Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade performs Ricky Ian Gordon’s “A Coffin in Egypt,” which the composer wrote for her, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Frederica von Stade plays Myrtle, a wealthy and remorseful Texas widow. Hers is the only singing role in the opera. David Matranga plays Hunter, one of the few (and brief) speaking roles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Cecilia Duarte, left, plays a companion to Frederica von Stade’s Myrtle. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Frederica von Stade, left, known as Flicka to fans, performs with Carolyn Johnson, who plays Myrtle’s sister-in-law. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Gospel choir members are Jawan C.M. Jenkins, left, Laura Elizabeth Patterson, Cheryl D. Clansy and James M. Winslow. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Frederica von Stade and David Matranga perform in Ricky Ian Gordon’s “A Coffin in Egypt,” which has a libretto by Leonard Foglia based on a play by Horton Foote. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
