BENITA VALENTE RIP

Word has come that Benita Valente has passed away. I don't have a vast archive, but every performance was a joy. The memories are treasured.  The first  coverage was ZAUBERFUTE in 1973 with Ted Uppman as Papageno to Benita as Pamina.
 

Same year with Nicolas Flagello  as Sarastro

and the three Spirits, not little boys, Christine Weidinger, Cynthia Munzer and Betsy Norden

Next 1975 FALSTAFF, total fun. Fedora Barbieri as Dame Quickly, Evelyn Lear as Alice, Joann Grillo as Meg Page and Benita as Nanetta.

Same scene  wit Douglas Ahlstedt as Fenton

The final magic  scene in the forest

1976 ZAUBERFLUTE, this time with Donald Gramm as Papageno

With John Macurdy as Sarastro

With Stuart Burrows as Tamino, Benita and Macurdy again.

This time three boys as the spirits- Adam Hyman, Adam Guetell, and Peter Fekula

January 1984 RINALDO  with Marilyn Horne as Rinaldo

with Sam Ramey

and with Horne again.  Exquisite singing all around.

Every performance was a joy to witness. I'm smiling at the images of the whole take.  There was honor to the art form, respect,  art never to be forgotten.

My heartfelt condolences to the family and all the friends.

Dear Benita, THANK YOU!!!     RIP

Roberta Alexander, RIP

There are wonderful tributes online for Roberta Alexander, delightful artist in a wide emotional range of roles. Posting chronologically. These images are tibbits  drawn from my vast archive. 1983 DON GIOVANNI , as Zerlina with James Morris as the Don, "La ci darem la Mano"
 

1985 Jenufa, title role

PORGY AND BESS,  1985, as Bess with Greg Baker as Crown.

LA BOHEME 1987, acts 1 and IV  with Beccaria as Rodolfo

TALES OF HOFFMANN, 1987  as Antonia with James Morris as Dr. Miracle

From same contact sheet,Mel Broiles  a surprise treasure.

MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, 1988, the Countess also with Susannah, Hong,  the Letter Duet. Fun time.

CLEMENZA DI TITO, 1991, as Vitellia, Mad scene

The only digital coverage, ELEKTRA 2016 as First Servant with Nina Stemme

It's this Servant who first recognizes Oreste, Eric Owens, very touching moment

To all the friends and family members my heartfelt condolences.

To Roberta, THANK YOU for all the joy.     RIP.

Franz Grundheber RIP

Franz Grundheber has passed away at the age of 88. He always lit up my lens, couldn't take your eyes off him.  Back to the film days, RIGOLETTO with Hei Kyung Hong as Gilda, 1999.
 ,

WOZZECK, also 1999.  Painful.

Finally, the digital years, 2015 LULU as Schigolch with Marlis Petersen as Lulu. Love this role, an old scuzzy creature.

To Mr. Grundheber, THANK YOU. You were a joy.   RIP

Doris Jung Popper RIP

Sad news  came this morning of the passing of Doris Jung Popper. Our performance path crossed in 1972, more than 50 years ago, New York City Opera, ROSENKAVALIER, the Marschallin. All images live, shot from wings during performance.   A few images from Act I and...
 

From Act II

From a NYC Opera Reunion in 2012.

Doris was an elegant artist, true to the of honor to music. She was a special person off stage.   Our paths crossed over the years usually at various dress rehearsals, always a kind word and happiness at sharing news. I'm sad, but also thankful for this beautiful friendship. My heartfelt condolences to the family and all the friends.

Dear Doris, THANK YOU.    RIP

David Randall RIP

Sad news. David Randall  has passed away. He was a joy on stage, elegant singer, perfect actor. I've selected a few images fro the 80s. First ARABELLA as Matteo 1984 with Kathleen Battle as Zdenka.
 

CLEMENZA DI TITO  as Tito 1987

MEISTERSINGER as David 1985 with Peter Hoffmann as Walter

DON PASQUALE 1980 as Ernesto

and Ernesto with Norina,  Roberta Peters

IDOMENEO  1986

FLEDERMAUS 1986, as Alfred with Rodelinde, Kiri TeKanawa

and with the Jailor, Otto Schenk

COSI FAN TUTTE   1984  as Ferrando

and with Kiri TeKanawa, Fiordiligi

To the family, the many colleagues and friends my heartfelt condolences.

Dear David,  for so music pleasure and your treasured friendship, thank you.

RIP