Marilyn Savage Obituary

Marilyn Savage
1932 - 2013

Marilyn's life was filled with music. After studying opera at USC her career began in NYC with lead roles in the national companies of My Fair Lady, where she was the second American to play Eliza Doolittle, and The Music Man, where she portrayed Marion the Librarian. She played these and other leading roles opposite distinguished actors such as Forrest Tucker and Eddie Albert. In Washington, Ms. Savage performed regularly with Roberta Flack at Mr. Henry's Restaurant.
Ms. Savage relocated to LA in 1969 where she shifted her interest to classical music. A critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano, she performed with the National Symphony, Lincoln Center, the LA Chamber Orchestra, the St. Louis and Seattle Symphonies, the Mostly Mozart Festival and the Waterloo Festival. A self described "Bach Freak" she soloed at the LA, ORE, Carmel & Nuremberg Bach Festivals.
She founded the LA Chamber Orchestra Bach Soloists and toured Asia with the Roger Wagner Chorale
Scoffing at retirement, Ms. Savage continued voice teaching, where she taught privately in her Pasadena home and on the faculty of Pepperdine University and LACC.

She is survived by daughter Juliet Savage of Pasadena, Son Henry (Kathleen) Savage, and grandchildren, Charlotte and Will of Charleston, SC. Donations may be made to savethechildren.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pasadena Star-News on Nov. 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Savage

Sponsored by Dawei Chen.

11 Entries

Earl Mounger

Planted Trees

Earl Mounger

October 27, 2024

I am sadden to hear of Marilyn's passing.
I met Marilyn in 1982. I had just moved to Los Angeles and was looking for a voice coach. My cousin, Hugh Weathesby recommended Marilyn. I had majored in music education with an emphasis in choral music. I had studied voice for four years. I was blown away at my first lesson. She changed my voice. I was singing in what she called " middle mouth" singing to front of the mouth.
I studied with her for about nine years. I looked forward to my lessons every Friday. Her favorite thing to say to me was "think to do".
My last contact with her was in 2011. I was in the hospital when she called me. I believe she told me that she was about to get married or had recently gotten married. Unfortunately, that was my last contact with her. Although, I didn't continue to pursue a career in singing I learned so much more about myself and life because of my encounter with this spectacular woman.
Today, October 27, 2024, I was watching the Dallas and San Francisco game. There is a commercial from Pfizer "get two in one shot". There is a woman who has a resemblance to Marilyn. I did Google search for Marilyn when I ran across her obituary. I know she is singing in heaven.

Earl Lerron Mounger

Diane Zapanta Elder

September 3, 2014

Simply the best voice teacher ever. I was fortunate to have studied with her. Everything about her was perfect and I used to wish that I could be her when I was young. She was beautiful, kind, brilliantly talented and she had excellent taste in everything she did. God has another angel in heaven.

Christina Linhardt

December 27, 2013

I am shocked to discover her passing. She was my first and most significant voice teacher. i never would have been accepted to USC school of music as a vocal arts major if i hadn't studied with her. As a young teen-ager i looked up to her as the most glamorous beautiful woman i'd ever seen. And i remember her teachings fondly.

Ann Fosberry

November 6, 2013

I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful, talented, and outstanding lady. It is no wonder why you have turned out so well! Love you very much

joan mckeig

November 4, 2013

Those of us who knew Marilyn were very fortunate. I was blessed to have known her from the 8th grade and have been her friend ever since. The first time I heard her sing was in Jr. High and from then on whenever she sang she brought tears to my eyes. We shared a lot of the highs and lows of life and she always found a way to look at the bright side. To the family, Julie, Henry, Will and Charlotte along with her sister, Jean, words cannot express how deeply saddened her passing has been to all of us. I can just imagine her in Heaven leading a chorus of angels in a Bach rendition.

November 3, 2013

It was my privilege to perform with Marilyn as her accompanist many times. We did the Grieg songs in Norwegian - so impressive - and she sang them gloriously!! I also shared her fondness for the neglected songs of Roger Quilter. She contributed so very much (more than she realized probably) to my career. As a friend, she saw me through some very hard times. I am deeply saddened, but grateful to have had her in my life, and still do in my library of recordings we made.
Rest in peace, Marilyn,
Frank Akers

Timothy MacDougall

November 1, 2013

My first voice teacher and mentor: Marilyn took me from an ambitious broadway belter to a classical music lover. There is no way my life would have taken the path it did without her love and guidance. We never lost touch (until th last few years), but every time we'd speak she was so happy to hear of my devolopment and career. A life long friend and example of truth and positive thinking. I use those examples till this day in my own teaching at the university. I just wish I could have thanked her one last time for making my youth so joyful and life altering.

Lynda Sue Marks-Guarnieri

November 1, 2013

Marilyn's spirit was indomitable. A reader and proponent of Frederick Buechner (American writer and theologian), she was the embodiment of positive thinking and christian values. A superb musician, luscious voice and always a loyal colleague - she knew and could tell streams of jokes without a break. She was a dear, dear friend. I am saddened deeply by her death. Yet, knowing Marilyn, she went practically and forthright into this next phase. I hold you, Marilyn, and yours in my heart.

November 1, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results