A Diva mourns her Dutch agent

The soprano Nelly Miricoiu writes about today’s funeral of the quietly effective Dutch agent Pieter Alferink, who has died in hospital hours after suffering an accident.

Nelly writes:
Today it will be the departure of my most cherished friend. I lost one of the most important people in my life, and a vital part of my journey so far – Pieter Alferink. He was a true gentleman, a giant in the artistic world, and one of my dearest friends. I adored him.
So many of the most beautiful moments in my life have been with or because of him. We have laughed together, cried together, and shared a deep respect for the important of love and honesty in any friendship.
I feel that part of me departs with him, as so much of my life has been shared with him. It was a huge shock, so unexpected as our last conversation was filled with news of good health, happiness and excitement for the future.
I am heartbroken knowing I will never hear his voice again, and cannot embrace him tightly once more. I have lost one of my truest friends, and life won’t be the same without him.