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Obituary: Mezzo-Soprano Batyah Godfrey Ben-David Dies at 85

By Francisco Salazar

Mezzo-soprano Batyah Godfrey Ben-David has died at the age of 85.

Ben-David is best-known for having performed at the Metropolitan Opera having made her debut on Feb. 17, 1969 and performing 595 performances until April 16, 1988.

She went on to appear on multiple recordings at the Met, including “Idomeneo” with Pavarotti, “Rigoletto” with Placido Domingo, “Lulu” with Julia Migenes, and “Parsifal” with Jon Vickers. 

The mezzo also appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Bach, Schumann, Mozart, Bizet, Beethoven, Brahms, and Ravel.

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By Francisco Salazar

FRANCISCO SALAZAR, (Publisher) has worked as a journalist for over 10 years with such companies as Latin Post, and freelanced for Remezcla. He has also published for El Diario and La Opinion. He is a media producer and a classically trained cellist who has performed in the New York area.

With OperaWire he has lectured at Bard College and been featured on Fred Plotkin, Jennifer Rowley and Angel Blue's programs.

He holds a Masters in Media Management from the New School and a Bachelor's in Film Production and Italian studies from Hofstra University.

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