American opera singer Richard Conrad passed away at his home in Elio, Maine on Aug. 26, 2019 at the age of 84. According to Platea Magazine, he had been battling an illness.

Conrad began his studies in Boston as a baritone. However, he “developed an unusual ease in managing the ‘head’ register, [and] was encouraged to emulate the baritones of the 18th and the early 19th centuries, many of whom sang as tenors.”

He made his operatic debut in the American premiere of Mozart’s “La Finta Semplice” in 1961, and shortly after recorded bel canto repertoire with Joan Sutherland, Marilyn Horne, and Richard Bonynge. Based in Italy from 1966 to the late 70s, he performed on stage as well as on radio and television in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Africa.

Following a mugging incident in 1983 that left him with vocal damage, he began to “re-develop his natural baritone,” eventually taking on the comedic roles of Gilbert and Sullivan, Rossini, and Donizetti.

In addition to performing, Conrad dedicated his time to producing, directing, and passing on his knowledge to his students. He re-founded the Boston Academy of Music in 1980 and served as its Artistic Director for 23 years. He later founded the Bostonian Opera and Concert Ensemble, also known as The Bostonians.

The Bostonians commented on the loss via Facebook: “We are very sorry to share that Bostonians Founding Artistic Director and mentor Richard Conrad has died . . . A great performer, voice teacher, and brilliant operatic interpreter, Richard touched countless lives with his singing, and distinctive ability to teach his craft to others.”