Renowned bass opera singer Paul Plishka, known for his powerful voice and warm personality, passed away at the age of 83. His wife, Sharon Thomas, confirmed his death at a hospice in Wilmington, North Carolina.
During his illustrious 51-year career at the Metropolitan Opera, Plishka performed an impressive 1,672 times. He made his debut in 1967 alongside opera legends like Renata Tebaldi and Sherrill Milnes in Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda” and concluded his Met journey in Puccini’s “La Bohème” in 2018.
Peter Gelb, the general manager of the Met, described Plishka as a beloved figure at the opera house and highlighted his unique career trajectory. Starting with smaller roles, Plishka eventually rose to prominence, portraying significant characters like Philip II in Verdi’s “Don Carlo” and the title role in Verdi’s “Falstaff.”
Reflecting on his debut, Plishka humorously recalled his nervousness and the memorable experience of performing alongside his idols. Over the years, he sang a total of 88 roles at the Met, ranking ninth in the company’s history.
Born in 1941 in Pennsylvania, Plishka discovered his passion for opera during his teenage years and pursued a career in music. He debuted at the Paterson Lyric Opera Theater before joining the Met in 1967.
Despite performing at other prestigious venues like Teatro alla Scala and the Royal Opera, the majority of Plishka’s career was spent at the Met. He officially retired in 2012 but returned for a series of performances until 2018.
Tragically, Plishka faced personal losses, including the passing of his first wife and all three of his sons. Despite these challenges, he found solace in his marriage to Sharon Thomas, a stage director at the Met, and his newfound passion for bird photography in retirement.
Paul Plishka’s legacy as a versatile bass singer and his enduring impact on the world of opera will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
