Anthony Rolfe Johnson Dies 7/21

Opera singer Anthony Rolfe Johnson died on July 21 at the age of sixty-nine, The New York Times reports.  Johnson, who had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, died in London; his death was announcement by Askonas Holt, the company that managed him.

Johnson began singing in his late twenties; he was previously a farmer.  He performed with many major opera companies, including Covent Garden, the Paris Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, as well as with orchestras and on recordings, the Times reports. 

Johnson was best known for his performances in the operas of "early-music composers," such as Bach and Handel, but performed in operas from many eras and received great acclaim for his performance in the twentieth century opera PETER GRIMES, the Times reports.

Johnson was a Commander of the British Empire.  He is survived by his wife, their three children, and two children from a previous marriage, the Times reports.

Photo Credit: www.ashkonasholt.com