Death of a legendary opera director
RIPRenowned for his Wagner Ring cycle at the Met and countless thoughtful productions in Europe, the Viennese opera director OttoSchenk died today at his Austrian lake house, at the age of 94.
Schenk was still working on Vienna revivals until late last year.
His Munich Rosenkavalier, with Carlos Kleiber conducting, may never be surpassed. He was also commissioned at La Scala, Covent Garden, Chicago Lyric, Berlin and the Salzburg Festival.
From 1988 to 1996 he was director of the Theater in der Josefstadt.
Austrians also remember him as a legendary actor!
RIP, Herr Schenk. It never occurred to me that he might still be alive, actually.
For me as a casual opera-goer, the name “Otto Schenk” at the Met was synonymous with quality and respect of the composer’s intentions. In my experience, those who came after him have rarely delivered improvements.
My condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
100% agree Herr Doktor.
Schenk Gott ihm Frieden!
Schenk war ein Geschenk für die Welt!
Seriously, how much this man enriched my operagoing life. It’s beyond description. The Kleiber Rosenkavalier alone changed my world, and my vision, forever.
And to this day I can recall the hilariously intoxicated Frosch he recorded for the Previn Fledermaus with Kiri Te Kanawa. Der Slivowitz rührt sich…
RIP to one of the greats.