Pianist Robert Sutherland has died.

Born in 1930, Sutherland began his career as a pianist in the early 1970s.

He was later chosen by Maria Callas to accompany her for what was to be the last series of recitals. He would become a friend and confidant and later wrote a book entitled “Maria Callas: Diaries of a Friendship,” which recounted the tour.

Throughout his career, Sutherland also accompanied such artists as Montserrat Caballé, José Carreras, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Boris Christoff, and Kiri Te Kanawa.

In 2023 in celebration of Callas‘ 100th anniversary, the pianist spoke to the Times and noted that he and the diva “had an easy camaraderie” and noted that they his last conversation with Callas was in 1977 shortly before she died.