Opera Chic was saddened by the news that broke earlier today from Camp Quasthoff that announced the 52-year-old German bass-baritone's retirement from the opera stage due to health reasons. One of the concerts wiped from the slate was an upcoming March 23 performance in Boston for its Celebrity Series. Thomas Quasthoff was to perform with tenor Michael Schade.
Quasthoff's statement to the press demonstrates why he's treasured for his elegance and professionalism.
“After almost 40 years, I have decided to retire from concert life. My health no longer allows me to live up to the high standard that I have always set for my art and myself. I owe a lot to this wonderful profession and leave without a trace of bitterness. On the contrary, I am looking forward to the new challenges that will now enter my life. I would like to thank all my fellow musicians and colleagues, with whom I stood together on stage, all the organizers, and my audience for their loyalty.”
OC's just proud she caught Quasthoff in December 2005 at La Scala for a Barenboim-conducted Beethoven's Ninth and in 2009 for Winterreise and knew the power of his voice and musical spirit. And the news is terrible for all music lovers because, very simply, Everything Is Illuminated In The Light Of Thomas Quasthoff's Genius, and the music world now is much darker.
