The Chamber Music Society
of Lincoln Center

tue apr 7 09: 7:30 p.m.

Stephanie Blythe

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performed “American Voices” (works of 1790 through 2006). The star-studded ensemble included Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano; Lily Francis, violinist; Warren Jones, pianist; Ani Kavafian, violinist; Priscilla Lee, cellist; Anne-Marie McDermott, pianist; and Paul Neubauer, violist. The evening’s program featured the Missouri premiere of Alan Smith’s “Vignettes: Covered Wagon Woman” (from the Daily Journal of Margaret Ann Alsip Frink, 1850) for mezzo-soprano, piano, violin, and cello. The acclaimed American mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe sang Smith’s moving song cycle based on Mrs. Frink’s daily journal of her passage by covered wagon toward dreams of California gold. Also on the program were Gershwin’s Lullaby for String Quartet; Beach’s Quintet in F-sharp minor; and Antes’ Trio in D minor for Two Violins and Cello.
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In its current issue, Opera News named the new disc with “Covered Wagon Woman” its Critic’s Choice. For the review online, they’ve added illustrative sound bytes of the recording at appropriate points in the text.

Quotes from the New York Times review of the Metropolitan Opera production of Orfeo ed Euridice:

“With each performance the American mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe gives, it becomes increasingly apparent that a once-in-a-generation opera singer has arrived.

“Who knows what roles Ms. Blythe might take on next. I would hear her sing absolutely anything. How about a new opera written expressly for this exciting artist who is just entering her prime?”

New York Times article about Ms. Blythe and the “American Voices” project