SOLD OUT ~ Renee Fleming

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World renowned opera singer Renee Fleming makes her debut on The Lyric stage this season, as she performs classic opera arias from her extensive repertoire. A National Medal of Arts winner, Fleming is known as “The People’s Diva,” captivating audiences around the world with her powerful vocals and commanding presence. A legendary singer known for her signature roles such as Countess Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Desdemona in Verdi’s Otelo, Renee Fleming has been described by conductor Sir Georg Solti as one of the most incredible vocalists of all time.

Born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Renee Fleming grew up in Rochester, New York where she was immediately recognized for her innate singing ability. Fleming studied at the Eastman School of Music, despite being asked to join the famous Illinois Jacquet on tour with his big band. Renee later won a Fulbright scholarship to study in Europe, where she continued her tutelage under Arleen Auger and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. After studying and singing with the Juilliard Opera Center, Renee Fleming gained international recognition when she won the Metropolitan Opera Auditions at the age of 29. Fleming has continued to make a name for herself both domestically and internationally, winning a 2013 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo for her performance on Poemes, a collection of 20^th century French music, including compositions created especially for her by Henri Dutilleux. In addition, Renee Fleming has performed at the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the 2008 Olympics Games, and received the honor of becoming the first opera singer to perform the “Star Spangled Banner” at the 2014 Super Bowl game ceremonies.

Fleming has continued to impress, as she became the first woman to solo headline an opening night gala in the 125 year history of the Metropolitan Opera. She has since performed in the title role of Lehar’s The Merry Widow at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, where she also serves as Creative Consultant, and recently made her Broadway debut, for which she received a Drama League Award nomination. Renee is currently developing a world-premiere opera based on the best-selling Bel Canto for the Chicago Lyric Opera 2015-2016 season. For her performance at The Lyric Theatre this season, Renee Fleming will perform arias from some of the most famous operas of all time in an incredibly intimate space.