URI Music presents lecture about singer Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Feb. 5

Media Contact: Music Department, 401-874-2431

KINGSTON, R.I. – January 25, 2013 – The University of Rhode Island Department of Music invites the public to a free lecture offered as part of the University Artist Series, "Remembering Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau", on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 12:30-2 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Music Rehearsal Hall, Room C100, 105 Upper College Rd., Kingston.

The presentation will be an audiovisual retrospective on the renowned German baritone (1925-2012), one of the finest 'Lieder' (art song) interpreters of his generation and a giant among post-war singers, considered by many to be the singer of the 20th century.

His body of work, hundreds of recordings of song, opera and oratorio, has stood as a cornerstone of vocal music for more than 60 years.

His name will forever be linked with Franz Schubert's 'Winterreise' cycle, which he recorded eight times.

He won two Grammy Awards, in 1971 and 1973. When he died last May, the New York Times called him “by virtual acclamation one of the world’s great singers.”

The speaker will be Erika Reitshamer, New England Opera Club board member and former vice president of the Boston Wagner Society. She is a noted lecturer on operatic subjects in the greater Boston area and a frequent traveler to the opera capitals of the world.

The URI Music Department is handicap-accessible, and parking is available in the lot behind the Fine Arts Center, off Bills Road.  Lecture is free to the public.

For more information, please contact the URI Department of Music, 874-2431, or check the website: www.uri.edu/music.