Redefining the Classics

Measha Brueggergosman breathes fresh life into Beethoven

Comments (0) By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik Thursday, Jan 18 2007

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When the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra takes up its two-week residency in Miami and spreads a legion of instrument-wielding members across the stage of the Knight Concert Hall at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, keep your eyes peeled for a striking soprano soloist. Measha Brueggergosman, a beautiful woman with a large Afro and an even larger voice, will be singing in the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, otherwise known as “Ode to Joy.”

Brueggergosman is a freelance soloist, brought in to work with the world’s best orchestras. She has sung in practically every major city in the world, but this soprano is far from jaded. “I still don’t take it for granted. I think it’s one of the coolest jobs in the world. Right now I’m staying in Cleveland at this beautiful hotel with the cast of Dancing with the Stars!” she gushes over the phone. Brueggergosman’s highbrow occupation doesn’t prevent her from having decidedly lowbrow interests. “If you live a full and delicious life, that all comes out onstage. So my lowbrow interests keep me fresh and humbled by this grandiose art form that I happen to be blessed enough to do for a living,” she explains. Today at 12:20, Brueggergosman will lead a free, open-to-the-public master class at the University of Miami’s Victor Clarke Recital Hall. Call 305-284-2241, or visit www.music.miami.edu. Tonight and tomorrow at the Carnival Center, she will perform Beethoven’s most famous symphony. Visit www.clevelandorch.com for a complete schedule of events.
Fri., Jan. 19; Sat., Jan. 20