The Bayreuth Festival mourns the loss of Thomas J. Mayer, a baritone whose voice filled the Green Hill for many years.
As an internationally sought-after artist, he performed at leading opera houses including the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, La Scala in Milan, and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
In Bayreuth, he captivated audiences in central Wagnerian roles: Telramund (Lohengrin), Holländer, the Wanderer (Siegfried), and Amfortas (Parsifal) were brought to life by his powerful voice, precise expression, and profound empathy.
Thomas J. Mayer was an artist who did more than sing—he touched hearts. His work, dedication, and stage presence remain a lasting part of the history of the Bayreuth Festival.
(c) Simon Pauly