Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham comes to dinner
When it came to my attention that my friend, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, was to open the season at the Caramoor Interanation Music Festival right down the road from my farm in Katonah, I thought it fitting to host a dinner party in her honor. As in opera fashion, the evening began quite dramatically with a severe thunderstorm. Thankfully, unlike an opera, there is nothing bad to report on that front. The storm passed quickly and the dinner party was a delight. Please enjoy these photos and by the way, which is your favorite opera?
I grew up in the Midwest and always loved those summer storms. Living in Oregon, we rarely have a summer storm and it's almost never humid. Sometimes I miss those warm, wet storms.
Looks like a lovely dinner party.
http://potsnpies.blogspot.com
Posted by: Clayvessel | July 1st, 2009 at 2:02 am
Good morning Martha!
It looks like a lovely evening with Susan Graham her voice and performance are amazing, I enjoy her Poèmes de l'amour CD.
The table setting looks so elegant! love your placemats and the menu looks delicious. The pictures of your farm are amazing.
My husband and I love to watch and listen to Opera, I like Aida, Carmen, La Traviata, La bohème,in 1997 while in japan with my husband we watched Japanese opera it was different but very artistic.
It is always a pleasure to read your posts.
Thank you Martha!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | July 1st, 2009 at 3:08 am
My favorite opera SHOULD be Rigoletto (hence my first name), but I also really love L'Eliser D'Amore
Posted by: gilda | July 1st, 2009 at 4:44 am
I live in the old town of Pensacola Florida - moved here 12 years ago. I am AMAZED at the Pensacola Opera Company! This season I saw Aida - and although very long (4 hours) it was amazing. My sister-in-law is from Thailand and screamed with delight when at one point a real live elephant came on stage!
Posted by: maria cerwin | July 1st, 2009 at 8:10 am
I hosted a small impromtu birthday dinner for my daughter's boyfriend last night and those same thunderstorms barelled through New Canaan CT! However, you must have been too engrossed in the fabulous dinner conversation to notice the MAGNIFICENT RAINBOW afterward that stretched from East to South!! Your table with the clematis is stunningly understated - love it! I went with a blue & white theme ( a nod to our upcoming holiday) punctuated with zinnias in a Chinese export rose mandarin which I am addicted to - working at Sallea Antiques has made it a bad habit! But it looked lovely on the birthday table.
Posted by: Jayne Rogers | July 1st, 2009 at 8:13 am
lovely to get a teeny glimpse into your life, friends, and acreage - not to mention the food and the TALENT. Ms. Graham is divine.
Posted by: emiencegrise | July 1st, 2009 at 8:46 am
Too Cool!!
My favorite opera? I love the classics, especially Wagner's The Ring, and then I suppose Tristan and Isolde.
Coincidentally, my sister is a mezzo-soprano and teaches at UWGB and hosts international singing events!! Maybe she knows some of your opera connections? Here she is: http://www.uwgb.edu/music/faculty/meredith.htm
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | July 1st, 2009 at 8:50 am
Bu'on giorno, Martha!
Now *that* was a supper worth singing for!
Yes, it looks as though everyone has a very wonderful evening. I wonder what kind of background music you might have been playing through dinner, if any? And what a nice and intimate idea to host a dinner in Susan Graham's honor! ( And a happy opening at Caramoor!, Susan!) Glad to see your nephew, Christopher, in attendance, too...a most special gathering, indeed!
My favorite opera?...Winfrey, of course! Ha! Not exactly...but the 'name' of one that I know - and I think is a Rossini opera - escapes me just now. But in trying to find that information for you, I came across this fitting piece from Shelly's, "Ode To The West Wind":
Thou on whose stream, 'mid the steep sky's commotion,
Loose clouds like Earth's decaying leaves are shed,
Shook from the tangled boughs of Heaven and Ocean,
Angels of rain and lightening.
Most of what I know about opera (and it ain't much!) comes from my days as a dancer. But I LOVE 'The Who' and the album, "Tommy, A Rock Opera".
Phew! Thanks for asking!
Posted by: tinay | July 1st, 2009 at 9:50 am
Well, I see someone beat me to the Ring Cycle, but it's still my favorite. Actually anything by Wagner draws me in.
Looks like a wonderful evening there.
Posted by: Sequana | July 1st, 2009 at 10:45 am
I can't say I've seen a lot of operas, but I loved Madame Butterfly!
Posted by: Stephanie | July 1st, 2009 at 12:21 pm
As an aside, Martha, I gotta say I *love* the photo of your kitchen! Great shot, beautiful veggies on the counter and a very content chef Martin hard at work!
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | July 1st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
And my question is..which came first a walk through the garden and then development of the evening menu or creating the evening menu and then a walk through the gardens?
