Opera Megastar Frederica von Stade To Be Featured Guest Performer at Commonwealth...

Opera Megastar Frederica von Stade To Be Featured Guest Performer at
Commonwealth Youthchoirs Gala Concert

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Commonwealth Youthchoirs has
announced that world-renowned opera singer Frederica von Stade will guest star
at its 4th Annual Gala Concert at the Kimmel Center on June 8, 2008.
Described by the New York Times as "one of America's finest artists and
singers," Frederica von Stade continues to be extolled as one of the music
world's most beloved figures in a career that spans three decades.
Unparalleled in her artistry as a recitalist, the mezzo-soprano combines her
expressive vocalism and exceptional musicianship with a rare gift for
communication.
In announcing Ms. von Stade's appearance, Commonwealth Youthchoirs
Executive Director Susan S. Ashbaker said, "We are delighted that our talented
young singers will have this remarkable opportunity to share the stage with an
international artist of truly exceptional caliber. This performance promises
to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for audience and singers alike."
Ms. von Stade's performance will include singing with each choir, Keystone
State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir, as well as a song that features Ms.
von Stade with the combined choirs of over 100 children. Ms. Ashbaker noted
that this appearance-her first in Philadelphia since 2005-with the young
singers of Commonwealth Youthchoirs complements Ms. von Stade's on-going work
with a children's chorus in her home community of Alameda, California.
Known to family, friends, and fans by her nickname "Flicka," Miss von
Stade has appeared with every leading American opera company, including the
Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Los
Angeles Opera. Her career in Europe has been no less spectacular, with new
productions mounted for her at Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera Covent Garden,
the Vienna State Opera, and the Paris Opera. She has made over seventy
recordings with every major label.
The June 8 Gala Concert at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for
the Performing Arts marks the fourth such event for Commonwealth Youthchoirs
(www.cychoirs.org). Now in its seventh year, the organization provides choral
music education and performance opportunities for over 280 young singers, aged
seven through eighteen, representing five counties in the greater Philadelphia
area, who sing with one of its two member-choirs, Keystone State Boychoir
(www.paboychoir.org) and Pennsylvania Girlchoir (www.pagirlchoir.org). Tickets
for the concert go on sale in early May.

Contact: Angela Wende-Minch
Office: 215-849-1762
Cell: 267-265-3165
awende@comcast.net

SOURCE Commonwealth Youthchoirs

Angela Wende-Minch of Commonwealth Youthchoirs, office, +1-215- 849-1762, or
cell, +1-267-265-3165, awende@comcast.net