Tributes flood in for great British tenor
RIPThe death of Graham Clark has brought fulsome tributes from the opera profession. Here are a few:
Silvana Sintow-Behrens: Last night, July 7, the wonderful British character tenor Graham Clarke passed away, aged 81. He was unforgettable as Loge and Mime in the Barenboim/Kupfer Ring in Bayreuth and in so many other theaters and roles. He was also a wonderful and always positive human being. Very sad…R. I. P. dear Clarky
Katharine Goeldner: I am heartbroken to read that the great Graham Clark has passed away. He was one of the kindest, most supportive colleagues I ever had the privilege of working with. I will always remember his entrance as the Tanzmeister in Ariadne auf Naxos at the Met- it was a two-level set and he made his entrance walking on his hands(!) He was an incredible artist and human being.
Garsington Opera: We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of tenor Graham Clark. Not only was Graham an extraordinary and inspirational artist, but he was incredibly kind, and particularly supportive of our young artists. He will be greatly missed by the whole Garsington Opera community both on and off the stage.
Bayreuth Festival: Graham Clark ist tot. Der charismatische (Charakter)Tenor sang zwischen 1981 und 2004 mehr als 100 Vorstellungen bei den Bayreuther Festspielen. Die Opernwelt verliert mit Graham Clark einen herausragenden Sängerdarsteller. Danke für alles, lieber Graham Clark!
Kim Begley: Very sad to report that our great friend and colleague of some thirty odd years, character tenor extraordinaire, Graham Clark, has died peacefully in the Sue Ryder Hospice in Reading after a long battle with cancer. We saw him last Monday and were able to say our goodbyes. He was heavily sedated but managed a smile and half opened his eyes when I told him that I’d see him in that’ great rehearsal room in the sky’! Apart from his unique talents Graham was a loyal friend and mentor to many younger singers. We laughed a lot and with his gorgeous and glamorous wife Joan enjoyed many evenings together. His extraordinary career and joke de Vivienne will, I’m assured, be celebrated in style in the near future. Grahams reputation and achievements are legendary, he was much loved. Sleep tight Lad! Kim, Liz and the boys.XXXX
Birgitta Svendén: Very sad! Graham was one of my dearest friends in this business of opera. He could make the most hopeless rehearsal period to the loveliest time of work. Will miss him and be grateful to all what he gave to the world.
Lucy Schaufer: Years of campaigning to acknowledge Graham’s enormous contribution to our world of stage and music fell on deaf ears. Never given a gong. Never considered. A giant of a man and artist has left us
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