Posted July 06, 2013

July 6, 2013

Just this past week the WSNC heard the shocking news that heldentenor and Wm. O. Cord Memorial Grant Awardee, Gregory Carroll, died suddenly. He had been hospitalized for respiratory concerns and apparently died of a heart attack.

Gregory Carroll came to the attention of San Franciscans through the Merola Program in 2009. He performed a number of Wagner scenes during the summer park concerts and the Merola Grand Finale. Carroll was urged to apply for a WSNC Grant by his esteemed coaches Jane Eaglen and Sheri Greenawald.

The WSNC was only too happy to award him a grant to purchase a full set of Wagner vocal scores and also schedule additional workshops and coachings.  In recent seasons, Gregory Carroll appeared at Lyric Opera of Chicago as Radames and covered the role of Walther in their recent Meistersinger. He also covered roles at the Los Angeles Opera as Canio and also Cavadarossi.

The most lasting impression many Wagnerians will have was his appearance at the 2009 Cosima party where he joined in a recital his coach and colleague Jane Eaglen. We were thrilled to hear him as Siegmund opposite Jane Eaglen’s Sieglinde and also in the Erik – Senta Scene from Flying Dutchman.

WSNC has reached out to his family through his manager and should any member wish to make a donation to support the Wm. O. Cord Memorial Fund in honor of Gregory Carroll, we will acknowledge any gifts and forward condolences to his family. At this time we do not have the address of his relatives but will make it available when known.