Tributes pour in for ‘versatile and wonderful’ Maria Ewing
RIPThe opera world has been shocked by the death, aged 71, of the outstanding American mezzo and soprano. The late Peter Hall, her ex-husband, spoke in his memoirs of her ‘blazing integrity’. Other rushed today to praise her many qualities.
Placido Domingo writes: ‘Saddened to learn the passing of the versatile and wonderful American opera singer Maria Ewing… So many beautiful memories of sharing the stage with Maria in Carmen, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Fedora at the Met… and as conductor to her Tosca. RIP dear Maria.’
Met soprano Apile Millo: ‘A truly remarkable and very individual talent’.
Pianist Artur Pizarro: ‘My heart is really breaking… Another dear friend is gone… In the last 7 months, too many departures… Not quite able to deal with all of this yet… Maria Ewing was a dear friend and an amazing colleague! I was privileged not only to have worked onstage with her, but also to have tasted her spinach pies at dinners which ended up in watching the Great movies in black and white sitting on the floor and eating popcorn until early morning… ‘
Tenor Karim Sulayman: ‘The first opera I ever saw live was Sir Peter Hall’s Salome at the Lyric Opera of Chicago starring Maria Ewing in the title role. Even though I was only in the fifth grade, her unbelievable performance was at once thrilling and terrifying, deeply beautiful and deranged. That evening solidified my conviction to become a singing actor. To be like her. To fully embody music and deliver a story with my whole being – voice, body, mind and soul. She was a true artist and she changed my life. Thank you, Ms. Ewing. Rest in power. ‘
Her manager Guy Barzilay: ‘So saddened by the passing of Maria Ewing. Managing her career in the late 90’s-early 2000s was the most intense, exhilarating, rewarding, and yes, terrifying experience of my life. She was a glorious artist and one of a kind person; Deeply feeling, demanding, funny, generous, vulnerable, exasperating, and beautiful, and her extraordinary performances I was lucky enough to witness will forever be seared in my mind and heart.’
The Metropolitan Opera: ‘We mourn the death of Maria Ewing, one of opera’s most compelling artists in the second half of the 20th century. Between her 1976 debut as Cherubino in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and her final appearance with the company in 1997 as Marie in Berg’s Wozzeck, she brought her distinctive vocalism and intense dramatic commitment to the Met stage nearly 100 times. She was particularly acclaimed for her performances as Blanche de la Force in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, starring in the 1977 premiere of John Dexter’s landmark Met staging and on many subsequent occasions.’
LA Opera: ‘We are immensely saddened to learn of the incredible Maria Ewing’s passing. An absolute icon and master of her craft, Ms. Ewing was a pillar in LA Opera’s history, having given indelible performances in “Madama Butterfly,” “Cosi fan tutte,” “Tosca” and “Fedora,” among others. Most memorably, she offered Angelenos a definitive interpretation of Strauss’ “Salome” that won her accolades worldwide. Her invaluable legacy will be treasured for generations to come.’
A Salomé who really stripped! Rest in peace, and thank you!
Another Salome stripper in the Deutsche Oper production was Catherine Malfitano.
In 1978 I worked on the Glyndebourne Così where Maria met Peter Hall. She was terrific and he was besotted with her. Many years later, in 2011, I invited her to perform La Voix Humaine for Nationale Reisopera, directed by Laurence Dale and conducted by Patrick Davin. A stunning performance; she had lost none of her brilliant temperament. A shining star who will be sadly missed.
Listening to “Dido Aeneas” made in the mid-90s (Chandos): superbly dramatic. Ewing, Daymond, Hickox–all sadly gone from us.
I only saw her twice – at an arena version of Carmen at Earls Court in London and about a decade later as Salome in LA. I thought she was a natural actress but there was something about the voice that failed to win me over. I always wondered what I was missing. May she Rest In Peace.
Maria Ewing was one of the most exciting performers you will ever witness!
She’s great on video as Poppea.
Saw and heard her do Orfeo in Cincinnati May Festival with Battle as Amore and Levine leading the concert staged performance. This was a wonderful performance as a student attending CCM. Loved this opera and as a tenor sang the Airs and duets on concerts. Next was at the Met. Les Troyens Didon….belive it or no ot my favorite opera and have seen more the any opera. She was and sensuous. Thank you La Ewing…Thank you.
For me she’ll always be the eternal Cherubino. RIP
I saw Maria Ewing in many roles. She was a magnificdnt Blanche in Dialogues des Carmelites, a fascinating Carmen, a wonderful Melisande and much else. In 1989 I was in Chicago for her Salome and this js among the most extraordinary performances I ever saw. Unforgettable.