American bass Paul Plishka has died at the age of 83. A towering presence at the Metropolitan Opera, he was among the company’s most beloved artists, with a career spanning over five decades. He made his Met debut in 1967 and went on to give nearly 1,700 performances with the company, appearing in a wide range of roles.
Plishka’s repertoire included both comic and dramatic roles, excelling in works by Verdi, Puccini, and the Russian masters. Among his most notable portrayals were Philip II in Don Carlo, Fiesco in Simon Boccanegra, and the title characters of “Boris Godunov” and “Falstaff. His warm yet commanding voice, combined with his natural stage presence, made him a favorite among audiences and colleagues alike.
Beyond the Met, he performed with leading opera houses across the United States and internationally, leaving an indelible mark on the opera world. His contributions to the art form extended beyond the stage, as he inspired generations of singers with his artistry and dedication.
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