“Few singers would disagree with me, when I say that the greatest tragedy to strike the operatic profession since the end of the Second World War, was the early death of Fritz Wunderlich. Both vocally and musically his was the most blazing talent of my generation, and just as that talent was reaching maturity it was suddenly extinguished.” Nigel Douglas,
Legendary Voices.
This year the German lyric tenor Fritz Wunderlich, widely regarded as one of the finest tenors of the 20th century, would have been 90. Born on September 26, 1930, fate stepped in and he died in a tragic accident nine days short of his 36th birthday. With his Metropolitan Opera debut just weeks away, he sought time out in nature. A passionate hunter (Wunderlich had a huge gun collection), he took a break on one of his regular hunts with friends, but tripped and fell down a stairway in the country house he was staying in. He suffered a fractured skull, went into a coma and died a day later.
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Konzert „Christmas in Vienna heuer in besonderer Form
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Ravinia Festival mourns loss of longtime producer Stephen R. Smoot
Updated 12/14/2020 3:48 PM
Longtime Ravinia Festival employee Stephen R. Smoot, who produced hundreds of concerts at the Highland Park venue over the last 15 years including Martin Theatre recitals by soprano Renée Fleming, violinist Pinchas Zukerman, baritones Matthias Goerne and Thomas Hampson, and mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung died suddenly late last month, according to Ravinia representatives.
Smoot was 57. Ravinia representatives did not indicate cause of death.
Dubbed St. Stephen by pianist Kevin Cole for his ability to create logistic and artistic miracles, Smoot was known for his quick wit and generous nature.