Opera Singers Important To "Christmas In Washington" History

Clamma Dale

Performing for Presidents of the United States has long been a duty and service that comes with great honor for classical musicians for more than a century. Particularly highlighted during the holiday season in December each year since 1981, opera singers have played an integral part of the concert Christmas in Washington. Standing alongside fellow musicians from virtually every genre of the music world to celebrate holiday favorites has brought the world of opera to larger audiences via television. Taking a look back over the years, the following singers have been fortunate enough to be part of this American tradition: Frederica von Stade (1984), Clamma Dale (1986), Kathleen Battle (1988), Barbara Hendricks (1990), Dawn Upshaw (1995) Ruth Ann Swenson (1996), Thomas Hampson (1997), Harolyn Blackwell (1998), Charlotte Church (2001), Renée Fleming (2003),  and Andrea Bocelli (2010). Take a look at some of the

Kathleen Battle

performances after the jump. "One of two annual holiday specials produced by George Stevens, Jr. (the other being the Kennedy Center Honors), the variety show first aired in 1981 on NBC before moving to its current home on TNT in 1998. Recorded in Washington, D.C. at the National Building Museum, on the second Sunday of each December before being re-edited for later broadcast, Christmas in Washington is a one-hour concert featuring artists from musical genres. Each guest perform at least one solo, but the marquee performer usually has one or two more songs. The show also has at least one guest from the world of opera. Each of the musical performances are backed by a full orchestra and chorus. The show's finale consists of a medley performed by all the musical guests before

Frederica von Stade

the attendees-of-honor, the President of the United States and the First Lady, make a closing statement. Recent events have benefited Children's National Medical Center. The show also has a host. For many years, the show was hosted by Dr. Phil and his wife, Robin. However, since 2009, the show has had a single host. The 2013 edition featured Hugh Jackman as host and The Backstreet Boys as marquee performers, marking the first time in six years that a group has been featured as marquee performers. The show airs live on pay-per-view internationally and in most major cities, after which a re-edited 42-minute version (with commercials in a one-hour slot) airs on the aforementioned TNT network." [Source, Source, Source, Source, Source]  

Renee Fleming performing during the Christmas in Washington at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., in 2003. | gettyimages.com

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Ideas From Heavenly Voices On High

Purchase the album here.
Recommended track: "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

If you want to turn the frequency up this holiday season, check out the plethora of recordings from divas both past and present. From the latest release by Measha Brueggergosman to the Germanic overtones of Rita Streich, Maria Stader, and Anneliese Rothenberger, high notes during the holidays will ensure everyone has a holly jolly time. Check out more than 30 albums after the jump to give you instant holiday spirit through sacred seasonal music or christmas classics. Each one is linked to the full digital version to allow you to either choose the entire package or simply download the tracks you enjoy most. You can even make a compilation off the recommended tracks from each selection. Joyeux Noël, Buon Natale, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Navidad and с рождеством! Remember to share the music with someone you love this holiday season.

Deborah Voigt And Mormon Tabernacle In Festive Holiday Mode

"Leading dramatic soprano Deborah Voigt and acclaimed British actor and voice artist John Rhys-Davies join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a concert of holiday favorites.Among the highlights of the concert, conducted by Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, are Voigt’s performances of the English carol 'The Holly and the Ivy' and the light-hearted 'The Twelve Days After Christmas' with the choir and orchestra. The program includes a new Mack Wilberg twist on the traditional song 'Christmas Is Coming (The Geese Are Getting Fat).' The Bells on Temple Square join the choir and orchestra for an upbeat rendition of 'Ring Those Christmas Bells.' The concert also includes Rhys-Davies’ dramatization of A Dickens Christmas with Robin Dick and the Christmas Players. The vignette features Rhys-Davies as the Ghost of Christmas Present soaring overhead at the LDS Conference Center in a dazzling scene of aerial choreography. Rhys-Davies also reads Luke 2: The Christmas Story with a fervor that moves audiences. Recognized as one of the world’s most versatile singers, Deborah Voigt is a leading dramatic soprano revered for her performances in the operas of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. She also has portrayed heroines of Italian opera to great acclaim. An active recitalist and performer of Broadway standards and popular songs, she appears regularly as both performer and host in the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series. Acclaimed British actor and voice artist John Rhys-Davies is one of modern cinema’s most recognizable character actors, best known to film audiences for his role as Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and more recently as the ax-wielding dwarf Gimli in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Together with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, Voigt and Rhys-Davies performed before a combined audience of 80,000 people in the annual concert taped in December of 2013 at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah." [Source] Check your local listings for performance times this evening. You can also purchase the DVD and CD by clicking here.

Kiri Te Kanawa Takes Plácido Domingo Golfing And He Is A Real Sport

In December 1980, BBC Interviewed Kiri Te Kanawa and Plácido Domingo during a holiday concert. The topic of sports came up and Mr. Domingo talks about how he always wanted to be a football player (that's soccer to Americans....). He also mentions that he would love to learn golf as it is supposed to be good for the breathing. An accomplished golfer traveling to courses all over the world, Dame Kanawa takes the tenor out to her territory for a few rounds. Watch the video after the jump.

