Frederica von Stade is a venerable American mezzo-soprano whose career spans several decades, known affectionately by her fans as "Flicka." Born on June 1, 1945, in Somerville, New Jersey, von Stade has graced the stages of the world's greatest opera houses and concert halls with her rich, expressive voice and engaging presence. A graduate of the Mannes College of Music in New York, her breakout performance came in 1970 at the Metropolitan Opera, where she sang the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro." This role would become one of her signatures, alongside her celebrated portrayals of characters in operas by Rossini and other bel canto composers.

Throughout her luminous career, von Stade has earned numerous accolades for her interpretations of both traditional repertoire and contemporary works. Her discography reflects her artistic versatility, encompassing beloved operatic arias, song cycles, Broadway tunes, and modern compositions. Notable among her recent projects are her ventures into American opera with "Heggie: Dead Man Walking (Live)" and "Ricky Ian Gordon: A Coffin in Egypt," where her commanding and nuanced performances showcase her ongoing commitment to the evolving landscape of opera. Her work with composers Jake Heggie and David Conte, among others, demonstrates her enthusiasm for bringing new music into the classical canon. With a charm that has endeared her to audiences worldwide, Frederica von Stade remains a treasured icon in the world of classical music.

Genres

Classical Mezzo-soprano

Opera

Latest Release

Heggie: Dead Man Walking (Live)

Susan Graham•

Frederica von Stade

Album - 33 Tracks - Released August 18, 2023