Sir Andrew Davis mourns his outstanding soprano wife
mainThe US soprano Gianna Rolandi died yesterday at the age of 68.
A protégée of Beverly Sills in New York, she sang extensively at City Opera before making her Met debut in 1979 as Sophie in Rosenkavalier. In Europe she performed at Glyndebourne, Paris, Rome and Pesaro.
But her closest involvement was with the Lyric Opera in Chicago, where she was married to the English music director Andrew Davis and, on retirement, became head of the company’s Center for American Artists, training future performers. She stepped down in 2013.
She will be mourned across the opera world, primarily by Andrew, and their son, Edward.
How awful for Andrew and Edward, and only 68. May she rest in peace and he be consoled.
Sincere condolences to Sir Adrew and Edward. She was a wonderful singer and a lovely person.
RIP.
I remember Ms. Rolandi from her numerous–and outstanding–performances at City Opera in the ’70s and ’80s. Given it was “only” City Opera and she sang so often, I took her performances for granted. In retrospect, Gianna Rolandi and her colleagues at the time performed at a very high level and embodied what has proved to be irreplaceable in the musical life of NYC.
Rest In Peace, Gianna. You left a indelible contribution to your art. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words, it was a great time at the NYCO and Gianna was one of the most import part of it.
Her Lakme at NY City Opera was unforgettable! Rest in peace, dear Gianna.
My deepest condolences to her family. She was truly one of the greatest coloratura sopranos of her generation. Millions of fans shall miss her wonderful voice and personality. May God Bless her for eternity.
This is very sad news. But it does once again demonstrate that life is tenuous and short and that we need to spend every day enjoying it – or, at least, not complaining or mired in victimhood!!
Thoughts for this grieving family.
So outstanding you couldn’t put her name in the title? She has to be known as someone’s wife? Idiots.
Well said!
It’s all about clicks. “Sir Andrew Davis” is a better pull than just “Andrew Davis”, which in turn is a better pull than “Gianna Rolandi”. Those pennies add up for SD – so please never confuse it with genuine reporting
My sincere condolences to Sir Andrew and Edward!