Watched the PBS show tonight curated by Renee Fleming. All kinds of singers, students, scientists, teachers. Very nice line-up of experts and performers, showing the wide range of singing styles and vocalists we have here in the USA.
This show reflects the real world. It is about where we are now. There was no attempt to turn the CCM songs into opera arias, and the CCM artists were honored for their own integrity.
Brava to Maestra Fleming for getting this to happen, to Kennedy Center for hosting it and to PBS for bringing it to the public. Every voice department in every college and conservatory should be made to watch this show because it is an accurate reflection of the present moment. It is not some ivory tower presentation of viewing CCM styles as being “less than”. The classical singers presented did a fine job alongside their CCM colleagues and all the panels, although edited for the show, were interesting and presented excellent information.
All I have to say is, “It’s about time,” and “more, please!”