If you went by the big blanks on Renee Fleming's official webpage schedule, you might imagine that she's putting her feet up for the summer. Ohno, not so.
In fact she's planning a whole host of dates so secret even her webmaster doesn't know about them.
The first is a genuine p1ss-up in a brewery. Yes, she's off to the beer capital of the world, the Czech Republic, where on 18 July she kicks off the annual Český Krumlov music festival. Not in the jewelbox baroque theatre of the beautiful medieval town - but in the brewery gardens. How very convenient.
23 July sees her speeding back to the States for more free drinks at Napa Valley's Festival del Sole. A recital with Antonio Pappano and Leif Ove Andsnes is followed by dinner in "a beautiful, tranquil place to explore their passion for food and wine" where "luscious private label wines" await. Then - perhaps - an arm-wrestling contest with Tony - who knows what the night may bring?
Next up is not a distillery but a hospital. On 15 August she's in Ecuador for a benefit concert in aid of Quito's Hospital de los Valles.
She rounds off the summer with her first ever tour in South Africa at the end of August. Three dates with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra to be precise. Ticket demand proves she's as popular as evergreen fame-barometer Robbie Williams. Here she shares a few words about the tour:
Thanks for posting this. I will unfortunately not be able to enjoy her, but I wish I was able to see her with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
Posted by: Kimberly | 13 June 2009 at 09:58 AM