Ravinia 2026 Issue 3

Mélodie, je t’aime Frederica von Stade and Susan Graham delight in each other’s towering vocal flights BY KYLEMACMILLAN TALK ABOUT a mutual-admiration society. Frederica von Stade and Susan Graham can hardly say enough good things about each other. ere is the professional connection that comes from both being among the leading American mez- zo-sopranos of their respective generations and knowing a thing or two about great singing when they hear it. But they are also good friends who have heartily enjoyed the time they have spent together on and o the stage over the years. “I adore Suzy,” von Stade said. “She is just one of my favorite people in the world and one of my favorite artists as well.” eir professional and personal kinship will be on full view August when the two celebrated singers team up at the Ravinia Festival for a song recital in Bennett Gordon Hall that will feature Graham on the rst half and von Stade on the second. In addition, von Stade will conduct a master class August with fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program, Ravinia’s artist development program. (Graham was sched- uled to take part as well, but she stepped into a production of Eugene Onegin this summer at the Santa Fe Opera at the last minute and has to immediately return for performances there.) RAVINIAMAGAZINE • AUGUST 3 – AUGUST 16 , 2026 18