Start 2017 with an evening of Pure Land inspiration from one of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming. During this special evening, Renée will be in conversation with Bianca Jagger and they will share their insight on opera, life, philanthropy and the transformative power of art and music in this time of great change and transition.
Renée Fleming is a living legend of opera. She has sung across the world’s greatest opera stages and concert halls and has also performed on historic and distinguished occasions. On October 28, 2001 at the World Trade Center Memorial Service, she gave one of the most heart-rending performances of all time. As she sang “Amazing Grace” to a grief-stricken crowd, the purest form of sadness in her graceful voice touched the thousands present and millions worldwide. In 2006, Ms Fleming performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Stockholm. In 2008, she performed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In 2009, She sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at President Obama’s inauguration. In 2012, she sang on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee Concert for HM Queen Elizabeth II. In 2014, she sang in the televised concert at the Brandenburg Gate to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The same year, she was the first classical artist to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. The broadcast had the highest rating in US history with 111 million people watching.
Ms Fleming has shattered the stereotype of the classical artist – singing chanson, jazz and indie rock and even appearing in comedy on Broadway. She is admired not only for her artistry and creativity, but also for her kindness, grace and generosity.A special gift will be offered to every member of the audience as a souvenir to commemorate this rare and intimate evening in the company of the “People’s Diva”.
Ms Jagger, is a cultural icon, philanthropist, and human rights advocate. Ms Jagger is a Council of Europe Goodwill Ambassador, Founder and Chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, Member of the Executive Director’s Leadership Council of Amnesty International USA and a trustee of the Amazon Charitable Trust. She has fought tirelessly for the rights of women, indigenous peoples, and victims of war.
The event is the next installment of Pure Land Series, which promotes social, spiritual and emotional wellness. The series invites inspirational speakers and like-minded people to share their insights and visions of a world grounded in compassion, empowerment, creativity and spirituality.
Image credit: Decca/Andrew Eccles