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Latest News: Classical, Obituary

  • Obituary, Ingrid Haebler (1929-2023)

    by David Smith

    The Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper broke the news on Sunday that the Austrian pianist and early pioneer of period instrument performance had died at the age of 93.

  • Obituary, Menahem Pressler (1923-2023)

    by David Smith

    The German-born Israeli-American pianist, who co-founded the enormously successful Beaux Arts Trio and remained its lynchpin for over half a century, has died aged 99.

  • Obituary, Grace Bumbry (1937-2023)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The trailblazing American dramatic mezzo, who was the first Black singer to perform at the Bayreuth Festival, has died aged 86.

  • Obituary, Christopher Gunning (1944-2023)

    by David Smith

    The English composer, whose output ranged from sweeping symphonies and concertos to award-winning music for a huge range of film and television productions, has died aged 78.

  • Obituary, James Bowman (1941-2023)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The trailblazing English countertenor, who created the role of the Voice of Apollo in Britten's Death in Venice and opened up a wealth of new possibilities for his voice-type, has died aged 81.

  • Obituary, Virginia Zeani (1925-2023)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The Romanian-born soprano, who created the role of Blanche de la Force in Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites and later enjoyed a distinguished teaching career, has died aged 97.

  • Obituary, 2022 Goodbyes

    by Chris O'Reilly

    A short video tribute remembering some of the musicians who died during 2022.

  • Obituary, Ned Rorem (1923-2022)

    by David Smith

    The prolific composer and writer, known particularly for his art songs, has died aged 99.

  • Obituary, Libor Pešek (1933-2022)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The Czech conductor, who was an impassioned advocate for music by his lesser-known compatriots and held positions with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic, has died aged 89.

  • Obituary, Lars Vogt (1970-2022)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The German pianist and conductor, a superb chamber musician who was especially noted for his interpretations of Austro-German Romantic repertoire, has died of cancer aged 51.

  • Obituary, Anne Howells (1941-2022)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The British mezzo Anne Howells, a fine Octavian who also created roles in operas by Nicholas Maw and Mark-Anthony Turnage, has died aged 81.

  • Obituary, Vangelis (1943-2022)

    by David Smith

    The eclectic musician and composer Vangelis, known particularly for his popular soundtracks from the 1980s and 1990s, has died.

  • Obituary, Simon Preston (1938-2022)

    by David Smith

    The British organist, choirmaster and conductor has died at the age of 83.

  • Obituary, Teresa Berganza (1933-2022)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The Spanish mezzo, who excelled as Rossini's three great comic heroines and redefined the role of Carmen, has died aged 89.

  • Obituary, Harrison Birtwistle (1934-2022)

    by David Smith

    The radical English composer, famous particularly for his operas on mythological themes, has died aged 87.

  • Obituary, Radu Lupu (1945-2022)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The Romanian pianist Radu Lupu, widely regarded as one of the most eloquent musicians of the late twentieth century, has died aged 76.

  • Obituary, Nicholas Angelich (1970-2022)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The American pianist, who was particularly noted for his powerful interpretations of Brahms's solo piano works and chamber music, has died aged 51.

  • Obituary, Jaakko Kuusisto (1974-2022)

    by David Smith

    The Finnish violinist, conductor, composer and politician has died at the age of 48.

  • Obituary, Josephine Veasey (1930-2022)

    by Katherine Cooper

    The British dramatic mezzo, who excelled in Wagner and Berlioz, has died aged 91.

  • Obituary, George Crumb (1929-2022)

    by David Smith

    The American composer, whose major works include Black Angels, Vox Balaenae and Ancient Voices of Children, has died aged 92.