Dmitri Hvorostovsky: Though We Said Farewell to One of the Greatest Baritones of the 20th Century, His Unforgettable Voice, Remarkable Talent, and Profound Legacy Continue to Inspire Generations of Opera Lovers, Musicians, and Classical Music Enthusiasts Across the World in 2025 and for Many Years to Come

Farewell to One of the Greatest Baritone Voices of the 20th Century

On November 22, 2017, the world of opera mourned the loss of Dmitri Hvorostovsky, one of the most beautiful baritone voices of the 20th century. The international music community was filled with grief as news spread of his passing at the age of 55 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Even years later, in 2025, his legacy continues to inspire opera lovers and musicians worldwide.

“A great voice has fallen silent,” “A giant of the opera stage is gone,” “The silver-haired Siberian baritone is no more”—these were just some of the tributes that flooded social media and news outlets. His death was not only a tremendous loss for Russian opera but also for the global classical music scene.

Hvorostovsky’s official Facebook page confirmed the heartbreaking news with a brief message: “After a two-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer, he passed away peacefully on the morning of November 22, surrounded by his family in his London home. Though he has left us, his warm voice and spirit will remain with us forever.”

Shortly after the announcement, Russia’s TASS news agency reached out to his representative in London, who solemnly confirmed: “Sadly, it is true.”

A Battle with Illness and Unforgettable Farewell Performances

In mid-2015, Hvorostovsky was diagnosed with brain cancer, forcing him to cancel numerous scheduled performances to focus on treatment. In 2016, he withdrew from Eugene Onegin at the Metropolitan Opera—one of the roles that had defined his illustrious career. When the performance went on without him, soprano Anna Netrebko and other performers carried white roses on stage in his honor, a touching tribute to their beloved colleague.

In June 2016, during the Grafenegg Music Festival in Austria, Hvorostovsky held his farewell concert titled “Dmitri and Friends.” Despite his health struggles, he returned to the Metropolitan Opera in May 2017 for an emotional performance featuring an all-star cast. Just a month earlier, in April 2017, he performed in Toronto alongside his close friend, Anna Netrebko.

Peter Gelb, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera, had invited him to take part in the theater’s 50th-anniversary gala at Lincoln Center. Gelb recalled, “His Toronto performance was magnificent. A few days later, he called me from London. He told me that the doctors were helping him preserve his voice and that he was still training every day. He said he desperately wanted to come to New York and perform.”

Both men kept the details of his return a secret. Hvorostovsky’s name was absent from the official program, and only a few whispers leaked before the performance. Gelb even instructed the production team to prepare an alternative arrangement of Verdi’s Rigoletto in case Hvorostovsky felt strong enough to sing. The orchestra remained unaware until the final rehearsal. When he finally walked onto the stage, the musicians erupted in applause.

Jessica Phillips, a clarinetist at the Met, recalled, “Even those who weren’t part of the Rigoletto aria joined us on stage to pay tribute to him. We all loved him.”

Following his Met Opera performance, Hvorostovsky returned to solo recitals. In June 2017, Delos released Russia Cast Adrift, a collection of Russian art songs by composer Georgy Sviridov, arranged for orchestra. In October 2017, he starred in a new recording of Rigoletto.

Gelb shared a poignant memory: “The morning after the Met’s 50th-anniversary gala, he told me that the performance had given him a new lease on life and renewed hope for the future.” Tragically, this would be his swan song on the opera stage.

A Lasting Legacy in Opera

Despite his untimely passing, Hvorostovsky’s legacy endures through his unforgettable roles and recordings. Alongside Anna Netrebko, he introduced Russian opera to global audiences, helping to secure its place in the repertoires of major theaters.

Russian conductor Valery Gergiev once remarked, “Dmitri was truly shaped by Russian culture. He grew up on the rich artistic traditions of his homeland. It’s like Brazilian footballers playing in European clubs—they never lose their Brazilian essence.”

Though he performed extensively abroad, Hvorostovsky remained deeply beloved in Russia. He frequently returned to perform for his homeland, especially at significant national celebrations such as Victory Day and the October Revolution anniversary. His renditions of patriotic songs like “Cranes,” “The Last Battle,” “Where Are You Now?” and “Moscow Nights” are cherished by millions.

Russia continues to honor his memory. On November 27, 2017, a special concert was held at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow. TASS reported that he was laid to rest at Novodevichy Cemetery, the final resting place of Russia’s most distinguished cultural and historical figures. Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, led the funeral proceedings.

Even in 2025, Hvorostovsky’s voice lives on in recordings, videos, and the hearts of those who loved his music. His artistry remains an eternal treasure for the world of opera.