In memoriam Lászlo Polgár (1947–2010)
27 May 2024
In the beginning he was Count Ceprano in Rigoletto, Osmin in The Abduction from the Seraglio, Seneca in Poppea by Monteverdi, Fiesco in Boccanegra, and later he played the Grand Inquisitor, then King Philip in Don Carlos, followed by Count Walter in Luisa Miller. He was an impressive Sarastro, a laugh-raising Don Basilio, a thrilling Sparafucile, an unforgettable Gurnemanz and King Marke. He was considered the best Bluebeard of all time. With his voice - that was also trained with Hans Hotter - and with his deep intellect he was a singer of very special quality.
In the 64th year of his life Laszlo Polgar still planned to sing numerous roles and participate in various performances. His velvety, sonorous bass was celebrated by the audiences of the biggest opera houses and concert halls of the world. The former student of Eva Kutrucz and Ferencné Révhegyi was regular guest singer at La Scala in Milan, the Vienna Staatsoper, the Covent Garden in London as well as the Salzburg Opera Festival. He was a member of the Zurich Opera troupe from 1991 but regularly performed at the Hungarian Opera House as well. Laszlo Polgar also enchanted the audience of the Palace of Arts with his marvelous voice and delightful musicality. He taught in his home country as well as in Zurich. The Kossuth, Liszt and Grammy-award-winning bass legend died in Zurich Sunday afternoon, on the 19th of September. The Hungarian Opera House lost one of their own, and will make arrangements for the funeral. Funeral details will be announced later.
20.09.2010.
