Ewa Podles, Polish Contralto, Passes Away at 71
Ewa Podles, the renowned Polish contralto known for her exceptional vocal range and commanding stage presence, has sadly passed away at the age of 71. Her stepdaughter, Ania Marchwinska, confirmed that Ms. Podles died on Friday in Warsaw after battling lung cancer.
Ms. Podles was a beloved figure among opera aficionados, not only for her thrilling performances but also for her rarity as a true contralto. Contraltos, the lowest female voice type, are few and far between in the opera world, making Ms. Podles’s talent all the more remarkable.
Born on April 26, 1952, in Warsaw, Ewa Maria Podles’s passion for music was inherited from her mother, who possessed an extraordinary deep voice that often drew comparisons to that of a man. Ms. Podles developed her unique voice, combining the low chest register of an alto with the high notes and agility of a soprano. Her instrument, as she described it, was a rare and magnificent gift.
Throughout her career, Ms. Podles showcased her exceptional talent on stages around the world. She studied at the conservatory in Warsaw and gained recognition as a prizewinner at the 1978 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. In 1984, she made her Metropolitan Opera debut, stepping in for the iconic mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne in the title role of Handel’s “Rinaldo.”
Although her repertoire specialized in less mainstream operas, Ms. Podles’s performances left an indelible impact on those fortunate enough to experience them. She became a cult figure, with fans traveling far and wide to hear her captivating voice. Her acting style, though old-fashioned by some standards, added to her allure, as she embodied the stylized, semi-mythic essence of opera.
While Ms. Podles’s voice possessed a mournful quality, it also had the power to evoke intense emotions. In various roles, such as Mussorgsky’s “Songs and Dances of Death,” she could draw listeners into states of sadness and pain, creating overwhelming moments of sincerity and beauty. Her talent was truly one of a kind.
Ms. Podles’s husband, Jerzy Marchwinski, a prominent pianist and her close adviser, sadly passed away in November. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Ania Marchwinska, her daughter, Maria Madej, and four grandchildren.
Throughout her career, Ms. Podles showcased her talent not only in opera but also in performances of songs by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. She tackled challenging operatic characters, including Verdi’s Azucena and Eboli, Bellini’s Adalgisa, Wagner’s Erda, and Strauss’s Klytämnestra. Her versatility even extended to playing the bearded lady Baba the Turk in Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress.”
In 2017, Ms. Podles took her final bow on stage in Barcelona, portraying the comically highhanded Marquise de Berkenfield in Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment.” Throughout her career, she held audiences in the palm of her hand with her undeniable talent.
Ewa Podles’s passing is a significant loss for the world of opera. Her darkly molten voice, exceptional range, and unwavering stage presence will be remembered and cherished by opera enthusiasts worldwide..
