Death of a New York opera agent
mainThe death has been shared of Sara Tornay, founder of Tornay Management, an agency specialising in opera singers.
Her recent artists include Ruby Hinds, Catherine Murphy and Jan Opalach.
The conductor Marioara Trifan writes: What I will remember most about Sara Tornay, who sadly left us today, is her refreshing honesty and the way she just told it like it is, no excuses, no BS, no spin – the antithesis, you’d think, of what a singers’ agent would be. And yet, in this directness of hers, it was always with grace, always maintaining her high standards of taste, that she expressed herself while soldiering on decade after decade on behalf of her artists in whom she believed, and of opera itself, the art form being bigger than the business around it.
She was a good friend and someone whom I personally respected. She was not just an agent. She was a PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE.
Sara was a lady of class and sensitivity to singers. She leaves a legacy of caring. R.I.P.
Sara embodied all that is noble and selfless about our art. Her great knowledge about the art and the business was matched by her devotion to it. She’d often speak about great singers and great works of music with tears in her eyes. She will be hugely missed by her colleagues and by many loving friends.
Lovely, funny, gracious lady. We spent many hours together laughing. Always encouraging and supportive. Rest in peace.
She was totally genuine & I adored her ! She represented me for many years & we shared a love of not only opera & music, but good food, much laughter & a weakness for adorable puppies ! She was dedicated, sincere & gracious ! I will miss her greatly !
We are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of Sara. She was a dear person and a good friend. Sara was an authority on opera, an amazing mind and a very classy lady. Her wisdoms will stay with us forever. Whereas another light has gone out of a time and an epoch that may be past, it is not forgotten. And Sara was a shining example of that light.
I’m terribly sad to hear of her passing, though a bit late. She was an incredible woman and an example of a bygone time where an agent not only came to your auditions but actually knew the repertoire. I am grateful to have learned from her and to have had the opportunity to be guided by such a wise soul.
We are deeply sorry to learn of the transition passing of Sarah. Stalwart, warm, abounding integrity, open, and honest.
Sarah, my first agent, was wonderfully supportive.
May her memory be a blessing.
Beverly Vanessa Hill
I just learned of this and I’m very saddened…dearest Sara was a champion for me. I was always empowered when she walked into an audition with me. Artists have no idea what a real management relationship is, until they have a manager like Sara Tornay who will sit with you, and even come to your performances. RIP Sara.