Bass-baritone Keel Watson has died

Bass-baritone Keel Watson sudden death was announced yesterday (8 November) by his management, Steven Swales Artists.

Watson had recently finished a production of Iolanthe with the English National Opera (ENO) in which he performed the role of Private Willis (pictured above). This marked his fourth production with ENO and he had been set to perform in the company’s 2024 production of Janácek's Jenůfa.

In a statement released yesterday, Watson’s management said: ‘It is with enormous sadness that we announce the sudden death of Keel Watson. It was a huge privilege to work with him and call him a friend. Keel’s magnificent voice was admired by so many, as was his sharp wit and generosity as a performer. Only recently he completed acclaimed performances in genres as diverse as Wagner and Gilbert and Sullivan. We send our thoughts to his family and those who knew and loved him.’

Watson studied singing and trombone at Trinity College of Music and, throughout his long career, has performed worldwide with companies including Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, Greek National Opera, Bregenz Festival, Opéra de Lyon, Regents Opera, Welsh National Opera, Opera Holland Park, The Royal Opera and English Touring Opera. He has also performed at the BBC Proms and in films including Kenneth Brannagh’s film of The Magic Flute.

In a statementpublished by ENO, the company said: ‘Everyone at ENO is heartbroken to hear that Keel Watson has died. A joy to be around and an immense talent, he appeared in numerous ENO productions including our recent revival of Iolanthe and we were looking forward to welcoming him back for Jenůfa. We send our love and condolences to everyone who loved him, especially his family and friends.’