D.C.'s Kennedy Center Names 2023 Honorees

Soprano Renée Fleming is among the five artists honored for their lifetime artistic achievements

Five artists have recently been named as the 46th cohort of honorees at The Kennedy Center. They are actor and comedian Billy Crystal, acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming, British singer-songwriter, producer, and member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb, rapper, singer, and actress Queen Latifah, and singer Dionne Warwick.

Kennedy Center Honors have been presented annually since 1978 and recognize artists for a lifetime of cultural achievement and their significant contributions to American cultural life. Previous recipients in the field of classical music include Leonard Bernstein, Martha Argerich, and Midori.

Soprano Renée Fleming is among the most renowned singers of our time. She has received five GRAMMY awards and the National Medal of Arts — the USA's highest honor for an individual artist. In 2013, Fleming became the first woman in the 125-year history of the Metropolitan Opera to solo headline an opening night gala.

Fleming is presently the Artistic Advisor-at-Large to the Kennedy Center, Director of the SongStudio at Carnegie Hall, and Co-Director at the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS.

"How thrilling to join the company of legendary artists who have received this recognition," Fleming said. "This award demonstrates the richness and range of the performing arts in our country, and the Kennedy Center’s celebration is a powerful expression of our culture."

"Music has defined the arc of my life, giving voice to an introverted child, taking me to places I never dreamed of visiting and people I never dreamed of meeting. Most of all, it has shown me the enormous potential for healing and joy that the arts offer everyone. Having looked with awe at the Honorees in that box at the Kennedy Center Opera House, I’m incredibly grateful to think I will be among them."