Intermezzo

America wins again

Kick off temperature was balmier than expected at 49 degrees, but Renee Fleming wasn't taking any chances for her Super Bowl debut. Her priestly Vera Wang gown was cut to accommodate cosy thermals, with a white cloak cutting the chill factor even further.

It wasn't the straight-up operatic version rendition of the The Star Spangled Banner some might have expected.  Renee slowed it down, dropped it low and jazzed it up, in the style of last year's anthemeer Alicia Keys. 

Compare the star-spangled divas on the videos below. 

 

 

Renee scores Super Bowl gig

Renee Fleming cements her mastery of the entire universe on 2 February, when she becomes the first opera singer ever to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

The privilege of leading off America's No.1 annual sporting event is one normally accorded only to global superstars and ex-American Idol victors.

Over 100 million TV viewers are expected to tune in. Despite being the most watched musical event of the year, Renee won't be adding to her fortune - the NFL’s policy is to pay performers on an expenses-only basis.

A lesson or two from Renee Fleming

After being forced to cancel the concert that marked the start of her year as Humanitas Visiting Professor in Opera Studies, Renee Fleming was finally able to appear at Oxford for some masterclasses. Some useful stuff in there if singing's your thing.

Renee wants to hang her stockings by your fire

Or something.

Renee non plus

Just in - Renee Fleming has pulled out of tomorrow's Oxford University concert for family reasons. Sylvia Schwartz replaces her.

More on the Oxford Philomusica website. 

(With thanks to Manou for spotting)

WTF Renee