association with the world’s leading orchestras, opera houses and musicians… told through a 25,000 mile journey along every route Mozart followed…IN SEARCH OF MOZART is a detective story that travels to the heart of old Europe… and the heart of genius itself.
The film features Renée talking about her passion for Mozart and we also get to see excerpts of her fantastic performances in 'The Marriage of Figaro'. The film is narrated by Juliet Stevenson and in addition to Renee's appearances, there are over 70 of the world's most significant artists - including Magdalena Kožená, Lang Lang, Angelika Kirchschlager, Louis Langrée, Julian Rachlin, Roger Norrington, Imogen Cooper, Škampa Quartet, Orchestra of the 18th Century, the Salzburg Camerata… and many others. You can read a short interview with Renée talking about the film here.
Click here to watch a 1-minute trailer for the film.
Renée's new CD album "Sacred Songs" released on September 27, 2005
The CD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
iClassics.com
Renée's new Opera recording "Daphne" released on September 13, 2005
Celebrated for her glorious interpretations of the great soprano roles of Richard Strauss, Renée Fleming leads an international cast in this eagerly awaited new recording of Strauss' gorgeously lyrical mythical opera Daphne. The performance is conducted by Strauss specialist Semyon Bychkov who conducted the work at the Vienna State Opera in 2004 to great critical acclaim. This is a very significant addition to the Strauss discography and will be a must have recording for all opera collectors, many of whom won't have a recording of this wonderful opera.
The CD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
iClassics.com
Renée gets caught reading
Renée is pleased to support the latest literacy campaign. Get Caught Reading is a US national campaign sponsored by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) and Magazine Publishers of America (AMP) to promote the joys of reading and to encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines.
Copyright ©2005 Association of American Publishers. All rights reserved.
Renée's new CD album "Haunted Heart" released on May 10, 2005
Click here to listen to Renée's recent interview on NPR.
The CD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
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iClassics.com
Renée's first ever book "The Inner Voice" released on November 4, 2004
In The Inner Voice, Renée shares what she has learned from her experience as an inspiration for those contemplating a career in the arts. From struggling to get a career under way to dealing with her own personal doubts, Renée is wonderfully candid and articulate about her art—especially the little discussed heart-throat-mind connection—and childhood influences, formal education, mentors, preparation, and mental and physical discipline.
Here is a look at the real life of an artist today, a life confronted by the loneliness of touring, the need for resilience, the desire for creativity in the face of overwhelming commercial pressures, coping with business issues, and, most important, balancing personal and professional fulfillment. The Inner Voice adds its distinctive voice to works such as Eudora Welty’s One Writer’s Beginnings and Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting, teaching by example and the hard-won human lessons all artists must learn. It will be eagerly awaited not only by her legion of fans, but will also be required reading for anyone contemplating a career in the arts.
You can check out the book's table of contents here, or read an excerpt here.
The book can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
Click here to read Renée's exclusive interview with Amazon.com about her new book.
Renée's new CD album of Handel Arias released on September 14, 2004
A Feast of Great Handel Arias from "The World’s Most Beautiful Voice"
On September 14th, Decca will release Renée Fleming’s album of both well-known and rarely-heard Handel arias. Ms. Fleming can be credited for bringing increased visibility to Handel’s operas on the stages of American opera houses through her breathtaking performances of the baroque composer’s stage works. Fleming’s latest Decca recording features a sumptuous collection of glorious arias – in Italian and English – from Handel’s operas and oratorios. The disc is filled with selections that showcase the strength and suppleness of Fleming’s voice as well as the depth of her musical gifts.
The album is released in time for Renée Fleming’s debut in the title role of Handel’s Rodelinda in a new production at the Metropolitan Opera New York in December 2004. The listener gets a preview of the production in an outstandingly beautiful aria from the opera included in the present recording. The Decca recording was made with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment conducted by English Handel specialist Harry Bicket - who recently conducted the Glyndebourne festival performances of Rodelinda, and who will conduct the performances at the Met in December.
On July 27th, Renée Fleming headlined a gala concert at the Hollywood Bowl where she wowed the likes of Jack Nicholson, Benicio del Toro, Warren Beatty and Annette Bening (who found Fleming's performance "uplifting”). This fall, Ms. Fleming begins one of her biggest seasons with appearances at the most important opening night concerts of the year including Carnegie Hall, San Francisco Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Then, on November 8th, publishers Viking Penguin will release The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer authored by Ms. Fleming. The book is the story of her artistic development and the “autobiography” of her voice. In it, she offers a unique and privileged look at the making of a singer.
