Renée Fleming Goes Glam For Ruven Afanador In "Spirit And Flesh"

New York-based portrait photographer Ruven Afanador has captured haute couture images of soprano Renée Fleming donning Oscar de la Renta for the latest issue of Spirit And Flesh Magazine. Well known for his striking black and white photos of bullfighters known as torero, he has also worked with Anna Netrebko on several occasions as well as Sonya Yoncheva and Plácido Domingo. The article features an interview with Ms. Fleming conducted by Andrew Basile. "This will come as no surprise: I’m passionate about singing, but I don’t mean just classical or opera. I love great vocalism in virtually every style, whether it’s gospel, jazz, bluegrass or world music. The voice is our most primal expression – direct and unique to each individual. It also says a lot about our national culture and identity." Other topics discussed include describing her own voice; who she would like to sing to directly; exploring Appalachian music; what she feels before stepping onstage for a performance; hopes for her daughters; what opera she would make a film; why she is called the "anti-diva"; and much more. Read the whole piece here. More stunning photos after the jump.

Ann Ziff $30 Million MET Gift Makes Her 35th Most Generous

Benefactress Ziff (right) with Renée Fleming

"Tamsen Ann Ziff, a jewelry designer and boutique owner, gave $30-million to the Metropolitan Opera, placing her in a tie for No. 35 on The Chronicle's ranking of the most-generous U.S. donors." With a fortune worth $15.5 billion earned by her late husband through publishing such magazines as as Car and Driver, Popular Electronics and PC Magazine, the widow Ziff is one of the MET's largest financial sustainers. Be sure to read the full article about filthy rich people being philanthropic. [Source, Source]