Maestro dies while conducting Strauss opera in Munich
NewsThe Hungarian conductor Stefan Soltész collapsed last night while leading a performance of Die Schweigsame Frau by Richard Strauss at Bavarian State Opera. His death was confirmed by a hospital shortly afterwards.
He was 73.
Stefan Soltesz was a widely respected conductor on the opera circuit. A former assistant to Herbert von Karajan, he was Generalmusikdirektor at Braunschweig from 1988 to 1993, chief conductor at Flemish Opera from 1992 to 1997, from where he became artistic director and GMD of the Aalto-Theater in Essen.
The Bavarian State Opera posted:
It is with great sadness that the Bavarian State Opera must announce the death of Stefan Soltesz. 
He passed away this evening after a collapse during his conducting of DIE SCHWEIGSAME FRAU at the National Theater. Our thoughts are with his wife Michaela:
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Stefan Soltesz’s collapse and passing. We are losing a gifted conductor. I lose a good friend. My thoughts are with his wife Michaela,” said Managing Director Serge Dorny.
The Irish mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught shared:
It is hard to believe that I am writing this.
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After such a wonderful, fun filled rehearsal period, we finally came to perform Die Schweigsame Frau at the Bayerische Staatsoper last night. An outstanding cast, all led by the wonderful Meastro Stefan Soltesz.
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Meastro became ill and collapsed in the First Act Finale, and very sadly, passed away.
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Meastro Soltesz, it was and always will have been such an honor to work with you. When we first met many years ago, you took each one of us under your experienced Strauss wings, teaching us, always with great humor, and making some INCREDIBLE performances together. Thank you! May you Rest In Peace now.
Ailyn Perez adds:
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