Jonas Kaufmann’s US manager dies, aged 62

Jonas Kaufmann’s US manager dies, aged 62

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norman lebrecht

August 12, 2017

Bruce Zemsky, senior partner in the New York agency Zemsky Green, died on August 6.

The cause was myelodysplastic syndrome.

The agency has a terrific list of singers, whom Bruce served to the best of his ability.

They included Jonas Kaufmann, Pretty Yende, Anja Harteros, Ermonela Jaho, Nino Machaidze, Eva Maria Westbroek, Gwyneth Jones, Charles Castronovo, Brandon Jovanovich and Erwin Schrott (pictured with him).

He tended to sign his artists for recordings with Sony Classical.

An opera fanatic he lived for the art, having no close family.

He had a private funeral on Thursday at Riverside Chapel in New York.

UPDATE: Kaufmann pays tribute.

Comments

  • Alison Ames says:

    Very sorry to hear of Bruce Zemsky’s death. Horrid surprise, and he was quite young (50? 60?). Hugely knowledgeable and an extremely nice man as well.

  • Susan Weiss says:

    So very sad to learn today of the passing of Bruce Zemsky.
    A wonderful artist representative and agent. It was indeed a privilege and honor to work with Bruce.
    May he rest well and in peace.
    תנוח על משכבך בשלום

    Susan Weiss, (Ross)

  • Eric Amada says:

    This news hurts especially hard. Bruce Zemsky is everything any one could ever ask for in a friend, colleague, mentor or manager. My heart is heavy and filled with condolences for Alan Green, and for everyone who worked with, or was represented by Bruce. May beautiful memories be a blessing to all of us who were fortunate enough to have known Bruce and comfort us all with this tremendous loss to our community.

  • Lois Silverstein says:

    Very sad and hard for everyone since he touched so many people. What a contribution he made to us by his choices.
    Rest in peace.

    • erich says:

      This is very sad. Even if sitting on the opposite side of the negotiating table could drive one to distraction, Bruce always had his artist’s interests foremost in mind and tried to do everything he could to ensure they had the best conditions in order to give of their best. And he loved music and understood the human voice. My thoughts are also with Alan Green, for whom this must be an awful time. Rest in peace, Bruce.

  • Liloloperaluv says:

    Very sorry to read of Mr. Zemsky’s passing. He will be remembered by the artists he represented. All who enjoy the vocal arts bless his memory.

  • John Gingrich says:

    Another neighbor/colleague lost too soon. Fond memories of young, energetic Bruce at Shaw Concerts in the late ’70s at the start of a long distinguished career. All sympathies to Alan and Bruce’s artists and colleagues.

  • CARLO COLOMBARA says:

    Sono molto addolorato per la perdita di un vecchio caro amico. Carlo Colombara

  • Seldy Cramer says:

    I am so sad. I loved Bruce. He was a good friend. What a wildly talented agent he was. I’ve known him ever since he started in the business at Shaw Concerts. I will miss him terribly. He loved animals and Opera…and his friends.

  • Laura Scolnick Menard says:

    Such sad news about Bruce. Remembering our teenage years as Standees at the Met with great affection.

  • Stefano miceli says:

    Such a sad news. Stefano Miceli

  • Brian Gruber says:

    We were grade school pals in brooklyn. While the kids played baseball during recess we blew that off and choreographed spontaneous plays in the outfield. He must have been 7 or 8 when he would regale us with Ethel Merman imitations. There’s no business like show business. He lived that tune. Yes sir. RIP my friend.

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