Livewire mezzo, RIP

Ars Choralis Coeln has announced the death of its founder, the versatile mezzo-soprano Maria Jonas.

A specialist in early, contemporary and improvised music, Maria founded and directed numerous ensembles, often combining early and new music with contemporary dance.

Here’s the notice:

With dismay, great dismay and deep sorrow we announce the sudden and unexpected death of our ensemble director, friend and mentor Maria Jonas. She was the center and heart of Ars Choralis Coeln and we can’t quite comprehend it at the moment.
We tried to contact as many friends as possible in advance of this announcement. If so far we have not been able to do this in all cases, we sincerely apologize. We are also not aware of all the details of the circumstances in the picture.
Once we have more specific information regarding the funeral services and condolences, we will announce those.
In paradisum deducant te angeli.