International opera star Renée Fleming teams up with Prague-based pianist Evgeny Kissin in arts appeal

“Wishing health, safety, and hope to our friends around the world,” Fleming said on Facebook.

“We want to thank David Frost, whose expert guidance helped us put this video together. Please be well, be safe, and if you can’t donate, just keep the music playing — because that helps, too,” Fleming concluded. Frost is a Grammy-winning American classical record producer and pianist who works with the Metropolitan Opera. (The talk show host of the same name passed away in 2013.)

In the video, Kissin comments that to protect each other people need to stay apart, but music and technology can bring us together. Fleming thanks all the healthcare workers for their efforts.

Russian composer and pianist Evgeny Kissin, now 48 years old, was a child prodigy. He has won numerous awards in the US, Russia and other countries. In 2017, he married childhood friend Karina Arzumanova in Prague.

“I absolutely love living in Prague; all my family members and friends can confirm this. Since my first visit here in 2000 I fell in love with your beautiful city. [Ever since] I learned some things about the history of Czechoslovakia (1938, 1968), I have always felt lots of respect and sympathy for your people. I moved here for family reasons, but I am really glad that it happened,” he said in 2019 interview for the Rudolf Firkušný Piano Festival.