Soprano Roberta Alexander passed away

With great sadness, we have learned of the unexpected passing of soprano Roberta Alexander.

Throughout her distinguished international career, Roberta Alexander performed many roles with Dutch National Opera. Fifty years ago, in February 1975, she made her debut with the company as Fanny in Rossini’s La cambiale di matrimonio. That same year, she also appeared in the world premiere of Ullmann’s Der Kaiser von Atlantis.

In the years that followed, Alexander returned to Dutch National Opera for numerous roles, including Pamina (Die Zauberflöte, 1979 and 1981), Marzelline (Fidelio, 1981) and Violetta Valéry (La traviata, 1984). Her repertoire extended beyond the great operatic classics to include contemporary works such as Hans Kox’s Dorian Gray (1977 and 1982) and Peter Schat’s Houdini (1981).

Alexander also appeared in two productions with Dutch National Ballet: Life (1979 and 1980) and Vier letzte Lieder (1981), both choreographed by Rudi van Dantzig.

As both a performer and a teacher, Roberta Alexander made an invaluable contribution to opera in the Netherlands and far beyond. She remained artistically active throughout her life, last appearing with Dutch National Opera in 2017 as Curra in La forza del destino.

Roberta Alexander’s radiant voice and commanding stage presence will be deeply missed by all of us and by audiences around the world.