Above: Kristine Jepson as the Composer in ARIADNE AUF NAXOS at Covent Garden in 2008. Photo by Clive Barda.
It is very sad to note the passing of Kristine Jepson, a wonderful singer and stage presence, after a long battle with cancer. The mezzo-soprano made her Met debut in Britten's DEATH IN VENICE is 1994 and subsequently sang over 100 performances at The Met, where her roles included Cherubino and Octavian.
It was as the Composer in Strauss's ARIADNE AUF NAXOS that Kristine Jepson first intrigued me with the youthful glow of her voice and her wonderfully natural portrayal when she sang the role at Boston in 1991 - the very production that marked the ascendancy of Deborah Voigt, who sang the title-role. In 2003, Ms. Jepson again excelled in this role at The Met in a splendid performance that featured the Met debut of Christine Brewer.
In 2006, Kristine Jepson sang Idamante in Mozart's IDOMENEO at The Met; her performance was truly impressive, but sadly these were to be her last appearances on that stage.
Here is Kristine Jepson in the 'Presentation of the Silver Rose' from DER ROSENKAVALIER from a performance at Genoa in 2008. Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie, and Fabio Luisi conducts.
Kristine Jepson & Patrizia Ciofi - DER ROSENKAVALIER scene - Fabio Luisi cond - Genoa 2008