American Mezzo-Soprano Elizabeth Russo has Died, Aged 64

Russo appeared in various operatic roles in both America and the UK, and taught in a number of New York universities

The American mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Russo, who for 25 years was cantor and soloist at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church in Greenwich, CT, has passed away at the age of 64 — after a battle with cancer.

Born in 1960, Russo studied singing at Fordham University and Western Connecticut State University. She won top prizes in 1998 and 1999 in the Classical Productions vocal competition at Carnegie Hall, and was a finalist in the Operafest of New Hampshire competition and the Rising Star Opera Competitions in New York City.

She then spent a period in London, where she made her debut with Fulham Opera as Fricka in Das Rheingold, and she returned in 2012 for the same role in Die Walküre and Wagner’s complete Ring Cycle in 2014.

Upon returning to the United States, Russo appeared with the Worcester Chorus in Massachusetts as a soloist in Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, having sung a solo role in the same ensemble's performance of Handel's Messiah in 2012. She later sang the same Rossini work with the Dessoff Choirs of New York City.

Russo was also an experienced pedagogue. A member of the National Opera Center of America in New York City, she taught Musical Theater and vocal technique at the NYC Singer’s Forum, Fordham University, New York University (Lee Strasberg Institute), and the Chautauqua Institute.

Our condolences to Russo's family, friends, and colleagues.