Tragic news: Top soprano dies of Covid, aged 51

Tragic news: Top soprano dies of Covid, aged 51

News

norman lebrecht

November 11, 2021

We have been notified of the death today, from Covid-19, of the Polish soprano Aga Mikolaj.

A member of the Bavarian State Opera ensemble until 2007, Aga enjoyed international success in Paris, Vienna and Monte Carlo.

She sang Woglinde in Daniel Barenboim’s Ring cycle in Milan, Berlin and at the BBC Proms.

Among her recordings is a major work of Penderecki, as well as the Strauss Four Last Songs with her husband, the Viennese cnductor Karl Sollak.

UPDATE: First tributes

Comments

  • Yv says:

    Such a marvellous voice. It is devastating

    • SMDH says:

      Death to whomever would downvote that sentiment. Jesus.

      • Nijinsky says:

        Of all of the self righteous nonsense. When someone has tragically died, this represents honoring what’s lost by spewing death threats at someone or anyone else, for whatever reason; in this case whether they clicked on the wrong button.

        Is there anyone or anything else you’d like to misrepresent in your “veneration” besides Aga Mikolaj and Jesus!?

        Which one, or are both supposed to feel vindicated at your death threat?

    • La plus belle voix says:

      Absolutely. (And why would anyone give your post a thumbs down? How incredibly callous!) Commiserations then to her family and friends, to her colleagues, as well as to everyone who ever met her and whose lives were touched by her art. These are hard times.

  • Andreas B. says:

    terrible news!

    She had a glorious voice and stage presence…

    RIP

  • Gus says:

    I hate this disease.
    Deepest sympathy to her husband
    Her singing shows what an incredible artist she was.

  • NYMike says:

    Lovely Strauss!

  • Una says:

    Just tragic.

  • Schmaddin says:

    I am really shocked! She was such a wonderful artist and a lovely person. RIP

  • Daniel Raiskin says:

    I have known Aga for years and was blessed with many opportunities of performing with her.
    In the past few days, from the moment that I learned about her illness and admission to the IC unit, I kept hoping that she’ll be getting better soon and refused to believe the worst is possible… The shocking news of her passing today left a bleeding wound in my heart.
    Aga was the kindest and modest person, a wonderful musician, most reliable and supportive partner on stage and on tour, consummate professional and, above all, she had a voice of rare beauty and clarity!
    I remember all our concerts so well – its easy as each of them was nothing short of a highlight!
    Händel and Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss, Szymanowski and Lutoslawski… In three weeks we were supposed to perform Beethoven 9th Symphony together again… Life can be cruel and unfair, but it also beautiful when you come across people line Aga Mikolaj…!
    Rest in peace, dear friend…
    “O weiter, stiller Friede!
    So tief im Abendrot –
    wie sind wir wandermüde – ist dies etwa der Tod?”

  • Andre Paradis says:

    Awful news. What a superb singer.
    Her Four Last Sobgs on record are among the finest. RIP

  • PB says:

    This is tragic news. I worked with her in Milan, Berlin and London. She was such a lovely person as well as a fine singer.

  • Melisande says:

    was she vaccinated?

  • Veronica says:

    What a huge and sad loss for us, musicians! And for the big art She has always represented very at the best and highest! Wonderful singer, artist and amazing human being…Deepest condolences to her husband and family in Poland…

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