Opera world mourns New York voice coach and pianist
RIPWe have sad news of Thomas Muraco, professor of voice at the Manhattan School of Music for 30 years. Thomas was rushed to Lennox Hill Hospital on Friday night in critical condition and did not recover.
A former recording assistant to Leonard Bernstein, he became accompanist to a who’s who of star acts: Martina Arroyo, Arleen Augér, John Cheek, Phyllis Curtin, Mary Dunleavy, Faith Esham, Maureen Forrester, Denyce Graves, Ben Heppner, Henry Herford, Ying Huang, Sumi Jo, Susanne Mentzer, Chris Merritt, Roberta Peters, Hermann Prey, Twyla Robinson, Jennie Tourel, Benita Valente and Dolora Zajick; and instrumentalists John Graham, Robert Mann, Arnold Steinhardt, Zara Nelsova, Ransom Wilson, Peter Winograd.
Simon O’Neill writes: ‘Dear Tom – my heart breaks that you have passed away. I am so grateful for the huge amount of time and effort you put into my voice and musicianship. You are one of the greats – Thank you Mate.’
Catherine Malfitano writes: ‘So saddened, shocked, and deeply sorry that Tom Muraco has left us today. He was so full of life, savoring the daily work with his own collaborative pianists, and the many singers he mentored in his Seminar class. May his early flight from our realm bring much needed harmonious music into the infinite heavens! 
He will be missed here. ‘
Deborah Surdi: My heart again is broken. Today I lost another very close friend of 50 years. My vocal coach, my mentor, my lunatic funny friend Thomas Muraco passed today after a short illness. I have no words yet as I haven’t completely processed this. He was always there, throughout my, life both musically and most importantly, personally. He knew me inside and out. And I him. I will miss him forever. Never forget “tipsy tipsy”
Renee Tatum adds: ‘Rest well, dear Thomas Muraco. You were a gem and I am so grateful we came full circle in our journey. You were forever my supporter, cheerleader and fearless French repertoire fixer. You sure knew your way around that “ã” vowel. Thank you for believing in me for so many years, for my first Mere Marie, Frugola and Il Tramonto. Thank you for advocating for the use of chest voice, even from an 22 year old. Thank you for being such a passionate educator and for loving all of us when we needed it the most. MSM sure had a mensch in you.’
The sudden and numbing news of Tom’s last days and death are just that. Especially numbing. And so, so sad.
We were colleagues more than friends but the mutual respect we had matched the many raucous laughs we were able to share over the decades.
His work up at The Manhattan School was peerless and his earthly departure leaves a gap which shan’t be easily or equally filled.
R. I. P. Tom
Tom I love you. Thank you for having seen me inside out. Thank you for your jokes and for your so serious conversations. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for gossip. Thank you for your endless warmth in your gorgeous eyes. Thank you for dirty jokes, thank you for divine piano playing. Thank you for introducing me to one of the most beautiful song cycles I will ever sing. Please let me give you one last hug. Yours for ever Shira, former student of Toms at MSM, living and singing in Vienna.
Shira, Thank you for your beautiful remembrances of dear Tom. It made me cry. What great gifts he has given to you and so many others!