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Ben Heppner (Winnie Klotz)An "Idol" of a Different Sort
Every year, thousands of aspiring opera singers compete for cash and career boosts in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions. The competition is considered every bit as daunting as "American Idol," and like the Fox phenomenon, it's turned out some major stars. Today, as WNYC kicks off its week-long American Music Festival, we're joined by one of the brightest, tenor Ben Heppner, along with one of this year's winners, 28-year-old soprano Katherine Jolly. Also: there are great stories behind many American voices. Singer Darlene Love had multi-platinum records in the 60s, but hit a downturn and ended up working as a maid to earn a living. She joins us to talk about her return, getting to the movies and to Broadway. Finally, a live performance with jazz musician and composer Peter Eldridge.
Metropolitan Opera Auditions
Tenor Ben Heppner and soprano Katherine Jolly discuss the American Idol of opera: the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
» Metropolitan Opera Web site
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More about WNYC's American Music Festival |
Darlene Love
The 60s girl group legend and current cast member of Hairspray joins us.
» Darlene Love's Web site
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