Other singers in the category of Frederica von Stade (a small group
indeed) make an understandably big deal of retirement, what with farewell
performances around the world and, in some cases, engaging in second or
third annual "final appearances." But Flicka, who has NOT retired, is
phasing her career out with the same rare combination of quiet integrity
and discreet kindness that has characterized her entire career.

If you ask her what her plans are, she says there is only an "odd
benefit here and there," and then "Poppea" in Los Angeles in January.
(The question was about "local appearances," so she didn't mention the
Oct.  22 Wigmore Hall recital debut.) Flicka turned only 57 on June 1,
and the voice is largely intact, but clearly she is looking forward to
activities outside the stage.  Her "Merry Widow" at the Met most likely
was her last appearance there, but she didn't make that official.  Heaven
forbid her San Francisco "Merry Widow," a terrible production, should
turn out to be the farewell performance at her home company.

She talks of the San Francisco Opera, instead of her own plans: "I'm so
thrilled that the opera season is going so well.  It feels good to have
our Opera House in fine fettle." Will she be part of it again?  There
are no plans.  A couple of months ago, she told Martin Bernheimer, in
a Financial Times interview, that she is intrigued by the role of the
Marschallin in "Der Rosenkavalier" for a career-ending performance.
So far, there is no indication that the Opera's Pamela Rosenberg or the
Symphony's Michael Tilson Thomas responded to that tempting initiative.

Janos Gereben/SF
[log in to unmask]