Klara Takacs has died at the age of 71. The Hungarian mezzo-soprano was reported to have passed away on Jan. 21, 2017. Takacs was well regarded throughout her career and made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1982 performing the role of Adalgisa in Bellini’s “Norma.” Renata Scotto played the title role. Tacks also sang at the Vienna State Opera, Salzburg Festival and Italy’s Teatro alla Fenice. {…}
Robert Peters has died at the age of 86. The coloratura soprano, who wowed audiences for her brilliant technique and vocal fireworks, died of Parkinson’s disease. The soprano was widely recognized at the Metropolitan Opera, where she made her debut earlier than expected on Nov. 17, 1950. Peters was phoned by General Manager Rudolph Bing who asked her to step in to replace Nadine Conner, {…}
This week two singers from the world’s leading opera houses have died. Melvyn Poll After complications following cancer treatment, tenor Melvyn Poll died at 75. The opera singer who was also a lawyer, opera advocate, teacher and football booster performed in Europe, Israel, New York and Seattle. He was a frequent guest at the New York City Opera, where he made {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced that Georges Prêtre has died at the age of 92. The company released a statement that said, “Georges Prêtre, one of the greatest conductors of our time, had a fifty-year relationship with La Scala. He made his debut in 1966 conducting a legendary production of Gounod’s ‘Faust’ with Mirella Freni, Nicolai Gedda and Nicolai {…}