Heldentenor Stephen Gould: I am dying of cancer
OperaThe heroic American Wagner singer has issued an explanation for his sudden retirement:
For all of my fans and well wishers: I have waited till the end of the Bayreuth festival, so as not to hinder the tremendous and heroic efforts displayed by this years 2023 team. I have nothing but joy and admiration for the Werkstatt continuing efforts toward excellence.
I was diagnosed with bile duct cancer with complications. It is Cholangio- Carcinoma, a fatal disease with an outlook of several months to 10 months. There is no cure.
I did not wish anything to cloud this years achievements, and I am grateful to Bayreuth, for teaching me all that I could have hoped to know about the performance of this great musicians works.
With many found memories… Stephen Gould
He found a way to share unutterably sad personal news with dignity and perspective. Fine artist and man… Although a late starter, he will forever be remembered as one of the great Americans at Bayreuth.
VERY SAD NEWS!
We once shared a taxi from Vienna airport to the city. It was more by chance, we didn’t know each other. Then when he realised that I knew him, also the Waldemar in the Gurre-Lieder, he was extremely friendly and kind.
He told me frankly about his love of French red wines, of which he has several treasures in his cellar.
May he drink and enjoy them all! A great person and singer.
Superb artist and human being. A great tragedy.
Terribly sad news. It should make all of us realize that life can turn on a dime for any of us at any moment and that we shouldn’t ever take life for granted. Sending my sincere best wishes.
Very sad.A great heldentenor.
Please forgive the crude language, but, as all too many have said, cancer sucks. This is very sad news indeed. Wishing Mr. Gould comfort and peace on this journey.
How desperately sad but equally what dignity and understanding he has shown. May he enjoy his remaining days showered with love and affection from all in the music profession worldwide.
Heartbreaking news. We will never forget his glorious Wagner singing.
Or his Strauss! An unforgettable Bacchus in “Ariadne auf Naxos” and Kaiser in “Die Frau ohne Schatten”.
I also had the great pleasure of meeting him on several occasions, at Oper Graz (where I heard his first Parsifal in 2003) and Wiener Staatsoper. A truly lovely and funny man.
I am truly at a loss for words over his news.
For the love of God! Who on earth is so heartless and crude to put a thumbs-down on the comments by A.L. and Nick2? YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!!
Terrible news. In the early 2000’s he sang twice with the Israeli phil. Herod in Salome and Das Lied. What a fresh resounding and ringing voice he had!
How cruel life can be.
He sang the most beautiful Siegfried in Götterdämmerung that I have experienced live on stage.
I had the honour to stand right next to Stephen in every performance at the Bavarian State Opera during the scene of Siegfried’s death.
His singing was truly a vocal lesson from a Meistersänger.
Stephen is a gentleman, an outstanding artist and colleague.
Dreadfully sad. I have worked regularly with Stephen over the years and he has always been a sterling colleague and lovely man. My sincere sympathy and thoughts are with him at this time.
I am in tears….Wonderful singer,wonderful mensch…Life is so unfair and cruel.
If anybody knows how to contact Stephen tell him to try the Fenbendazole treatment for cancer. It’s worked for many people and it’s working for me. I’m treating a lymph node tumor with it and getting good results. Lots of Youtube videos dealing with it. He might also look up James Templeton’s Foundation for treating cancer.
Mr. Gould is one of the finest heldentenor’s of our time! I was dismayed at hearing such tragic, sad news! Mr. Gould’s statement shows great courage, and fortitude! I appreciate Mr. Gould reaching out to his fans, and letting us know this unsettling news! Godspeed and know that you have touched many people, with your great voice, and personality, Mr. Gould!