Swedish baritone John Lundgren has announced his retirement from the operatic stage. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he shared, “After 25 remarkable years in this vibrant industry, having portrayed over 60 roles on more than 50 opera and concert stages worldwide, I am ready to turn the page on this chapter. For a while now, I’ve felt a stirring excitement to explore a new path in my professional life. My heart is full of gratitude and joy for the extraordinary colleagues—performers, crew, and musicians—I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. I’m equally thankful for the incredible audiences, some of whom have become dear friends, who filled the seats night after night to hear me sing. With all my heart, thank you, farewell, and until we meet again!”
His management, Braathen Artist Management, celebrated his legacy, stating, “We salute the illustrious career of dramatic baritone John Lundgren. For over two decades, he brought operatic gods and villains to life in breathtaking productions around the world, and now he closes this unforgettable chapter. With his resonant voice and commanding presence, John cemented his place as the preeminent opera villain of his generation. He enthralled audiences at the world’s most renowned opera houses with roles like Wotan, the title character in The Flying Dutchman, Scarpia, and many more. We look back with profound admiration on his stellar career and will cherish the artistry and indelible moments he created. Thank you, John, and may your next endeavors carry the same passion, strength, and joy you brought to the stage!”
Lundgren performed at top-tier opera houses in cities including London, Berlin, Munich, Stockholm, Zurich, Geneva, Dresden, Hamburg, Leipzig, Amsterdam, Gothenburg, Oslo, Beijing, and Tokyo. His repertoire spanned works by Puccini, Beethoven, Verdi, Strauss, Tchaikovsky Verbier, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner, with his portrayal of Wotan in Wagner’s The Ring Cycle standing out as a career highlight.
OperaWire, reviewing his 2019 performance in Die Frau ohne Schatten, noted, “He showcased moments of refined lyrical singing, his voice robust, consistently assured, and sharply focused.”
As Lundgren steps away from the spotlight, his contributions to the operatic world remain unforgettable. His ability to embody complex characters, from tormented antiheroes to formidable deities, left an indelible mark on the genre. Reflecting on his journey, Lundgren’s performances were not just vocal feats but emotional voyages that resonated deeply with audiences. While he has not disclosed specific plans for the future, his announcement hints at a new chapter driven by the same passion that defined his stage career. The opera community, while mourning the loss of his presence on stage, eagerly anticipates what this multifaceted artist will pursue next, confident that his creative energy will continue to inspire.
