Renée Fleming Joins Aretha Franklin & Janelle Monáe For NCTL

(Photo: Decca/Andrew Eccles)

Watch the 2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6 starting at 4:30pm – featuring The Avett Brothers, Joshua Bell, Renée Fleming, Aretha Franklin, Janelle Monáe, Arturo Sandoval, Train and more! For more details, click here. Renée was most recently at the White House to receive the National Medal of Arts from President Obama in July 2013. The soprano has had an ongoing relationship in the political capital since 1999 when she performed for President Bill Clinton during a Christmas celebration. She has also sung regularly for the Kennedy Center Honors and Presidential Inaugurations. [Source] Also on the concert program, for the tree lighting ceremony, will be violinist Joshua Bell. Due to their most recent collaboration, they may very will be performing together. Stay tuned for more details on additional entertainers and what the musical program will include in its entirety.

Renée Fleming Visits Joshua Bell At Home For Holiday Concert

The two classical music superstars appeared together for a live concert on Medici.tv in Mr. Bell's New York apartment to promote his most recent holiday recording, Musical Gifts. Watch last night's concert by clicking here.

New Boss Will Soon Feature IMG Artists In "Lifestyle Festivals"

Mr. Inzerillo with his wife, Prudence, at the
New York City Opera Gala in 2008.

"IMG Artists, a major representative of classical musicians, on Wednesday named a hotel and resort company executive, Jerry Inzerillo, as its new president and chief executive. Mr. Inzerillo comes to IMG from the Kerzner International Group, where he is president of the Kerzner Entertainment Group and responsible for 'building brand awareness' among 'celebrities, VIPs and the entertainment world' and organizing opening extravaganzas, according to the Kerzner Web site. He has also been president of the company that became Ian Schrager Hotels. IMG said that Mr. Inzerillo arrives as part of the agency’s effort to expand beyond managing artists, including arranging cultural events and 'lifestyle festivals,' advising governments on how to raise the profile of cultural offerings and helping run performing arts centers. IMG’s clients include Joshua Bell, Leif Ove Andsnes, Renée Fleming and Ben Heppner, according to its Web site. The previous IMG president, Jeff Fuhrman, will remain as an adviser, IMG said." [Source]