We occasionally provide a sort of link round-up of memoria and obituaries when the online press is particularly focused on the loss of one prominent musician. Recent episodes of this have included eminent composers Milton Babbitt and Peter Lieberson, and although we choose the subjects of these round-ups based on ever-evolving criteria, this incident is quite unusual in every way. Salvatore Licitra was an Italian tenor, a veteran of the Met, and a beloved performer, but not quite a household name, even among opera fans. He is best known for stepping in at the Met for Pavarotti in 2002, and doing so with skill, personality and aplomb. Unfortunately, after a scooter accident on August 27, he was in a coma due to massive head injuries, and passed away on September 5th. He had turned 43 just a few weeks earlier. Licitra was a tremendous talent, and his career was far too brief. He will be missed because of his charm as much as for his voice.
Licitra’s official website is here. Following are links to the various articles and posts about this tragic loss:
9/5/11 New York Times Salvatore Licitra, Operatic Tenor at Met, Is Dead at 43 Washington Post Tenor Licitra dies at 43 La Scena Musicale In Memoriam: Salvatore Licitra (1968-2011) Baltimore Sun Italian tenor Salvatore Licitra dies at 43 from injuries in scooter accident Deceptive Cadence/NPR Tenor Salvatore Licitra Dies At 43 Los Angeles Times Salvatore Licitra, the unexpected tenor, dies at 43 9/6/11 Opera Chic Licitra’s Brother, His Doctors Speak… 9/7/11 Opera Chic Salvatore Licitra’s Funeral To Take Place on 9/9… Classical Review Salvatore Licitra dies after accident
