In deepest sorrow, Bayreuth Festival mourns Peter Seiffert, who passed away yesterday at the age of 71. With him, the opera world loses a truly great, a wonderful singer. Not only was his extraordinary tenor voice impressive, but also his profound interpretation of the great Wagnerian roles. Peter Seiffert began his career in 1978 at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein. As a laureate of the German Music Council’s competition, he subsequently had engagements throughout Europe and television appearances. His time at the Deutsche Oper Berlin was formative, where he was a member of the ensemble from 1984 to 1992. From 1996 to 2005, Peter Seiffert performed at the Bayreuth Festival as Walther von Stolzing and Lohengrin. He was a Kammersänger of the Vienna State Opera, Bavarian State Opera, and the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Numerous recordings with the most important conductors of our time and awards such as the Echo Klassik “Singer of the Year 1999”, Grand Prix du Disque, and a Grammy Award for the “Tannhäuser” recording under Daniel Barenboim document his extraordinary achievements.
Offstage, Peter Seiffert was a very easygoing, highly entertaining, and generous person, whom we will greatly miss.
(c) Studioline_Photography
Obituary for Peter Seiffert!