Posted by: Margie | July 1st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Oh what fantastic idea for the rhubarb! Not too long ago I used rhubarb for the first time by making a sorbet and it turned out to be fantastic! Here's what I did...
http://myblissfulbites.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/rhubarb-strawberry-sorbet/
Looks like a great evening!
Posted by: Kristen | July 1st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Martha - those cabbage heads are beautiful!! You either have good defenses or the pests are not interested in them.
I just started a vegetable garden and my main obtacle is deer (as well as the drought here in CA). However, the deer haven't eaten any squash yet! I am bracing for the impending crop of Santa Rosa plums- the deer have eaten the entire tree two years in a row! I want those plums this year!
Posted by: Rachelino | July 1st, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Dear Martha,
How you still inspire! I love hearing Kiri Te Kanawa sing Puccini's Le Villi - Se Come Voi, and Puccini: Tosca - Vissi D’Arte
Perfect with a summer cocktail on a slightly thunderous evening.
Thanks for asking.
Rae Grant
Posted by: Rae Grant | July 1st, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Are those fennel on the left in the first photograph?! My mother has some growing in her garden, but they're not that big! How were they prepared?
Posted by: Carla | July 1st, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I could never begin to imagine having dinner with Susan Graham. You are so kind Martha Stewart-since you asked I must say my favorite has to be Carmen. I sing mezzo at my church and it is such a pleasure to sing. It is the greatest joy. Bless you
Posted by: Pam | July 1st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Prior to my recent semi-retirement, my hour commute to work was spent listening to Martha Stewart channel on sirus radio. I have been searching for your TV program and I am excited to say that I finally found it. 10:00 am channel 41 in my neck of the woods. (west Michigan)My sister would always chuckle at me for stating:"OH my gosh, Martha was just talking about that on in radio show and this is what she had to say****." I have missed you so and I am absolutely tickle that I have found you again. By the way, the liquid from the Agave plant, is used for a low glycemic organic sweetener. Same plant that your sponges come from as stated on todays show (7-1-09) . I know that you love information, so I thought that I would pass it along. Respectfully, Bev Parketon
Posted by: Bev Parketon | July 1st, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Wow! This pictorial history of the storm over the farm captures the weather scene in Boston too. What is happening to our summer? Ah -- time is ticking! I have been patient long enough. A great dinner party -- the clematis centerpiece is creative and beautfiul. Thanks for sharing. I like Benjamin Britten's operas. I need to see more operas to have a favorite. I do love the opera scene in the film 'Pretty Woman'. And of course, I love listening to Pavrotti.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | July 1st, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Hi Dear Martha:
I'm Happy today, becouse I'm writte to you the firt time, I'm you fan, this e-mail is from Peru, in south america, I, now USA, California and always I like to much you work, all the time check the magazing about you, you are so very nice woman, congratulations!!!
Victoria.-
Posted by: Victoria | July 1st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
For Carla,
Yes, in pic#2, the tray on the left are the fennel bulbs that were just picked from the garden. As I stated in a caption, my fennel is amazing this year. It can be prepared in so many ways - roasted, grilled, sauteed, pureed, as well as eaten raw. Chef Martin made a pureed fennel soup for dinner, which was divine.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | July 1st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
My son is at NJ opera in Princeton this summer; a young hopeful. I have a new appreciation after following his opera studies at U. Mich and U of Houtson. My favorites; Candide and the little known Grapes of Wrath by Ricky Ian Gordon; truly the great American Opera waiting to reach out. U Houston's performance this past spring was stunning. It is rarely performed so don't miss it if it comes your way. My first grand expereince was La Boheme at Houston Grand; oh how Houstonians love their Opera. Btw,Rene Flemming was gorgeous at the Obama inagural pre-event.glad Martha is a fan.
Posted by: roberta wolman | July 1st, 2009 at 6:24 pm
wow, what an honor, Susan Graham. How lucky!
Posted by: Shabby chic furniture | July 1st, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Beautiful table! Favorite opera is Gaetano Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. My daughter and daughter-in-law both sing. Daughter-in-law currently singing in Puccini's La Boheme in Aspen Festival's Summer production! Opera and warm summer nights - divine.
Posted by: Diane | July 1st, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Hi Martha, Your blogs and photos are some of the most spectacular things that you do. This blog about the dinner for Susan Graham is absolutely fabulous! Your photos of your kitchen and your farm during the thunder storm are the best I have seen yet! By triple enlarging all of the photos, it felt like I was right there at your farm and what a thrill that was!!! All of the photos are my favorites. About that coffee table book....these would be stunning. As far as favorite operas are concerned, I don't have any because I never got into that. My favorite music is anything by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, etc. Thanks again for sharing. Jan PS Laura, your son Christopher is one handsome, talented young man!
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 1st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Too funny! I was viewing ariel shots of your beautiful Katonah home on http://www.virtualglobetrotting.com. The view from the front had two very dark objects by the bend in the carriage road near the Summer House. The view from the Summer House side of the property has the same dark objects, but moved to over near the vegetable garden. I then realized they were two of your horses! Could that be you riding them?
