Renée Fleming may be a diva — for some of her fans, the diva — but the soprano brings an uncommon warmth that can shrink even a cavernous hall to an intimate salon.
During her Cal Performances recital at Zellberbach Hall on Sunday, May 3, that intimacy became the evening’s central achievement.
Though time has stolen the freshness from her voice, Fleming’s singing was a lesson in clear communication. A charismatic host as well as vocalist, she easily shared the spotlight with star pianist Inon Barnatan and violinist Tessa Lark, who made an unscheduled guest appearance…