Adrienne Arsht
As a loyal supporter of the arts and a board member of The Metropolitan Opera, I was happy to speak with my longtime friend, acclaimed opera singer Renée Fleming, about her upcoming performance in Rossini’s Armida at The Metropolitan Opera. Fleming will appear in 10 performances beginning April 12 as she reprises her portrayal of the opera’s namesake heathen sorceress.
Armida is an exceptional opera that only a few can challenge themselves to perform, but Grammy winner Fleming—dubbed “America’s Beautiful Voice”—makes it seem natural. Peter Gelb, general manager of The Metropolitan Opera, says that when he started to think about the first season that he’d plan, he truly desired to have Fleming perform Armida, as it requires a soprano of “diva quality.” (After attending the performance, enjoy master chef Daniel Boulud’s special dessert at Bar Boulud—across the street from Lincoln Center—called “La Diva Renée,” created in honor of Fleming.) I sat down to chat with Fleming recently about the importance of this role.
ADRIENNE ARSHT: Performing Armida is a risk and requires much fortitude. Why do it?
RENÉE FLEMING: I keep challenging myself so that I continue to grow as an artist and give the audience my very best. I’m willing to take risks and am happy to share this experience with them.
How do you prepare for this part?
I stay home. I don’t go out. I’m quiet, and I get a lot of work done. Everything in moderation!
Aside from risk, why do you like the role of Armida?
It’s a role of dramatic and vocal extremes. Armida is a sorceress and temptress. She fascinates and seduces men. It’s a juicy part. The story is about being loved and being jilted. When Rinaldo jilts Armida, she just seems to evaporate.
Do your daughters want to perform?
My daughters love culture, opera, art, music, theater and very much appreciate the exposure they’ve had. It’s a bit too soon to know what they want to do, but they’re both very musical.
The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, 212-362-6000; metoperafamily.org
