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Soundcheck

Monday, September 22, 2008
  • Renée Fleming
    Renée Fleming

    The Language of Song

    Renée Fleming is one of opera's best-known stars, having performed both at the Met and on Letterman. On today's show: the Grammy-nominated soprano tells us about building audiences for opera, and having her image plastered all over New York City buses this fall. Also: New trends in contemporary opera. Plus: Scottish folk-singer Julie Fowlis performs live in our studio.

    Enter Soundcheck’s songwriting contest! Your lyrics could be selected by our Grammy Award-winning judge and set to music by New York-area musicians. Click here for rules and more details.

The Age of the CNN Opera

New operas based on world events, movies or popular books are more popular than ever. But according to Washington Post music critic Anne Midgette "people who go to see an opera based on a book they liked often come away disappointed." She explains why.

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer asks: "What IS opera, anyway?"

"When Opera Is New and Unproved" (Washington Post)

Renée Fleming

Soprano Renée Fleming remains one of opera's best-known stars, as evidenced by her headlining appearance at the Metropolitan Opera's opening night gala, and her latest CD, Strauss' "Four Last Songs," to be released this week. But she’s increasingly expanding her profile beyond opera – launching a signature perfume and performing at the Olympics last month. She joins us to talk about her busy fall and her love of Strauss.

Julie Fowlis

Julie Fowlis

Singer Julie Fowlis is among the one percent of her compatriots in North Uist, Scotland, who can speak Scottish Gaelic. Still, that is the language in which she sings (mostly) traditional songs about simple life in her hometown. Despite the language barrier, Julie has gained fans at home and abroad, as well as awards in the UK for best folk singer and emerging artist. She joins us for a live performance.

Julie Fowlis site

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

Soundcheck

Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

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