This morning soprano Elizabeth Connell passed away in her London home after a battle with lung cancer.
She truly was the most wonderful human being, full of kindness, generosity, warmth and humour. The radiance of her personality always sparkled through her pure and crystal clear voice as well, which is why even at 65, after 40 years of singing the most demanding dramatic soprano (and before that mezzo) roles she sounded about 40 years younger than her physical age.
Her last operatic performance was in February 2011 at the Prague State Opera as Turandot (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBg_8LZ1rqE) and her last concert was on 8 October 2011 at the Bad Urach Festival in Germany, at which she proved - despite of her cancer - her versatility and flexibility and the flawlessness of her singing:
Desdemona-Otello-duet (with Michael Spyres als Otello)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gphNBJ6e-4oNel dì della vittoria from Macbeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsGxwu9vD9sAnd for the first time the coloratura aria of Frau Fluth from "The Merry Wives of Windsor":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f686sxjNyLQAnd her very last public appearance in Hastings on 27 November 2011:
"When I have sung my songs to you, I'll sing no more":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl2jG65BjcoOne may watch many of her videos on my website and on youtube. Her own website will go online later today (
www.elizabeth-connell.com) and we have just created a feacebook page in her memory as well.
Those who knew Liza and who were touched by her humanity and her art are left behind devastated and desperate - yet grateful for the invaluable gift that she has given to our lives.
In sadness and loving memory,
Helmut
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Helmut Fischer Artists International
Obere Donaustraße 45A/14
A 1020 Wien
+43 699 19250916fischerartists@yahoo.co.ukwww.fischerartists.com
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