Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez Obituary – Cause of Death News : “Soprano Diva Passes: Iconic Opera Star Dies at 75”

Remembering Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez: A Talented Soprano

Long before the word diva entered everyday conversation, Philadelphia-born and -educated Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez showed what that word could mean in the 1981 cult-classic French thriller Diva — even while living incognito in South Philly.

The soprano, 75, passed away on February 2nd at her home in Lexington, Ky., due to cancer, according to her daughter, Sheena Maria Fernandez.

Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez, resembling a Greek goddess in a white gown, captivated audiences in her opening scene of Diva with her powerful vocals. Her performance of “Ebben? Ne andrò lontana” from the opera La Wally became her signature aria throughout her 25-year career. She graced the stages of Europe’s prestigious opera houses and even performed Aida amidst the Egyptian pyramids of Luxor. In 1984, she was the star of the show at the inaugural ball for Philadelphia mayor Wilson Goode.

Davyd Booth, a violinist from the Philadelphia Orchestra, had the privilege of accompanying Fernandez on piano during her iconic performance of La Wally. Reflecting on their collaboration, Booth described her as a dream to accompany and shared that she even insisted on dancing with him during the festivities that followed.

In her later years, Fernandez resided in Lexington, where she earned degrees in voice and education from the University of Kentucky and Georgetown College. Although she initially pursued a career in teaching singing, she found greater fulfillment as an elementary special education teacher specializing in working with children with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Her daughter expressed that working with these children brought her mother immense joy and energy.

Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez was known professionally as Fernandez, and her most notable work was in the film Diva directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix. The film, which started the Cinéma du look movement, showcased Fernandez’s exalted voice as a counterpoint to the story’s dark subplots set in an ominous Paris underworld. Her portrayal of the role drew inspiration from the early career of Jessye Norman.

Fernandez’s musical talent was evident from a young age. At just five years old, she caught the attention of others with her voice while singing in the church choir at Tasker Street Baptist Church. She later honed her skills at the William Penn High School for Girls and the Settlement Music School, studying under Tillie Barmach, a renowned voice instructor.

After graduating from the Academy of Vocal Arts in 1969, Fernandez continued her studies at the Juilliard School in New York on a scholarship. It was during her time in Paris, while performing La bohème, that she was approached by the filmmakers of Diva with an unexpected opportunity. The 12-day shoot transformed her life, catapulting her into the spotlight.

Despite her success, Fernandez faced challenges in her career. She often took on opera roles for which she wasn’t fully prepared, leading to mixed reception. However, her talent persevered, and in 1991, she was scheduled to perform Verdi’s Luisa Miller at the Metropolitan Opera. Unfortunately, she left for a production of Carmen Jones in London, where she won an Olivier Award. Her appearances in Philadelphia were limited, with only two performances alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez’s story as a soprano diva continues to inspire. She never retired from her passion, remaining active in music throughout her life. She directed the children’s choir at Main Street Baptist Church in Lexington and continued to sing in the church choir, honoring her roots and where she first discovered her talent.

Fernandez is survived by her daughter, Sheena Maria Fernandez, her sister, Janice Wiggins, and cousins. Services will be held on Friday at Main Street Baptist Church in Lexington.