British soprano Felicity Lott, celebrated internationally for her interpretations of French song and the operas of Mozart and Richard Strauss, has died at the age of 79.
News of her death emerged only days after the singer publicly revealed that she was living with terminal cancer in an interview with The Observer. In the conversation, published last weekend, Lott spoke openly and with characteristic humour about her illness, reflecting on what she described as an “amazing” life in music.
“It has been amazing,” she said. “You’ve met all these wonderful people and had a wonderful life. You’ve been all over the world.”
Born in Cheltenham in 1947, Lott became one of Britain’s most admired sopranos, building an international career that spanned more than five decades. Particularly associated with French repertoire, she was acclaimed for roles such as the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier and for her performances of mélodie and German Lieder in recital.
After making an acclaimed debut as Pamina in The Magic Flute at the London Coliseum in 1975, she appeared regularly at major opera houses and festivals including the Royal Opera House, the Paris Opera, Glyndebourne, and the Salzburg Festival.
Tributes quickly began appearing across the classical music world following news of her death. In a statement shared on social media, Wigmore Hall described Lott as a “legendary soprano” who maintained a close relationship with the venue for more than 50 years.
The hall noted her appearances as a recital artist, her role as a trustee, and her contribution to the Wigmore French Song Exchange alongside baritone François Le Roux and Wigmore Hall director John Gilhooly.
Lott was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1996 and also received France’s Légion d’honneur, reflecting the deep admiration she inspired in French musical life.
Only days before her death, she spoke of still finding joy despite her diagnosis. “I’m just so happy at the moment,” she told The Observer. “I don’t want anybody to be sad because I’m having a ball.”
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