Probably the only woman in history to sing for Stevie Wonder, James Levine, Bono, Herbert von Karajan, Wynton Marsalis and the pope, Kathleen Battle is a modern wonder, with an ability to adapt to any setting while avoiding the “crossover” tag. Few who witnessed her performance last year of “Superwoman” on the American Music Awards with Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah would think of Battle as an opera singer, and yet since her professional debut in 1972, singing Brahms’ Ein Deutsch Requiem, she’s been one of the world’s best. Battle has also displayed, at times, a temperament worthy of her last name; she was actually dismissed from the Met in 1994, citing unprofessional actions. A retirement from opera immediately followed, but her recitals and concert appearances the world over are the stuff of legend. Expect a combination of arias, standards and spirituals when Battle drops into town on Saturday, May 9, at the Marin Center. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $35–$70. 415.499.6800.Gabe Meline
.May 9: Kathleen Battle at the Marin Center
