The music community sings their tributes to opera singer Steve Davislim (57)
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The Australian music community is in mourning following the untimely passing of renowned opera singer Steve Davislim.
He was 57 years old and survived by his wife, two children, and brother, Garrie Davislim.
A figure whose voice graced the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses, Davislim's influence extended far beyond his performances.
He was an educator, recording artist, and colleague who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him both in Australia and worldwide.
Steve Davislim was born in Penang to parents of Chinese and Irish descent.
He was later on raised in Melbourne, where his musical talents first emerged through playing the French horn.
However, it was his passion for singing that would eventually lead him to grand opera stages.
His career took flight in the 1990s when he became a principal ensemble member of the Zurich Opera.
He later on settled in Vienna, which became his chosen home.
Davislim's career had a significant turning point in 2005 after legendary conductor Riccardo Muti personally selected him to perform the title role in Mozart's Idomeneo, under the baton of British conductor Daniel Harding.
His standout performance established him as a tenor of international acclaim.
From the Metropolitan Opera in New York, major opera houses across Europe, to his roots in Opera Australia and Victorian Opera, Davislim's voice captivated audiences worldwide.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor Simone Young remembered Davislim as a colleague who brought joy and laughter wherever he went.
'He had the most beautiful smile and an infectious sense of humour—a very funny man and a very generous colleague,' she shared.
His musicianship and artistry were impeccable, and his commitment to his craft was unwavering.
Young described his voice as youthful and pretty, as it moved listeners with its beauty.
Davislim also nurtured the next generation of Australian musicians.
Nick Bailey, General Manager of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), talked about Davislim's generosity and collaborative spirit.
Davislim joined ANAM as a mentor in 2008 and continued to make significant contributions over the next 15 years.
His detailed approach to text and vocal colour had a profound impact on the students and pianists he worked with, as he dedicated time to share his knowledge and experience.
Allanah Dopson, the Founding Director of the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival, recalled the emotional power of Davislim's performances.
'He struck an absolute chord in my heart,' Dopson recalled.
In 2023, Davislim sang with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with a heart-wrenching performance of Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe (A Poet's Love) with accompaniment from Australian pianist Stefan Cassomenos.
Watch one of Steve’s performances here:
Source: FLÜGEL FESTIVAL ROTMONTEN/YouTube
Davislim dedicated his encore, Schubert's An die Musik (To Music), to his former music teacher, Mary, to whom he owed his deep respect for his musical roots.
Steve Davislim's passing left a void in the music world, but his legacy continues to resonate through the countless lives he touched with his voice, his teaching, and his vibrant spirit.
The music community will remember Steve Davislim for his extraordinary talent and the generosity he extended to all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.
May he rest in peace.
He was 57 years old and survived by his wife, two children, and brother, Garrie Davislim.
A figure whose voice graced the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses, Davislim's influence extended far beyond his performances.
He was an educator, recording artist, and colleague who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him both in Australia and worldwide.
Steve Davislim was born in Penang to parents of Chinese and Irish descent.
He was later on raised in Melbourne, where his musical talents first emerged through playing the French horn.
However, it was his passion for singing that would eventually lead him to grand opera stages.
Steve Davislim has graced multiple opera stages worldwide with his one-of-a-kind tenor voice. Image Credit: Steve Davislim
His career took flight in the 1990s when he became a principal ensemble member of the Zurich Opera.
He later on settled in Vienna, which became his chosen home.
Davislim's career had a significant turning point in 2005 after legendary conductor Riccardo Muti personally selected him to perform the title role in Mozart's Idomeneo, under the baton of British conductor Daniel Harding.
His standout performance established him as a tenor of international acclaim.
From the Metropolitan Opera in New York, major opera houses across Europe, to his roots in Opera Australia and Victorian Opera, Davislim's voice captivated audiences worldwide.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor Simone Young remembered Davislim as a colleague who brought joy and laughter wherever he went.
'He had the most beautiful smile and an infectious sense of humour—a very funny man and a very generous colleague,' she shared.
His musicianship and artistry were impeccable, and his commitment to his craft was unwavering.
Young described his voice as youthful and pretty, as it moved listeners with its beauty.
Davislim also nurtured the next generation of Australian musicians.
Nick Bailey, General Manager of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), talked about Davislim's generosity and collaborative spirit.
Davislim joined ANAM as a mentor in 2008 and continued to make significant contributions over the next 15 years.
His detailed approach to text and vocal colour had a profound impact on the students and pianists he worked with, as he dedicated time to share his knowledge and experience.
Allanah Dopson, the Founding Director of the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival, recalled the emotional power of Davislim's performances.
'He struck an absolute chord in my heart,' Dopson recalled.
In 2023, Davislim sang with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with a heart-wrenching performance of Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe (A Poet's Love) with accompaniment from Australian pianist Stefan Cassomenos.
Watch one of Steve’s performances here:
Source: FLÜGEL FESTIVAL ROTMONTEN/YouTube
Davislim dedicated his encore, Schubert's An die Musik (To Music), to his former music teacher, Mary, to whom he owed his deep respect for his musical roots.
Steve Davislim's passing left a void in the music world, but his legacy continues to resonate through the countless lives he touched with his voice, his teaching, and his vibrant spirit.
May he rest in peace.
