Repertoire pianist of the Wiener Staatsoper, Kristin Okerlund, has died.

The Wiener Staatsoper announced the news, stating, “The solo repetiteurs at the Vienna State Opera are much more than just great pianists and outstanding musicians. The fact that they have a high level of technical skill and stylistic knowledge is a prerequisite for all the rehearsals, performances and keyboard duties in the orchestra pit. But their real task is to work responsibly with the singers: whether ensemble members or guests – they all need to be supported, protected, guided and shaped in their development in order to be able to hold their own on the opera stage. This challenging job of a solo repetiteur therefore requires a great deal of knowledge, experience and artistic and human sensitivity. Kristin Okerlund possessed all of this to the highest degree and was therefore literally irreplaceable for the company and her colleagues. Outsiders may therefore be able to guess what her unexpected death on October 10 means for the Vienna State Opera.”

Okerlund joined the Wiener Staatsoper in 1993and intensively shaped and supported the daily musical development of our stage. She was sought after by conductors and singers and was known for mastering many styles and pieces. She also performed as an accompanist and chamber musician at concerts in the Gustav Mahler Hall.

Singers took to social media to remember the pianist with tenor Piotr Beczala noting, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Kristin Okerlund, and it is hard for us to come to terms with this loss. Kristin was not only a wonderful artist, an extraordinarily sensitive and talented pianist, but also a warm, kind-hearted person, and for us personally, a neighbor and a friend. The memories of the moments we shared, both on and off the stage, will stay with us forever. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kristin’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace, dear Kristin. We will miss you deeply.”

Meanwhile, baritone Clemens Unterreiner noted, “R.I.P. dear KRISTIN It’s so unbelievably sad and tragic. Kristin was not only an exceptional pianist, wonderful tutor of the Vienna State Opera, but above all a wonderful person and colleague. She has always supported the ensemble and supported us wherever she could.”