World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming joins the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra (RIPO) for a special gala concert on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at The VETS, a historic building in the heart of Providence, RI. The highly-anticipated concert is in celebration of the rededication of The VETS, a 1,900-seat auditorium which recently underwent $2.5 million in improvements and renovations, the first phase of a three phase project. Built in 1927, The VETS is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors to Providence can book the Evening with Renée Fleming Package at the Providence Biltmore, which includes overnight accommodations in a Junior King Suite with a view of the Rhode Island State House, two tickets to the gala concert with preferred seating in the First Balcony, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and a CD featuring a collection of Renée Fleming's Italian arias entitled "Verismo." This package is $299 based on double occupancy and availability. For more information or reservations, call 800-294-7709 or visit www.providencebiltmore.com.

Fleming will join RIPO Music Director Larry Rachleff as he leads the orchestra during the concert. In addition to serving as RIPO Music Director and Conductor for more than 15 years, Rachleff is the Director of Orchestras and the Walter Kris Hubert chair at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music in Houston.

Known as "The People's Diva" and "The Beautiful Voice," Fleming, a three-time Grammy winner, has headlined a number of distinguished events throughout the world including a Noble Peace Prize ceremony, the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the Metropolitan Opera's 125th Opening Night Gala.

"I'm thrilled to be making my first appearance with RIPO in Providence and meeting a new audience there," said Fleming. "It will be my first-ever performance in Rhode Island. I had the pleasure of working with Larry Rachleff a few years ago in Houston, and I'm looking forward to sharing the stage with him once again for this gala concert."

Ticket prices range from $35 to $250 per person. Patrons who purchase a $250 ticket will enjoy premium seating and a champagne reception prior to the event. All proceeds will support new artistic programming at The VETS and educational initiatives at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School.
For more information, visit www.thevetsri.com or call (401) 421-2787. To book a getaway to Providence, visit www.goprovidence.com.