John Bröcheler Has Passed Away

The Dutch baritone John Bröcheler has passed away at the age of 81. He began his career as a specialist in contemporary music, including the world premiere of Mauricio Kagel's Mare Nostrum. He studied with Pierre Bernac, and joined the Dutch National Opera in the 1970s, singing there until 2002.

Bröcheler's repertoire included Jochanaan, Orestes, Barak in FRAU OHNE SCHATTEN, Kurwenal, Mandryka in ARABELLA, Germont père, Ford in FALSTAFF, Wozzeck, and Wotan. His career took him to Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Bonn, Glyndebourne, Vienna, Berlin, and La Scala. A noted lieder singer, he made an award-winning recording of Schumann's Dichterliebe with pianist Tan Crone in 1979.

Mr. Bröcheler debuted at the New York City Opera in 1979, singing in the premiere of Menotti's LA LOCA opposite Beverly Sills. In 1981, I saw him there as Don Giovanni and Nabucco (opposite Grace Bumbry); he made a vivid impression in both roles.  

~ Oberon