Swedish Baritone John Lundgren to Retire

Lundgren was particularly renowned for heavy Wagner roles such as Wotan (Der fliegende Holländer) and Telramund (Lohengrin)

The Swedish dramatic baritone John Lundgren has announced that he will retire from performance, after two-and-a-half decades on the stage.

Lundgren was known for his powerful voice, and he sang Wagnerian roles such as Wotan (Der fliegende Holländer) and Telramund (Lohengrin) — as well as many of the evil characters of the operatic literature, such as Scarpia in Tosca, Pizarro in Fidelio, and the title role in Duke Bluebeard's Castle.

Born and raised in Sweden, Lundgren studied at the Opera Academy in Copenhagen, and while still a student, he joined the soloist-ensemble at The Royal Theatre, Copenhagen. His debut was as Schaunard in La Bohème, conducted by Dietfried Bernet.

Lundgren has sung at opera houses in London, Berlin, Munich, Stockholm, Zurich, Geneva, Dresden, Hamburg, Leipzig, Amsterdam, Gothenburg, Oslo, Beijing, and Tokyo, as well as at the Bregenz and Bayreuth Festivals.

He is the recipient of the Birgit Nilsson Prize, was made a ‘Ridder af Dannebrogordenen’ (‘Knight of Dannebrog’) in Denmark, and named a Court Singer by the Swedish King.

"After 25 years in this extraordinary industry, in over 60 roles, on over 50 different opera and concert stages around the world this chapter has finally come to a close," Lundgren said. "I have for some time now felt a longing and excitement to get to start a new chapter in my professional life. I feel such deep gratitude and tremendous joy over all the marvelous colleagues — on, behind and under the stage — that I have had the great privilege to meet and work with these years. And I am so grateful for the wonderful audience, some of whom have become my dear friends, who have come and listened to me night after night. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Leb wohl and so long!"

"We celebrate the truly remarkable career of the dramatic baritone John Lundgren," wrote Braathen Artist Management, Lundgren's agents. "After more than two decades of bringing life to operatic gods and villains in epic productions around the globe, he is now bringing this extraordinary chapter to a close!"

"With his dramatic baritone and imposing stage presence, John established himself as the foremost opera villain of his generation. He captivated audiences at some of the most prestigious opera houses around the world, in roles such as Wotan, the title role in The Flying Dutchman, Scarpia, and many many more. We look back with deep appreciation on an impressive and memorable career and we will cherish the artistry and all the unforgettable moments he has given us. Thank you John, and may your future endeavors entail as much force, passion, and joy as you have brought to the stage!"