Opera Legend Fredrica (Flicka) von Stade to Host Masterclass in Lloyd Ultan Recital Hall

Legendary opera superstar Frederica von Stade (Flicka to her fans) will appear with pianist Martin Katz at Lloyd Ultan Recital Hall on September 12 to conduct a Masterclass as part of her ongoing Minnesota Tour. The duo will host two masterclasses, one led by Katz at 9:00 AM and one led by Flicka at 2:30 PM. This event is free and open to the public, but a RSVP is required as there is limited space due to demand. 

“I am thrilled to return to Minnesota,” Flicka said. “It was among my favorite places to tour with the Met. Not only is the state beautiful, but audiences are so engaged! Minnesotans’ love for music and the arts really shows.” 

“We are so fortunate to have two of the world’s leading artists join our students,” writes Patrick Warfield, Director of the School of Music. “Both have had enormous impact on the worlds of classical music, and we are so pleased to welcome them back to Minnesota.”

The tour is organized by Listen For Life in association with Schubert Club and other sponsors. Listen For Life’s founder Donna Stoering said “I’ve known Flicka for years and have wanted to bring her to Minnesota since moving here last year. I’m grateful to Schubert Club and local partners who made it possible.” Von Stade will perform with pianists Stoering and Martin Katz over the course of the series; all three are internationally renowned artists.

Flicka made her Met debut in 1970 and rose quickly to starring roles in international opera houses and orchestral concerts, also performing at Kennedy Center and the White House. Winner of numerous recording awards, von Stade was also made an officer of L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres—France’s highest honor in the arts—and in 1983 President Reagan formally recognized her significant contribution to the arts.

Katz, a preeminent collaborative pianist, is also known for staging full opera productions and conducting. Stoering is an award-winning concert pianist, recording artist, educator and social entrepreneur who has served as Artistic Ambassador for both the UK and USA.

Listen For Life’s mission is to support musicians in service to others. It does so in myriad ways; with this series it supports two of Flicka’s passions: addressing homelessness and supporting new opera companies. All recitals will benefit local nonprofits involved in such work. 

All three artists are available for interviews (by phone or video call) from August 5 onwards. 

Complete information on dates and locations of recitals, masterclasses and the beneficiary organizations can be found on Listen For Life’s website.