First she graced the world’s biggest stages – and now, Grammy winner Renee Fleming has graced the big screen. And then we’re talking about IMAX big screens big enough to successfully commemorate iconic films and more. Her new compelling documentary, Cities That Sing – Paris, will win the hearts of opera lovers everywhere. With help of Stage access and giant lenses with a cinema viewer, Fleming introduces viewers to one of the most majestic cities in the world and offers an appreciation for its music, achievements, culture, art and food. And more than that – she is joined by many of her notable residents.
Cities That Sing – Paris is the first of two immersive experiences by IMAX, with the second to focus on Venice. It offers poignant opera performances by Fleming and others in historic theaters around the city. During the short 85-minute run, Fleming is joined onstage by special guest stars such as famed recording artist Alexandre Duhamel. Here’s our exclusive interview with Fleming as she dives deeper into the behind-the-scenes of her latest project.
Bringing opera to the wider public
MW: Tell us about your involvement with Cities That Sing – Parisfrom concept to delivery.
Renée Fleming: It could be that IMAX was interested in doing a whole performance element, and they were interested in adding a classic element and had done a lot of market research and said, “Well, it must be Renee.” And I’m never looking for more things to do, but sometimes I just thought, “Wow, IMAX. This is exciting, and the opportunity to be on the big screen, but make it intimate and make it so accessible for so many people around the world it was very enticing.”
And I’m always looking for ways to bring opera to a wider audience. So I think they talked to Stage Access, who I already knew, and that’s how it all started. And I said, “I don’t just want to do a live concert of myself. That’s not really what I would like to do right now. I’d do it with other singers, and I’d like to host and tell some stories about the composers and the city when it comes to opera.” And so there was a long negotiation part because at the time IMAX really only wanted performance. We’ve got a little bit of text there.
The idea is good, especially after COVID when people couldn’t travel. The first time I went back to Europe, it was a happy reunion. So this way you can have that reunion at your local IMAX theater.
Rediscovering the City of Light
MW: The film covers a lot of ground and offers a lot of insight into both Paris and the opera scene. What do you hope the audience takes away? Cities that sing?
Renée Fleming: Two things. One of these is the city itself. It’s Paris. The whole world loves Paris. It is arguably the most beloved city in the world. Certainly, in the 20th century it was. So that’s one thing – it’s re-acquaintance, but through a different lens because I think people don’t know opera history and how many great tunes and great stories have come from composers who have been there. So twofold.
And then you have three other singers and an orchestra that are phenomenal. Two of them are French, and the orchestra of course. And we’re looking at wine with Robert Carsen, who has a beautiful home. And Alexi Maguie, one of the 14 validated French couturiers… The dresses he made for me for this broadcast are so spectacular. There wasn’t even a way to travel with them because they are too big, too grand. They were like costumes.
Special Mentions about Venice and Paris
MW: What can you tell us about the coming Venice movie?
Renée Fleming: Well, my joke was, “If you weren’t filmed by a drone on a boat in the canal, you just haven’t lived.” We really had a day and a half. Between the speedboat and the gondoliers it was just magical.
MW: Is there anything else you’d like to share about the? Paris documentary?
Renée Fleming: I would also like to highlight Piotr Beczala, the Polish tenor. He is now a big star and he can sing almost anything. So it was very exciting to share this with him. And Axelle Fanyo is someone I discovered because she sang in the Carnegie Hall sound studio that I produce there. And people have just responded really nicely to her. She has a huge personality and a beautiful sound.