Opera legend in failed suicide attempt
NewsFriends of the opera producer Matthew Epstein reported on Friday that Matthew had ended his life. A suicide note, seen by Slipped Disc, was sent to a number of people.
The former general director of Welsh National Opera (1992-92) and artistic director of Chicago’s Lyric Opera had always said he would depart this life at 75. He waited one year longer.
However, all did not go as planned. Apparently, the concierge was called to do a check. He found signs of life and called emergency services. Matthew was taken to hospital, where he remains in a coma.
All may not have gone as planned, but someone was tasked to announce Mr.Epsteins passing. The time element in this situation is of the utmost importance and should not be ignored. Someone needs to answer for that “cued” announcement which was delivered without full verification of Mr. Epstein’s passing.
On the other hand, I don’t think anyone is interested in blaming someone. Yes, the person should have double-checked but probably feels horrible for the mistake. I didn’t know Matthew well, but I can’t get him out of my mind – this is so tragic. Does anyone have an update?
Clearly you do not know Matthew well. You have no clue what you talking about.
Completely agreed.
Absolutely appalling…
One can’t but feel that there is some very poor judgement glossed over in those dispassionate opening three lines. And the big unspoken question is who mistakenly announced Matthew Epstein’s death online. It’s not difficult to find out. Yet no apology. The rush to be first to break the news is a risky enterprise. When it goes wrong, being disingenuous is not the most admirable response.
I think it was on this website too before the post was taken down. So…..
It sure was…and there was no apology by the creator of this website.
Precisely.
I think your dates are wrong. I think he was wt WNO 92 to 94
He always did know how to grab the spotlight…
He would have been / will be 77 on December 21st.
I don’t know much about Epstein but the most tragic opera suicide I recall was Jerry Hadley, RIP, whom I saw often in the 1990’s.
So true about Jerry Hadley. What a tragic end for a superb singer. Thank goodness for all the recordings he left us, but so very sad that he isn’t still here with us. Another tragic loss was that of Fritz Wunderlich; another golden voice whose death from falling down a staircase is now being attributed by some to suicide, without a shred of real evidence. Whatever the truth, he was taken at the height of a stellar career. Another grievous loss.