Cardinal Edward Egan listens to opera tenor Bryan Hymel at the Waldorf-Astoria in October 2014
"Cardinal Edward M. Egan, a stern defender of Roman Catholic orthodoxy who presided over the New York Archdiocese for nine years in an era of troubled finances and changing demographics, died on Thursday in Manhattan. He was 82. Joseph Zwilling, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, said Cardinal Egan died of cardiac arrest at NYU Langone Medical Center. As archbishop of New York from 2000 to 2009 — the spiritual head of a realm of 2.5 million parishioners, an archipelago of 400 churches and a majestic seat at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan — the cardinal was one of America’s most visible Catholic leaders, invoking prayers for justice when terrorists struck on Sept. 11, 2001, and escorting Pope Benedict XVI on his historic visit to the city in April 2008. In February of 2009, the pope announced that Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of Milwaukee had been selected to replace Cardinal Egan in New York on April 15, concluding a reign that had not been popular with many Catholics but had come to grips with hard decisions on church finances and had walked the line of Catholic doctrine against winds of change. But a month before retiring, Cardinal Egan seemed to soften his stance on the centuries-old requirement of priestly celibacy by suggesting the church would someday have to consider allowing priests to marry. 'I think that it’s going to be discussed; it’s a perfectly legitimate discussion,' he said on the Albany radio station Talk 1300. He added: 'I think it has to be looked at. And I am not so sure it wouldn’t be a good idea to decide on the basis of geography and culture not to make an across-the-board determination.'" New York residents know that Cardinal Edward Egan was known for his strong Catholic faith, but few had the knowledge that it was his love of opera that carried on a tradition of bringing operatic talent of the highest level to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Annually at services for Christmas Eve Midnight Mass visitors can hear the likes of Susan Graham, Renée Fleming, Hei-Kyung Hong, James Valenti, Danielle de Niese, Carl Tanner, Joyce DiDonato, Stephen Costello, Ramón Vargas, Maureen O'Flynn, Marcello Giordani, and Michael Fabiano. In 2007/2008, the Archdiocese of New York celebrated its Bicentennial with many celebratory Masses and events. Edward Cardinal Egan hosted a much-heralded concert featuring various choirs and stars from the Metropolitan Opera. [Source, Source, Source] Read more biographical information about Cardinal Egan here.
Legendary soprano Renata Scotto with tenor Marcello Giordani
Check out more pictures of the singers from the competition, as well as opera administrators and voice teachers at the post-program reception by clicking here.
Ms. Moore in her house debut as Aida (Photo: Cory Weaver/Metropolitan Opera)
"As often happens with cover singers at the Metropolitan Opera the soprano Latonia Moore had less than a day’s notice to take over a major part, in her case the title role of Verdi’s Aida on Saturday afternoon. Violeta Urmana, scheduled to sing, was ill. (Sondra Radvanovsky had filled in for her on Tuesday.) So with just some studio coaching sessions and no rehearsal onstage, Ms. Moore, a 33-year-old Houston native, made her Met debut in the last performance of the revival of the company’s 1988 production this season, with Marco Armiliato conducting. The audience loved her. When Ms. Moore took her solo curtain call at the end, she received an ecstatic ovation." [Source]
"Dmitri has given solo recitals and concerts across Russia – including his hometown, Krasnoyarsk. Tenor Marcello Giordani joins the Siberian baritone for two of Dmitri’s signature 'Dmitri & Friends' concerts. Together they will sing at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow this Saturday December 3 and then at the Oktjabrskaya Concert Hall in St. Petersburg on December 6. Dmitri gave a master class to the winners of Russia's I'm a Talent competition in Moscow on November 30. On December 5, Marcello will join Dmitri in St. Petersburg for a joint master class with the young singers. Wrapping up his fall engagements, Dmitri sings in Kazan on December 10 and in Kiev on December 16." [Source]
Eva Franchi at the Stonington Estate she shared with late husband Sergio. (Photo: Mark Mirko/Courant.com)
