Sara Krulwich/The New York Times Audra McDonald.Not since Beverly Sills, who died in 2007, has “Live From Lincoln Center†- one of the few regular sources of classical music on mainstream television - had a regular host. Now another soprano is following in her footsteps. Lincoln Center said that the singer and actress Audra McDonald would become the show's official host, presiding over at least seven broadcasts starting next month. The shows include “The Richard Tucker Opera Gala†on Dec. 13 and the New York Philharmonic's New Year's Eve gala celebrating Marvin Hamlisch.
Lincoln Center, in announcing the position, stressed Ms. McDonald's ties to the arts complex, including her stint as a stud ent at the Juilliard School; a role in the 1994 production of “Carousel†at the Lincoln Center Theater; and performances in several “Live From Lincoln Center†productions. She served as host of the series broadcast of the Philharmonic's opening night gala in September. Various individuals have served as hosts in recent years, including Yo-Yo Ma, Alec Baldwin, Renee Fleming and Alan Alda.
