The National Association of Teachers of Singing announced this week that world-renowned soprano and musical ambassador Reneé Fleming has agreed to join attendees at the 54^th NATS National Conference in Chicago July 8-12, 2016, as the featured performer, in addition to teaching a master class and participating in various other activities and events through the conference. 

One of the most beloved and celebrated musicians and personalities of our time, Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence. At a White House ceremony in 2013, the President awarded her the National Medal of Arts, America's highest honor for an individual artist. Known as “the people’s diva” and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo, she continues to grace the world’s greatest opera stages and concert halls, now extending her reach to include other musical forms and media.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the 2016 NATS conference,” Fleming said. “As the child of two singers who taught vocal music in public high school, whose mother is currently head of the voice faculty of Eastman School of Music’s community music program, and whose sister teaches voice at Catholic University of America, I have the greatest respect for music educators. Singing and the teaching of singing are central passions in my life. I am looking forward to meeting and exchanging ideas with the dedicated professionals from all over the country who share that passion.”

Over the past few seasons, Fleming has hosted a wide variety of television and radio broadcasts, including the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series for movie theaters and television, and Live From Lincoln Center on PBS. She brought her voice to a vast new audience in 2014 as the first classical artist to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

As a musical statesman, Fleming has been sought after on numerous distinguished occasions, from the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to performances in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. In 2012, in an historic first, she sang on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee Concert for HM Queen Elizabeth II.

“It is a true honor that Reneé Fleming will be with us in Chicago at our 54^th National Conference,” NATS Executive Director Allen Henderson said. “She is an icon and artist who embodies the values and ideals that our members hold so dear. The entire week will offer inspiration for our members with opportunities for networking, education and celebrations of the voice profession, enhanced even moreso with the news that Ms. Fleming will be with us. The months ahead will bring more exciting news about plans for a terrific conference.”

The biennial NATS National Conference attracts NATS members and others from around the world to share in programs, demonstrations, lectures, master classes and competitions that help celebrate the art of singing and increase knowledge of teachers to help them better assist their students. The 2016 conference will be held at the Marriott Magnificent Mile in Chicago, a Windy City landmark on Michigan Avenue. Situated amongst world-class shopping and dining, this Chicago, Illinois hotel is in walking distance of top attractions, including Navy Pier, American Girl Place, Millennium Park, Theater and Museum Districts. 

Fleming’s appearance schedule in Chicago is incomplete but will include the following:

A Concert with Reneé Fleming – Sunday, July 10, 2016

Master Class with Reneé Fleming – Saturday, July 9, 2016

Talk and Q&A with Reneé Fleming – Saturday, July 9, 2016

For more information about the 54^th NATS National Conference, visit http://www.nats.org/Chicago2016

For more information on Reneé Fleming, please visit http://www.reneefleming.com/