Renée Fleming Sings With Daughters And Sister For PBS Christmas

"American soprano Renée Fleming and special guests bring the magic of Christmas in New York to homes across America. The essence of the city during this most wonderful time of year is captured in a series of intimate and unique musical performances in a beautiful setting decorated for the holidays. Fleming performs popular seasonal favorites with Kurt Elling, Kelli O’Hara, Gregory Porter and Rufus Wainwright, and is joined by her daughters and sister to sing heartwarming Christmas carols. Guests discuss family, food, traditions and more, and scenes filmed around the city during the holidays make this an unforgettable musical experience. Renée Fleming - Christmas In New York premieres Thursday, December 4, 2014 on PBS. Backed by a who’s who of New York musicians, Renée and her guests perform beloved holiday songs, as well as 'Central Park Serenade,' a new song from Diane Warren. Renée Fleming - Christmas In New York features these selections: 'The Christmas Waltz,' 'Still, Still, Still' (with Kurt Elling), 'Winter Wonderland,' 'Silver Bells,' (with Kelli O’Hara), 'Central Park Serenade' (with Gregory Porter), 'In the Bleak Midwinter' (with Rufus Wainwright), 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' (with Gregory Porter) and traditional holiday carols, featuring Renée’s sister and daughters." [Source] Watch the video preview after the jump. See what special upcoming events are planned for Ms. Fleming by clicking here.

Dimitri Caceaune Photographs Angela Gheorghiu For Christmas CD

As a follow-up to her Romanian holiday album,  O, ce veste minunată!, Angela Gheorghiu's latest release, Guardian Angel, is a collection of 11 traditional Christmas carols from around the world. Featured tracks include: “Silent Night,” “White Christmas,” and “O, Tannenbaum.” Two special duets on the recording are "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” with her daughter Ioana Dan and “I'll Be Home For Christmas” with Romanian pop-star Loredana Groza. "'For years I dreamed of Romanian and international carols recording. Last year the dream came true, Romanian carols CD was released. This year I am happy for my new disc, this time with international carols, which I love as much as the Romanian ones. I kept much as absolutely all the songs on this album to be re-orchestrated especially for my voice. We appealed to musicians in Romania and in the world: Steven Mercurio, Julien Painot and Andrei Tudor, and the result is exceptional,' said Angela Gheorghiu....'Eclectic repertoire is chosen, you will find pieces in English, French, German and even Russian. There are carols everywhere we wanted to include beauties of this music so popular worldwide. Christmas is the favorite holiday

of millions of people who are dreaming and in good faith, in harmony and peace, who want to be close to family and friends....I consider both a gift to the public in Romania, but also for the worldwide" said the soprano.'" The photographs taken for the cover and accompanying publicity materials were taken by Dimitri Caceaune. At 20-years old, the self-taught experimental photographer lives in Bucharest, Romania and prefers to shoot friends over models. Read an interview with the photographer here and see more of his fashion photographs by clicking here. [Source, Source] Complete album cover art is after the jump. Listen to music here.

Renée Fleming Presents A Taste Of Winter Wonderland In New Video

With the release of Renée Fleming's new Christmas-themed recording, Decca Classics now releases a video featuring performance clips of selections from the album. "Following her acclaimed performance at Super Bowl XLVIII, America’s favourite soprano Renée Fleming releases her first-ever holiday album, Christmas In New York. The album celebrates the sparkle and sophistication of the beloved Christmas season in New York City, with music conjuring such iconic scenes as the holiday windows lining 5th Avenue, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center and carriage rides in Central Park. A richly collaborative album, Christmas in New York finds Renée Fleming singing with a relaxed intimacy and freedom distinct from her soaring classical voice. Holiday evergreens and nostalgic favorites are both featured with fresh arrangements, joined by a wish list of guests from jazz, pop and Broadway including Gregory Porter, Chris Botti, Kurt Elling, Kelli O’Hara, Wynton Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, and Rufus Wainwright. Highlights include 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' 'Silver Bells,' 'Winter Wonderland,' 'Sleigh Ride' and 'Central Park Serenade,' a brand new duet by songwriting legend Diane Warren." [Source] To listen to tracks off the album, including the exclusive bonus track available when you purchase the MP3 album, click here. Watch the promotional video, and find some beautiful new publicity photos of Renée Fleming, after the jump.

