Marquis Who's Who Millennium Magazine

254 MILLENNIUM J ohn Macurdy was born in Detroit on March 18, 1929. With his musical talents, Mr. Macurdy has made a name for himself as a leading bass singer. He began his musical career after serving in the military during the Korean War, debuting with the New Orleans Opera Association in the 1952-1953 season as the Old Hebrew in “Samson et Dalila.” While he remained with the organization for a year, he often performed with other companies. In 1959 he starred in the New York City Opera production of “Street Scene,” in which he played Dr. Wilson. However, he made his home at the Metropolitan Opera, where he executed more than 1,000 singing performances in many roles. Mr. Macurdy has performed in the United States and Europe, appearing at the San Francisco Opera and the opening nights of “Antony and Cleopatra” and “Mourning Becomes Electra” at the Metropolitan Opera. Other productions include “Wuthering Heights” and “Capriccio” at the Santa Fe Opera, “Six Characters in Search of an Author” and “Inspector General” at the New York City Opera, “Griffelkin” at the Tanglewood Festival, and “Murder in the Cathedral” at the Empire State Music Festival in New York’s Bear Mountain State Park. He has appeared with numerous orchestras and in the film “Don Giovanni,” and he participated in the 40 th anniversary of Süddeutscher Rundfunk and the Metropolitan Opera Centennial Gala in 1983. Throughout his career, Mr. Macurdy has received critical acclaim and many accolades, including induction into the Academy Vocal Hall of Fame in 1985, the Arts Achievement Award from Wayne State University in 2003, and a medal for artistic merit during Michigan Week from the city of Detroit in 1969. John Macurdy Leading Bass Singer Metropolitan Opera Stamford, CT