5 Must-See Kathleen Battle Performances
After an 11-year absence from Philly, one of opera's greatest divas returns to perform at the Kimmel Friday. Here's a few sacred songs and an aria to get you warmed up.
1.Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
One of the spirituals most likely to be revisited by la diva at the Kimmel Center. Performed here with the Boys Choir of Harlem in their prime, circa late 1980s.
2. Staruss's Voices of Spring
This 1987 performance in Vienna was conducted by the maestro himself, Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989).
3. His Eyes on the Sparrow
A spine-tingling rendition of Charles Gabriel's gospel classic with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in 1983.
4. Ave María & Not Even The King
Kathleen Battle teams up with Alicia Keys for this moving medley for Keep a Child Alive's 10th annual benefit concert in 2013.
5. He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand (with Jessye Norman)
You can see the entire Carnegie Hall concert if you want - and you know you do - on YouTube as well here.
Bonus: Lovers
If you didn't know that Kathleen Battle sang the title song of a Chinese wuxia film (2004's "House of Flying Daggers"), now you do.