John M. Hurst

After a too brief, yet productive, exciting, and happy life, John M. Hurst died at VCU Hospital in Richmond from surgical complications on February 6, 2024. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 25, 1950. In 1952, he and his brother were adopted by Graham and Helen Hurst. John graduated from Maury High School where he was a State Champion Swimmer. He continued his education at Mars Hill College earning a B.A. in Music. In 2004, he was honored with a "Distinguished Alumni Award"."
After his college graduation John traveled to Europe and enrolled in a master class in voice in Salzburg, Austria where he met his future wife, Melitta Hajek. He continued his voice studies at the University of Vienna and began working for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). John later accepted the position of Assistant Director for Public Relations and Conference Service at the Research Center of the German Government in Juelich, Germany.
In 1982 John's voice studies culminated in him being awarded First Prize in the International Belvedere Voice Competition in Vienna, Austria. For the next twenty-five years John traveled to cities throughout the world as a lead dramatic tenor and featured guest singer. Highlights included multiple performances in Vienna, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Paris, and Hamburg, in 1996, John returned to Norfolk to sing "The Flying Dutchman" at the Harrison Opera House. After retiring from his professional opera career, John moved back to Virginia in 2006. He began a second career as an educator at Norfolk Collegiate School sharing his passion for Music and Performing Arts with his students. After his retirement from teaching, he began a third career as a residential real estate agent.
John is survived by his wife Melitta Hajek-Hurst, his brother Edward Graham Hurst (Debbie), Dr. Renate Hajek (sister in law), and a host of nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on April 26, 2024, at 11:00 am at "Christ and St. Luke's" Episcopal Church in Norfolk.