"Eva Franchi, widow of singer Sergio Franchi, has changed her mind. Last year she announced it would be the final time she honored her late husband with an annual tribute, featuring opera singers performing at the 240-acre Franchi estate in Stonington. But following last year's concert, she received phone calls, e-mails and letters from fans asking her to reconsider. She has. The 17th annual Sergio Franchi Memorial Concert is happening Saturday, Sept. 10 in Stonington in the home Eva Franchi shared with her husband until his death in 1990. She manages the Franchi Foundation which has awarded close to 500 scholarships to emerging tenors and sopranos. Sergio Franchi was born in 1927 in Cremona, Italy, the home town of Antonio Stradivarius, the renowned violin maker who lived in the 17th century. In his early 20s Franchi was part of a South African opera company. He returned to
Sergio Franchi recorded an album of musical theater and operetta duets with soprano Anna Moffo for RCA in 1963. Sample two duets:
Europe in the 1950s and in 1959, after winning a vocal competition, he performed at the London Palladium. Ella Fitzgerald heard him, recommended him and he signed with RCA Victor. In 1962 he made his debut at Carnegie Hall and was heard by Ed Sullivan. Over the years Franchi appeared on the Sullivan show 41 times. The grounds and house will be open at noon. The concert, 'Let's Hear that Music Play,' begins at 3 p.m. and features tenors Marcello Giordani, Michael Amanti, singer-songwriter Giada Valenti and pianist Nicholas King. Attendance at past concerts has ranged between 4,000 and 6,000." [Source]
According to the Foundation's and the artist's website, James Valenti will also be appearing in the concert this weekend. For more information about Sergio Franchi, please visit the official website.
Tenors celebrating at the Franchi Estate: Valenti, Amanti and Giordani:
Tickets are $30. Patrons are encouraged to picnic and bring their own lawn chairs. The Franchi estate is on Sergio Franchi Drive in Stonington off the Pequot Trail. Information: 860-535-9429 or e-mail Eva Franchi at eva_franchi@conair.com.
A word about Sergio Franchi from the Foundation website:
On May 1, 1990, after a courageous battle, Sergio lost the fight to cancer. Sergio Franchi was born in Italy, father Neapolitan, mama Genovese. He used to joke and say, "From the waist up I'm Neapolitan" (pointing to his heart) "from the waist down" (pointing to his pocket) "I'm Genovese!". The latter was the part of Sergio that gave the family the idea of starting the Sergio Franchi Music Foundation, and that instead of flowers being sent when he passed on, donations would be used to seed this idea. Sergio loved his heritage and he was also very proud to be an American! When he became an American citizen in 1972, he used to say very proudly, "Now I'm a Yankee Franchi!". Throughout his career of 28 years, Sergio was a dedicated supporter of the arts and many other charitable organizations that were geared towards his heritage and the things that he held dear, organizations such as Boy's Town of Italy, and the National Italian American Foundation. For his efforts he received the highest award from Boy's Town, the Michelangelo Award, and the title of "Cavaliery" from the Government of Italy. The intent of this foundation is to continue what he believed in...helping others. It was Sergio's fondest wish that talented, poor, deserving children be given the same chance that was once given to him. In Italy when Sergio's funds had run
out and he had to stop studying, the help and encouragement of one special friend enabled him to hang in a little longer and wait for his big 'break'. He would be so proud to know that through his name, he is still able to give. Since 1993 we have been able to award over 470 scholarships and awards to students of vocal studies, young tenors and sopranos, with the hope that through beautiful, romantic, classical music we can keep the spirit of romance alive in our hearts - The very thing that Sergio has always stood for. [Source]
The Marcello Giordani Foundation presented its annual fundraising concert on December 8, 2010, during which a Lifetime Achievement Award was given to soprano Virginia Zeani. Watch the tribute filled with rare photos from her career and her acceptance of the award, as well as performances by Lise Lindstrom ("Ecco l'orrido camp"), Stephen Costello ("Che gelida manina"), Leah Crocetto ("Tu che di gel sei cinta") and Marcello Giordani ("Ah! leve-toi, soleil!") after the jump.
