Emile Renan, a bass-baritone who performed in New York City Opera's inaugural production, died Dec. 8. in Englewood, N.J. He was 88.
When the curtain rose on Feb. 21, 1944, the first opening night for the City Opera, Renan was the first performer seen on stage as the Sacristan in Puccini's "Tosca.''
Renan went on to sing 32 buffo and character parts at the City Opera in 15 years, and dozens more at opera houses and theaters throughout the country.
He sang Beckmesser in Wagner's "Meistersinger von Nurnberg,'' the Principal in "The Bartered Bride,'' and the Army doctor in the world premiere of "The Good Soldier Schweik,'' among others.
He also staged opera productions, including "Carmen''and "I Pagliacci"at the City Opera.
Born in Brooklyn, Renan studied voice as a teenager and later trained with Eleanor McLellan and John Daggett Howell. Recently, he taught voice, staged music and coached.
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