Frederica von Stade reflects on storied life in opera

By Marc Shulgold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 25, 2008 at 7 p.m.

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The American mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, known to friends and fans as "Flicka," has sung in nearly every opera house and concert hall over the last 40 years. Prior to her appearance tonight at a season-opening Opera Colorado gala, the 63-year-old singer spoke from her Oakland, Calif., home about her life, her art - and the end of a storybook career.

On retirement

"It's time. It's perfect - it feels right. I'll be doing a farewell tour in 2008-09 and 2009-10. Just recitals and concerts. I've pretty much dropped out of doing opera - I just don't like being away (from home) for too long. Jake (Heggie) has asked me to do his Dead Man Walking in Houston in 2011, and I may do it. It makes sense (to stop in 2010), since it'll be 40 years doing opera."

On the joys and challenges of the stage

"I've adored the whole world of opera. The life of an opera singer is so much easier than that of a Broadway singer - which I thought I was going to be. With opera, there's no eight shows a week. I do love the stage. It's given me a lot of joy and a lot of reward. And so, I'm honoring it by getting out at the right time.

On life after retirement

"I'm lucky in being able to plan it. Sure, I'll miss the performing - applause is very addictive. I don't have the gift to teach (aspiring) singers, but I found that I love to work with kids, particularly ones in the second to fourth grades. Two days a week, I work with inner-city kids at the St. Martin de Porres Catholic School (in West Oakland) after school. I teach them harmony and some songs. Anything you can do for the kids in this country. "

On Jake Heggie

"It's one of the great blessings of my life to know Jake and his music. I'm enormously proud to be associated with him. We've been recital partners now for 10 or 12 years. (As a composer,) Jake loves singers. He's tuned into what you can do with your voice. He's so well-educated and well-read. He always comes up with great texts. It's hard not to respond to them, because everything is just right.

On tonight's program

"I'll be ending with some popular songs. That's the real legacy of music in our country. It's thrilling to sing the songs of (Jerome) Kern and Sondheim.

"I wanted to be a Broadway singer, and I got to know most of the Rodgers and Hammerstein material. . . . The truth is, I went to Mannes (Music School in New York) to learn how to read music. I joined their opera program so I could graduate early, but I got hooked."

On being an anti-diva

"The world has changed since the days of the great divas. To be honest, I miss some of the old diva action, and I do understand where it comes from. As a singer, you're very vulnerable up there. For many of the singers back in the day, celebrity was imposed on them. And so, you create distances between you and the rest of the world - mainly for self-protection. We'll always be feeling a psychic vulnerability as singers. There will always be a feeling of, 'Oh please, like me!' I can relate. Sometimes, I'll listen to tapes of my singing, and I hear the bad parts. I've never been in love with my voice."

Marc Shulgold is the music and dance writer. Shulgoldm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5296

Frederica von Stade

* When and where: 7:30 p.m. today in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th and Curtis streets.

* Cost: $23 to $60

* Information: 303-357-2787

* Of Note: The mezzo-soprano appears at an Opera Colorado gala with pianist/composer Jake Heggie.

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