World-Renowned Soprano Renée Fleming at the Gallagher Bluedorn

Music You Feel in Your Soul

How many Iowans can say that they’ve seen a star soprano live and in-person without having to travel? This June, the Cedar Valley has an opportunity to witness opera sensation Renée Fleming at the Gallagher Bluedorn. 

One of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, Ms. Fleming has performed on the stages of the world’s greatest opera houses and concert halls and has been honored with four Grammy® awards, the US National Medal of Arts, and several other distinctions.. Her compelling stage presence and all-encompassing musical prowess will make for an artful and transcendent performance.

Origin of A Star Soprano

Renée Fleming grew up in Rochester, NY. Beginning music lessons as a young child, Ms. Fleming’s upbringing revolved around defining her unique sound. She went on to earn a degree in music education at the State University of New York and found early success as a jazz vocalist. She then continued her studies at the University of Rochester and Julliard’s opera program. Ms. Fleming made her first professional debut in Austria in 1986 and continues to bless the world with her talent to this day. As America’s top soprano, her success as an artist has been widely celebrated throughout the years. 

Momentous Occasions

Renée Fleming’s experiences are vast and robust, having had opportunities that many could only dream of. Her voice and experience take many forms, fitting for several momentous occasions. Here are a couple of Fleming’s mind-blowing performances that resonated with millions and brought new light to the art of opera.

• The Super Bowl: In 2014, she brought her voice to vast, new audiences as the first classical artist ever to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl. The broadcast brought in the largest television audience in American history with 111 million viewers. As a result of bringing her voice to the masses, opera gained new recognition and appreciation. 
  
  
   
• 9/11 Memorial: At a televised concert commemorating the first anniversary of 9/11, Renée Fleming gave a moving performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in memory of those lost. In times of hardship, Fleming’s voice is a refuge and a unifying force.
  
  
   
• Throughout the Pandemic: Even when many artists struggled to find ways to share their talents throughout the pandemic, Ms. Fleming found a way. During the pandemic, her performances included streamed online concerts for the Metropolitan Opera, the Kennedy Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy her virtual performance of the iconic Ave Maria alongside Evgeny Kissin.
  

A Night for All

Take the opportunity for a family night of fun. Youth tickets are only A Buck A Kid, making this an accessible evening for all ages to enjoy. Introducing youth to opera has several benefits: stimulating creativity, expanding their musical taste and experience, and enhancing appreciation for the arts. In addition, Renee Fleming’s voice is as relaxing as it is beautiful, and both children and adults will be able to appreciate this. Perfect for a Friday night at the opera!

Get ready to be amazed! Grab a seat for the Renée Fleming’s performance on June 3! GBPAC.com/Renee

Blog post by Lynn Schweer, Marketing Assistant