Opera star performs at Sierra college commencement

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Tiny Sierra Nevada College received a big graduation present on Saturday with a commencement performance by Metropolitan Opera artist Frederica von Stade.

The mezzo-soprano, whose stepdaughter was one of the 89 graduates, sang "Simple Gifts" by Aaron Copeland and "I Shall Not Live in Vain" by San Francisco Bay area composer Jake Heggie, a friend of the singer, who slightly reworked the words of the Emily Dickinson poem to commemorate the graduation of Ms. von Stade's stepdaughter, Jennifer "Sam" Gorman.

Ms. Gorman received a bachelor of arts with honors in science and plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno medical school.

Ms. von Stade was presented with an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from the 30-year-old college nestled between Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Lake Tahoe. The 89 graduates represented its largest senior class ever.

Ms. von Stade first appeared on the Metropolitan Opera stage in 1970 and will perform this season with Placido Domingo in the title role of the Met's first-time presentation of "The Merry Widow."

Her career also includes performances at La Scala, Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera and the Paris Opera. She has produced more than three dozen recordings which received six Grammy nominations.

"I'm very honored and gratified," she said after receiving her honorary degree.

"One of the nicest roles I've had in my career is being Sam Gorman's stepmother," she said. Then, pausing, she added, "Not stepmother - bonus mother."

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