Renowned Opera Singer Sir Donald McIntyre Passes Away at 91

Sir Donald McIntyre, the acclaimed opera singer known for his powerful portrayals of Wagnerian characters, has passed away at the age of 91. His remarkable career spanned over five decades, during which he captivated audiences with his commanding stage presence and vocal prowess. McIntyre’s legacy is particularly marked by his role as Wotan in Wagner’s *Der Ring des Nibelungen*, a part that he brought to life in a groundbreaking 1976 production at Bayreuth.

At the premiere of the centenary production of *Der Ring des Nibelungen*, directed by Patrice Chéreau, McIntyre delivered a memorable performance as Wotan. In a striking moment during the second act of *Die Walküre*, he gazed into a full-length mirror, whispering his innermost thoughts to his reflection. This moment, described as one of the great coups de théâtre, showcased his ability to portray Wotan as a flawed, complex ruler rather than a glorified deity. The production was later recorded and broadcast, significantly elevating McIntyre’s profile and bringing Wagner’s work to a broader audience.

McIntyre’s journey as Wotan began in 1970 at Covent Garden and continued with performances at prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the iconic Bayreuth festival. His involvement with Bayreuth was extensive, with his first appearance as Telramund in 1967 and subsequent roles solidifying his status as a leading Wagner interpreter. He performed regularly at the festival for over 20 years, concluding his run there as Amfortas in 1988.

Born on October 22, 1934, in Auckland, New Zealand, McIntyre displayed musical talent from a young age, encouraged by his mother. Despite excelling in sports during his teenage years, he chose to pursue a career in music, studying first at Auckland Teachers’ Training College and later at the Guildhall School of Music in London. His early experience included a debut in 1959 as Zaccaria in *Nabucco* with the Welsh National Opera.

Throughout his career, McIntyre demonstrated versatility beyond Wagner. He achieved acclaim in roles such as Barak in Strauss’s *Die Frau ohne Schatten* and Scarpia in Puccini’s *Tosca*. His interpretation of Hans Sachs in *Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg* was particularly celebrated, with performances in cities like Zurich, London, and Sydney.

In 2003, at the age of 68, he made a remarkable return to the stage as Alberich in *Götterdämmerung* at the Perth International Arts Festival. This performance, alongside his later appearances in Chéreau’s *Elektra*, showcased his enduring dramatic conviction and stage presence.

McIntyre’s dedication to his craft extended to mastering languages, a skill he honed with the help of various coaches throughout his career. He acknowledged the significant influence of directors and conductors, particularly Reginald Goodall, whose meticulous coaching helped shape his performances.

Throughout his life, McIntyre received numerous accolades, including being appointed OBE in 1977 and CBE in 1985. He was knighted in 1992, recognizing his contributions to the arts.

McIntyre’s personal life included two marriages, the first ending in divorce, and he is survived by his second wife, Bettina Jablonski, and three daughters. His final years were spent reflecting on a career that left an indelible mark on the world of opera.

Sir Donald McIntyre’s legacy will remain in the hearts of opera enthusiasts and future generations of performers, as he redefined many of the roles he portrayed and inspired countless artists in the world of classical music.