I just wanted to say how sad I am about all the losses the opera
world has faced recently.

Beverly Sills: One of my favorite sopranos of all time. She was
generous enough to bestow the first ever Beverly Sills Award to
Nathan and now she is gone. :(

Regine Crespin: Although I have heard very little of her singing,
her voice was beautiful and rich. She carried and air of
sophistication.

Jerry Hadley: I just got word that he is in the hospital on life
support after attempting suicide at his home. He has suffered
severe brain damage and doctors don't expect him to recover. Words
cannot describe how devastated I am by this. Just the other day I
was looking through some pictures and came across a picture of the
two of us after a recital he did here in Seattle with Thomas
Hampson. The date was May 6th, 1996 - the same day I graduated from
college. More recently I heard him in SF Opera's production of
Louise. Although he wasn't in the best voice, he still put in 110%
effort. My heart goes out to his family.

Elizabeth