Mourning for great singer: Mathis died – an era ends!

Mourning for great singer: Mathis died – an era ends!

On February 11, 2025, the death of celebrated opera singer Elisabeth Mathis was announced. Numerous media outlets, including the Bavarian State Opera, confirmed this sad news. Mathis, who taught as a professor at the Vienna University of Music from 1992 to 2006, leaves an impressive legacy in the world of music. Born on February 11, 1938 in Lucerne, she made her stage debut in Mozart's “Magic Flute” in 1957 and became one of the most important Mozart interpreters of her time. Between 1960 and 1986 she sang numerous roles at the Vienna State Opera and made guest appearances in renowned houses such as the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Paris Opera. Her participation under the great classical conductors, including Herbert von Karajan and Carlos Kleiber, was a sign of her high artistry.

A life full of musical highlights

Mathis shone in roles such as Susanna in “Le nozze di Figaro”, Pamina and as Sophie and Marschallin in Strauss’ “Rosenkavalier”. In addition to these achievements, she was also active in important premieres such as “The Torn One” by Gottfried von Einem. Her skills as a song and oratorio interpreter led to her appointment as a Bavarian Chamber Singer in 1979. After her retirement from the stage in 2001, her influence on the music scene was never forgotten, and her contributions will long be remembered.

In the meantime, the Vienna State Opera remains committed to artistic excellence and cultural innovation. As emphasized on the Vienna State Opera's official website, its goal is to promote exciting projects and implement innovative education and participation programs through collaborations with leading companies. This not only offers sponsors the opportunity to get involved in Austria's cultural landscape, but also strengthens the connection between business and art, an important step for the artistic future while the opera holds on to the magnificent achievements of artists like Mathis.