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Helen Vanni Obituary
HELEN VANNI
The Santa Fe Opera mourns the death of Helen Vanni, one of the Metropolitan Opera's prominent mezzo-sopranos in the late 1950s through the 70s, and a Santa Fe Opera leading artist at the same time. Admired for the beautiful timbre of her voice and her warm stage presence, she made her Santa Fe Opera debut in 1960, appearing in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers. Her remarkable SFO history covers a seventeen-year period when she graced the stage twenty-nine times in fifteen different operas including Madame Butterfly, The Barber of Seville, Der Rosenkavalier, The Mother of Us All, and The Marriage of Figaro, first as Cherubino and in later years as the Countess. Mrs. Vanni and her husband, Mario, having lived in Santa Fe part-time for many years moved here permanently in 1982. In 2005 she donated her large collection of opera scores and songs to benefit the Apprentice Program for Singers. She maintained a vocal studio at her home, giving voice and coaching sessions. The Santa Fe Opera extends deep sympathy to Ms. Vanni's family and friends and will always remember her many artistic contributions to the Santa Fe community.
Susan G. Marineau, Chairman
Lynn Loacker, President
Robert K. Meya, General Director
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Memories and Condolences
for Helen Vanni
Deirdre McCarthy
March 2, 2025
Remembering Helen fondly and vividly. A wonderful evening of Schoenberg at the opera particularly. Peter asleep on my shoulder and Mario gracefully snoozing on the other side of Helen and Helen and I riveted by the music. She gave that composer to me...I had never "heard" him before I met her and heard her sing. Lovely woman, remarkable voice. Missed. Deirdre (née Hazelrigg)
Johannes
March 2, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Helen we will love you and miss you always.
Deirdre McCarthy (Hazelrgg)
March 20, 2023
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Helen Vanni.
I will always treasure my memories of her and Mario.
Warmest regards,
Deirdre McCarthy, née Hazelrigg.
James J Forbes
March 20, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to Joey, Angie and Peter for the loss of your treasured mother. A life so beautifully lived.
With love, Jim and Thom Forbes
John Stege
March 11, 2023
We shall always treasure our memories of Helen Vanni and her vital presence in the early days of the Santa Fe Opera. From her ebullient Cherubino to the complex understanding of her
Marschallin, she sang and complemented her roles with consummate grace, clarity, vocal excellence. The SFO would not be the same without her incomparable gift.
George Shirley
March 11, 2023
George and Gladys Shirley send loving condolences to the family of Helen Vanni, a great singer and colleague with whom he had the honour of sharing many hours of musical pleasure on the stages of both the Santa Fe and the Metropolitan Opera.
Marty Noss Wilder
March 11, 2023
The Barber of Seville
Santa Fe Opera
1967
John Reardon, Helen Vanni
Marty Noss Wilder
March 11, 2023
Condolences to Helen´s family. Helen was in the first opera I ever saw - The Barber of Seville- in Santa Fe in 1967 when I was 9 years old. Made a lasting impression. Got to know her a little bit, later on when I worked for the company and enjoyed her performances in Falstaff and The Mother of Us All. A lovely woman and beautiful singer.
Julia Kavet
March 9, 2023
Helen was a gracious, loving, beautiful woman. She will be missed by all her family and friends -- but what pleasure her talents and dedication gave to the musical world -- and what a wonderful 99 years she has had!!!
Johannes
March 9, 2023
Helen was an extraordinary person, exceptional artist, revered colleague, and admired inspirational teacher. I first worked with Helen at the Santa Fe Opera in 1973 where we met and hit it off during a very funny on stage moment that kept us laughing while trying to keep composure. She was ever the professional with a very infectious sense of humour. Her career included some of the most momentous events on the operatic stage including the 1961 Leontyne Price and Franco Corelli debut at the Met and numerous debuts at the Santa Fe Opera. Any performance was greatly enhanced by her presence. She is sorely missed and I am deeply saddened by her passing but know her legacy continues in the hearts of many and on recordings preserving her artistry.
Linda
March 9, 2023
Beautiful to the end! Blessed to have known her so well! Loved her so
Dave Hanson
March 9, 2023
Aunt Helen was a great person and she will be missed!
She was also a very good pianist and she will leave a legacy.
Barbara McBee
March 8, 2023
Helen was such an elegant lady. She was always gracious and caring. Her voice will be missed!
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