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In Memory

Ben Holt - Class Of 1973 VIEW PROFILE

Baritone Ben Holt (1955 - May 8, 1990) created the title role in the world premiere of Davis' X (THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X) at New York City Opera in 1985. Holt attended Oberlin Conservatory, made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall in 1981 and sang at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera (1985-86). Holt's life was cut tragically short by Hodgkin's disease in 1990. The NEW YORK TIMES remembers Ben Holt at http://ow.ly/i2CLQ

 
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04/03/13 07:02 PM #1    

Melinda Birnbaum (Lyons) (1973)

The online biography of Ben Holt says he died in 1990 of Hodgkin's Disease.

I remember him from performances in musical shows at Stuart.


01/28/14 03:08 PM #2    

John Clegg (1972)

Ben became renowned as an operatic baritone, especially in the role of Sportin' Life in Gershwin's Porgy and Bess at the Metropolitan Opera, NYC.


01/29/14 10:14 AM #3    

David Bowles (1976)

I started to get to know Ben when we were at Juilliard together. He hired me to perform in his debut recitals at the Phillips Gallery and Carnegie Recital Hall. Both concerts were amazing, and I was very proud to be a part of them. Later on, he was famous for creating the title role in Anthony Davis' opera "Malcom X" at NY City Opera.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/29/arts/opera-anthony-davis-s-x-the-life-and-times-of-malcolm-x.html


01/29/14 10:52 AM #4    

Kimberly Block (1974)

Ben was a close friend and one of the most amazing people I met in high school.  I was so proud of him that I flew home to see his performance at the Kennedy Center.   He was extraordinarily talented and incredibly kind and wise.   I think of him often and hear his beautiful voice in my mind and heart.


01/29/14 11:29 AM #5    

Kathleen Hogan (Manuel) (1974)

Gone too soon. The loss to the world and especially to his mother Mayme was immeasurable.


01/29/14 12:48 PM #6    

Patrice Henderson (1972)

I was so sorry to hear about Ben's passing.  We sang together in Madrigals and "Broadway show Nights" and he certainly was a great talent.   I was lucky to have him as a partner in many of the show productions.   I sure would like to see the video tapes that Mr. Riggs made of those shows.   (I had heard he had passed as well).

Can't believe it has been 24 years since we lost Ben.  How time flies when we are getting older. 


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