Opera Megastar Frederica von Stade To Be Featured Guest Performer at Commonwealth Youthchoirs Gala Concert

Opera Megastar Frederica von Stade To Be Featured Guest Performer at Commonwealth Youthchoirs Gala Concert

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Commonwealth Youthchoirs has announced that world-renowned opera singer Frederica von Stade will guest star at its 4th Annual Gala Concert at the Kimmel Center on June 8, 2008.

Described by the New York Times as "one of America's finest artists and singers," Frederica von Stade continues to be extolled as one of the music world's most beloved figures in a career that spans three decades. Unparalleled in her artistry as a recitalist, the mezzo-soprano combines her expressive vocalism and exceptional musicianship with a rare gift for communication.

In announcing Ms. von Stade's appearance, Commonwealth Youthchoirs Executive Director Susan S. Ashbaker said, "We are delighted that our talented young singers will have this remarkable opportunity to share the stage with an international artist of truly exceptional caliber. This performance promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for audience and singers alike."

Ms. von Stade's performance will include singing with each choir, Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir, as well as a song that features Ms. von Stade with the combined choirs of over 100 children. Ms. Ashbaker noted that this appearance-her first in Philadelphia since 2005-with the young singers of Commonwealth Youthchoirs complements Ms. von Stade's on-going work with a children's chorus in her home community of Alameda, California.

Known to family, friends, and fans by her nickname "Flicka," Miss von Stade has appeared with every leading American opera company, including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Los Angeles Opera. Her career in Europe has been no less spectacular, with new productions mounted for her at Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, and the Paris Opera. She has made over seventy recordings with every major label.

The June 8 Gala Concert at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts marks the fourth such event for Commonwealth Youthchoirs (www.cychoirs.org). Now in its seventh year, the organization provides choral music education and performance opportunities for over 280 young singers, aged seven through eighteen, representing five counties in the greater Philadelphia area, who sing with one of its two member-choirs, Keystone State Boychoir (www.paboychoir.org) and Pennsylvania Girlchoir (www.pagirlchoir.org). Tickets for the concert go on sale in early May.

Contact: Angela Wende-Minch
Office: 215-849-1762
Cell: 267-265-3165
awende@comcast.net

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Source: Commonwealth Youthchoirs

CONTACT: Angela Wende-Minch of Commonwealth Youthchoirs, office, +1-215-
849-1762, or cell, +1-267-265-3165, awende@comcast.net

Web site:

http://www.cychoirs.org/
http://www.paboychoir.org/
http://www.pagirlchoir.org/

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