Mourning the rapid death of a New York mezzo
mainThe New York-based mezzo-soprano Mika Shigematsu has died in Osaka, Japan, of pancreatic cancer.
Her husband Shintaro Kobayashi has posted this message:
I am deeply saddened to inform you that my wife Mika Shigematsu passed away in the morning of October 23, 2019 in Osaka. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late September. The funeral service took place in Osaka with family members on October 25.
I apologize that I could not reach you out sooner. We are still processing what has happened as everything happened so suddenly. It took her away from us less than a month after the initial diagnosis.
We are hoping to have some sort of memorial service in the near future to celebrate her life. We will be in touch with you as soon as we know about the details.
Thank you so much,
Shintaro
Mika had sung major roles at US companies, including San Francisco, Chicago, Santa Fe and Boston. In Europe she sang Suzuki in Madame Butterfly at the Royal Albert Hall, London; the Musician in Manon Lescaut at the Opera national de Paris; Agnese in Bellini’s “Dante and Beatrice” at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam; and Charlotte in Massenet’s “Werther” (conductor Daniel Oren) at Teatro Carlo Felice.
Our thoughts are with her loved ones.
This is such sad news. Such a wonderful lady and colleague. Mika brought love and grace to her work.
Such a kind and positive force. Rest In Peace dear Mika.
The unfortunate woman’s suffering has ended; Pancreatic Cancer is one of the absolute worst. RIP.
Mercifully one of the swiftest. RIP. What a lovely singer & person.
How very sad! Mika was a very fine Rosina in Barbiere at the Canadian Opera in Toronto twenty years ago. In the summer the last few seasons, I often ran into her and her husband during press week at the Santa Fe Opera. A fine artist and a wonderful lady, taken much too soon. My condolences to her husband.