Posted by: RYAN | July 1st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
absolutely divine! definitely every hostess dream to throw a party as elegant as yours.
Posted by: Norbie K. Las Vegas | July 1st, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Wonderful how green and lush everything is looking! The dinner party looks amazing, too! Mmmm...wonderful foods!
Posted by: sherey | July 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
.
Opera Memories?
I've never attended the opera as a guest, .... because I really don't favor sitting down to one. However, your question conjures up wonderful memories of participation.
As an actor I have relished the passion behind La Traviata and as conductor of gifted children, the pulse of Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Another of the time, Jesus Christ Superstar was especially striking in memory having been cast with children within the stage industry.
Aida was my favorite for the fabulous cadence of its music....AND for a one night faux pas within the orchestra pit. As a trumpet soloist I had played for weeks without incident. One night, however, the conductor paused the piece just before the solo due to a special unannounced tribute. At that moment our symphony guest stepped forward, blocking my view of all wand waving. Our venerable sir then enjoyed an ACOUSTIC entrance he had never expected to herald his words!
Backstage at the Opera
.
Posted by: andreaandweims on Twitter | July 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 am
The food looked divine! I love the rhubarb idea! I just made an incredible strawberry rhubarb pie that has inspired me to be more adventurous with rhubarb. Thanks for all that you do!
Posted by: AndreaBakerslove | July 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
Martha and staff
please come over to Madison on a Saturday 6:30 am until 2:00 PM
Around the captitol building in WI is an outstanding farmers market with 200 vendors all products are from WI with owners present at their stands. There are 100's of cheeses from young to 12 years.. venison, smoke fish, you will have fun... give it a try!
Posted by: Charmayne Horton | July 3rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
What a wonderful time--with such interesting, talented and amazing people all coming together! Wow, that pie looks amazing.
Posted by: CakeSpy | July 3rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
God Bless America
Land that I love
especially enjoy when my daughter sings it.
For real opera, I enjoyed Phantom of the Opera but I must have played it too many times.
Here's a poem for pets I wrote today. I have to cut and paste quickly and run. Going to find the fireworks we hear going off outside!!
My dogs and cats are
such good pals
they may bark
or they may meow
but they never swear
nor have a cow
Their temperament is delightful
their affection so true
and since all they want to do
is hang out with me
I never seem to feel very blue
God knows they are
the best little pals
that could ever be
Find a pet
and soon
you will see.
Posted by: Bonnie Worth | July 4th, 2009 at 12:34 am
yes this is all handmade by my wife .just thought you might take a look .thank you so much.GREAT BLOG SPOT
Posted by: John Wayne Roth | July 5th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Quickly scanned your web site - looks interesting and nice.
You like food ? I make a really mean curry - also,I travel to Morocco twice a year and am turning out some fairly good Moroccan goodies.
Recently I watched some You Tube video showing how Real Barbeque is done - we dont get that here in UK - have you had real barbeque ? I would love to attend a big Cookout.
Posted by: Shalimarguru | July 5th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Hey I,m sorry,almost forgot -
Happy 4th.July.
Posted by: Shalimarguru | July 5th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Hello again!
I've asked every cultured person I know for their pearls of wisdom and no one remembers that Rosini opera either!
And BTW, it was The London Symphony Orchestra's rendition of 'TOMMY' that really blew my dress up! But 'The Who' deserves the credit as well!
Posted by: tinay | July 7th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I cannot even begin to express the sheer happiness I felt while reading this post! I have been a huge fan of yours since my mother and aunt first introduced me to your show, Martha Stewart Living, in 1997 (I was ten years old!).
I have an immense love for thunderstorms, dinner parties, and opera, so it is no surprise that this post put a huge smile on my face. Your photographs of this evening are stunning - your estate is gorgeous, the table setting is delightfully elegant, and your guest of honor, Miss Susan Graham has been a wonderful inspiration to aspiring classical singers across the globe, including myself! While I am not a mezzo (I'm a young soprano), I fully enjoy and appreciate the excellence and craftsmanship that Miss Graham has so gracefully brought to life through her voice.
As for my favorite opera, I simply cannot pick just one! I do, however, have a soft spot in my heart for the masterpieces of Giacomo Puccini. My favorite performance of "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca is "La Divina" Maria Callas' 1958 Opéra de Paris debut. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vOj9SWJdyQ
Goodness, this comment turned out to be longer than I anticipated! Thanks for all you do, Martha. Cheers!
Posted by: Patrice Llemos | July 8th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Susan Graham, glorious food, and a thunderstorm - for what more could you ask? Perfection!
I'm thrilled that you are an opera fan, Martha, and that you continue to promote opera on your TV show and website.
Posted by: Susan | September 6th, 2009 at 9:19 pm