In January of 2005, Renée Fleming kicks off a twelve-city recital tour, including repertoire from this album.
The CD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
iClassics.com
Renée is featured on the Amerian Library Association's READ poster campaign
Renée is thrilled to be invited to feature in the American Library Association's fall campaign. The Poster is based on the theme of Anthology of Hans Christian Anderson's Fairy Tales, and will be featured in the ALA's Fall 2004 Catalog.
The 22" × 34" Poster can be bought online from the ALA Store:
ALA Online Store: Sublime Soprano - Renée Fleming Poster
The proceeds from the Poster will support the programs of the American Library Association.
Copyright ©2005 American Library Association. All rights reserved.
Photographed by Kimberly Butler on the set of Rusalka on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House.
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera. Poster design by Distillery Design Studio.
Renée wins the Classical BRIT Award for 'Outstanding Contribution to Music'
Renée was recently awarded the 2004 Classical BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. This is her 2nd Classical BRIT Award - she had won the award for the 1st time in 2003 in the Female Artist of the Year category.
Coincidently, Renée was also one of the performers at the Awards ceremony, which took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She performed twice during the evening - a solo performance of Puccini's O mio babbino caro, and the closing duet of the ceremony with Bryn Terfel of Gershwin's Bess You Is My Woman Now.
BRIT Awards Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of The British Phonographic Industry Ltd
Renée's Online Study Poll
The Online Study Poll has now been closed - We Thank all of you who participated in our Study.
You can still view the Online Study Poll Results here.
Renée's "Rusalka" released on DVD on February 17, 2004
The DVD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
iClassics.com
TowerRecords.com
In the UK:
Amazon.co.uk
TowerRecords.co.uk
Renée featured on "The Lord of the Rings" Soundtracks released in November/December, 2003
Renée has recorded 2 songs for the Soundtrack of the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" titled "Twilight and Shadow" and "The End of All Things". The film's beautiful score was composed by Howard Shore, who has recently won an Academy Award for it in the Best Original Musical Score category. You can read about the nomination here, and you can check out Howard's acceptance speech here, where he also mentions Renée.
Among the total of the 11 Oscar awards that the film won at this year's ceremony, was also the award for the Best Song which was won by Annie Lennox, Fran Walsh and Howard Shore. Click here to read the details of the nomination, and check out their acceptance speech here.
Source: OSCAR.comACADEMY AWARD(S)®, OSCAR(S)®, OSCAR NIGHT® and OSCAR® statuette design mark are the registered trademarks and service marks, and the OSCAR® statuette the copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Renée's new album "By Request" released in September, 2003
Click the image above to see a special feature about Renée's latest album, including an interview with her, photos and music clips from the new album, and an exclusive webcast of a gala concert performance featuring Renée and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Music Director Andrew Litto, which was recorded live on September 6th, 2003.
"By Request" is the new 'must have' collection, featuring all the most popular recordings from the world's favourite soprano... together with glorious new tracks! Featured here are recordings from Renée's outstanding Decca discography, as well new, specially recorded bonus tracks.
The new recordings include the closing scene of Act 1 of Verdi's La Traviata - a role that Renée Fleming sang for the first time, to enormous critical acclaim, in Houston, Texas earlier this year. Violetta's great scene, which closes Act 1, is one of the most brilliant in all opera and is regarded as a showcase for all great sopranos. Renee will sing the role again (this time under the baton of Valery Gergiev) to open the 2003-4 season at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York in September 2003. As an interesting aside, the off-stage voice of Alfredo, which punctuates the scene, is sung on this new recording by Decca's recently signed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja (who will record his first solo album for release in Spring 2004).
Another newly recorded track featured on this album is Richard Strauss' orchestral song Cacilie. Renée Fleming is possibly the outstanding Strauss interpreter of our time and this glorious song is one of her personal 'calling cards', often given as a hugely popular encore.
Also, Renée is set to appear on two of the most prestigious US TV shows. Look out for her on the "Today Show" (interview & performance - Wednesday, September 24) and the "Late Show with David Letterman" (interview & performance - Tuesday, October 7).
The complete contents of the CD can be found here:
iClassics.com web-site
The DVD can be ordered from these online stores:
In the US:
Amazon.com
BN.com
iClassics.com
TowerRecords.com
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