Joyce DiDonato: Kansas City, Missouri
Mezzo-soprano supernova Joyce DiDonato has received astounding accolades while performing to her adoring, riveted fans in the world’s major opera houses. Always a true Midwestern girl, the self-dubbed Yankeediva was born and raised in Kansas and happily calls the Heart of America- Kansas City, Missouri home! With all the talent synonymous with a charismatic, dynamic young star, DiDonato’s exquisite performances have earned her numerous honors, including the Beverly Sills Award from the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Philharmonic Society’s 2005 “Singer of the Year”, Gramophone magazine’s 2010 Artist of the Year, and, most recently, a Grammy. Following her two previous recordings on Virgin/EMI, Joyce’s third release Diva Divo, finds her “voicing the eager young men of her many “trouser” roles and also passionate heroines,” a mix that is sure to delight both opera connoisseurs and inquisitive novices. Yet, much like the duality of her latest release, Joyce enjoys a quiet, simpler life as a Kansas City girl next door, while loyal international audiences eagerly await her next brilliant performance on the global stage.
Go to iTunes to download Joyce DiDonato’s inspired music. Visit JoyceDiDonato.com for her current tour schedule and blog, and even follow the Yankeediva on Twitter!
The Concierge Questionnaire: Joyce DiDonato, International Opera Singer
What is your favorite word to describe Kansas City? Surprising!
What word best reflects the people of Kansas City? Generous.
What is the most creative, spiritual or emotional place in Kansas City?
It WILL be the new Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts, but until then, I find the Liberty Memorial a beautifully spiritual place to contemplate freedom and unity.
Opening September 2011, the magnificent Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts, designed by world renowned architect Moshe Safdie, will proudly serve as home to the Kansas City Symphony, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, as well as the Kansas City Ballet.
Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts:
1601 Broadway
Please visit the Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts for event ticket information and much more!
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial:
100 West 26th Street
Hours: September-May, Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm and June-August, Daily 10am-5pm
What is your favorite outdoor activity in Kansas City?
Theater In The Park.
Each summer, Theater In The Park, one of the largest outdoor community theatres in the country, presents Broadway musicals and a variety of special events.
What is your favorite indoor activity in Kansas City?
Indulging in some of the great eateries we have in town, rivaling the best restaurants in the world.
Restaurants in my neighborhood: Extra Virgin (cutting edge), Blue Bird Bistro (organic fare), La Bodega (my favorite food: tapas!), Bristol Seafood Grill (a KC original with outstanding brunch!) and not to be missed while in KC: BBQ at Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque (they deliver nationwide!)
What is your favorite sound or noise in Kansas City?
The sound of the Kansas City Symphony accompanying the fireworks explosion at the Liberty Memorial on 4th of July, as observed from my rooftop!
What is your favorite smell or taste in Kansas City?
The roasting coffee downtown off 10th and Broadway.
What drink best reflects Kansas City?
A tall, frosty Homebrewed Boulevard Pale Ale.
Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company's very first beer, Boulevard Pale Ale-"a smooth, fruity, well-balanced beer with year-round appeal," continues to be a customer favorite, along with more than 15 other delicious brews!
Boulevard Brewing Company:
2501 Southwest Boulevard
Please visit Boulevard Brewing Company for tour schedule and reservations.
What song or type of music best reflects Kansas City?
Anything by Charlie Parker!
Charlie Parker, one of the most important and influential saxophonists and jazz players of the 1940s, moved to Kansas City as a child, where jazz, blues and gospel music were flourishing.
If Heaven were Kansas City, what would God say to a visitor when they arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Bet you're surprised to find that your feet are planted so firmly on the ground, up here in Paradise!"
Joyce DiDonato: Kansas City, Missouri • Kansas City, Missouri • Phone: ***