Renée Fleming Brings Christmas Early With Latest Decca Release

"Christmastime in New York City is a magical and timeless experience beloved by New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. Picture a horse-drawn carriage in snow covered Central Park passing tree lined streets filled with twinkling lights. Come in from the cold, snuggle up by the fire and let these intimate renditions of holiday classics fill your home with Christmas cheer. American soprano Renée Fleming's first-ever holiday album celebrates the beloved and iconic Christmas season in New York City. From Rockefeller Center to the holiday windows lining 5th Avenue, the essence of the city at the most wonderful time of year is captured on Christmas in New York. With guests representing such genres as jazz, pop and classical, this album will appeal not only to Flemings core classical fan base but too all that embrace the holiday season. Joining Fleming for the Christmas celebration are guest artists ranging from Rufus Wainwright and Gregory Porter to Wynton Marsalis and Kelli O Hara. In total, Fleming and her guests have won 16 Grammy awards across multiple categories. Renée Fleming's elegant persona along with the intimate arrangements of holiday classics makes this album perfect for holiday parties, stocking stuffers and as a treasured holiday gift. This sophisticated album is sure to be a perennial favorite. An exclusive recording artist with Decca since 1995, Renee Fleming is known mostly as an opera singer with a career that has encompassed numerous genres and styles. This past February, Fleming became the first classical singer in history to perform the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, which was enjoyed by more than 111.5 million viewers in the US. The release of this album will be supported by Renée Fleming's appearance on the nationally broadcasted Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and local and national holiday events along with a December pledge PBS Christmas special." [Source] The complete track list and release date schedule can be found after the jump.

Feliz Navidad From Rolando Villazón, Bert And Ernie!

Deborah Voigt Entertains Mormon Tabernacle For Holidays

"The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square welcomed American soprano Deborah Voigt and British actor John Rhys-Davies for their annual Christmas concerts this past weekend in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. The guest artists also joined the choir and orchestra for the weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcast and a mini-concert on Sunday, 15 December. About 700 cast and crew are involved in the annual production, including dancers and the Bells on Temple Square. This is the first time Voigt and Rhys-Davies have made appearances with the choir. 'These are two such great additions for all that is happening on stage,' says Ronald B. Jarrett, president of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, who spoke during a news conference Friday at the Conference Center, which seats 21,000 people. 'It has been an absolute thrill to be here,' says Voigt, a leading dramatic soprano revered for her performances in the operas of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. The Chicago native raised in California has also portrayed heroines of Italian opera to great acclaim. 'I have been a fan of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for a long time because I myself grew up in a church environment in the choir, where you will find a lot of opera singers have their first opportunity to sing,' explains Voigt. 'I have been blessed to sing in a lot of venues, but this was something really unique. The first time I walked in here and saw the vastness of this center, I couldn’t believe it. It feels much more intimate once it’s full of people.'" [Source]

Angela Gheorghiu Sings Romanian Music For The Holidays

"Angela Gheorghiu released her first Romanian Christmas carols CD. It has 16 tracks, 16 traditional Romanian Christmas songs especially orchestrated for her. 'I recorded this album to bring back the genuine joy of Christmas spent with the dearest people. I am happy and touched to be able to present to the audience the first CD of some of the most important Romanian carols. All the arrangements were conceived for my spirit and my voice. It is a dream come true for me, because this project is very dear to me. It is the first project produced by the foundation I established, the Angela Gheorghiu Foundation. I thank to all the friends that supported me in offering you the most valuable Romanian traditional Christmas music. I wish you happy holidays, with joy and peace in your souls!' said Angela Gheorghiu" [Source] Download the album by clicking here. One more video after the jump announcing the CD release.

Opera Singers Performing Christmas Favorites - Part 2

"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"
"Coventry Carol"
Eileen Farrell

"White Christmas"
Thomas Hampson

"What Child is This"
Deborah Sasson

"In Dulci Jubilo"
Elly Ameling

"Panis Angelicus"
Luciano Pavarotti

"O Divine Redeemer!"
Renata Tebaldi

"The Trumpet Shall Sound"
Samuel Ramey

"It's the Most Wonderful
Time of the Year"
Plácido Domingo & Leona Mitchell

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
Maureen O'Flynn

"Abendsegen" and "Traumpantomime"
Anneliese Rothenberger & Irmgard Seefried

"Joy to the World" sung by Anna Moffo

Opera Singers Performing Christmas Favorites - Part 1

"Stille Nacht"
Dawn Upshaw with Chanticleer

"Still, still, still"
Bryn Terfel

"He Shall Feed His Flock"
"Come Unto Him"
Barbara Bonney

"O, Holy Night"
Denyce Graves

"In the Bleak Midwinter"
Kiri Te Kanawa & Roberto Alagna

"Mary Had a Baby"
Kathleen Battle

"Die Heiligen Drei Könige"
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

"Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"
Renée Fleming

"O Tännenbäum"
Leontyne Price

"The Virgin's Slumber Song"
Joan Sutherland

"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"
Marilyn Horne

White House Opera of Christmas Past

(Photo: Wilfredo Lee)

President and Mrs. Clinton join their daughter Chelsea and Denyce Graves as they sing Christmas carols during the 1995 Christmas Pageant, Wednesday, December 6, 1995 on the Ellipse in Washington.

If It Works On Four Wheels, Why Not On An Opera Stage?

(Photo: K.C. Alfred)

“Not everybody who’s homeless is a slobbering drunk or too lazy to work,” he said. “A lot of them are people who have just been unlucky.” His dream job would be as a set designer, maybe for the opera. “My car,” he said, “would be my résumé.”