Foundation celebrates famed opera singer’s 100th birthday
`Summertime,’ by Brooklyn’s Gershwin, was a highlight
Sunday afternoon, Sept. 14, marked the 38th annual gala concert of the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation and also celebrated legendary soprano Licia Albanese’s 100th birthday.
The president of the foundation, Sachi Liebergesell, and Rev. John Kamas, its secretary, greeted the enthusiastic audience at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Frederick P. Rose Hall. When Mme. Albanese walked out on stage assisted by Metropolitan Opera Guild’s Jane Poole and the Rev. John Kamas, there was a standing ovation. Mme. Albanese blew kisses to one and all and then joined in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner with the audience and the Musica Sacra Orchestra under the superb direction of Kent Tritle. As always, she sang the high note at the finale. Then everyone sang Happy Birthday.