Remembering Ann Stanke, 1935-2011

Ann Stanke with Maestro Roland Johnson.

Ann Stanke, Madison Opera's general director from 1984 to 2005 and a coach, accompanist, and manager for nearly all of the company's 50 years, passed away on May 18th at the age of 76, following a 22-month long battle with ALS. It is hard to adequately express her contribution to our company and community, but several local writers have done so. You can read about her extraordinary life and impact below:

Madison.com: Obituary for Ann Stanke

The Isthmus: Ann Stanke leaves a legacy of humane musicality (John W. Barker)

Wisconsin State Journal: Former Madison Opera director dies (Doug Moe)

WISC Madison: Ann Stanke, an artful life (Neil Heinen)

The Well-Tempered Ear: Madison Opera Founder Ann Stanke is dead at 76 (Jake Stockinger)

Ann considered the commission and world-premiere of Shining Brow the proudest moment of her career.

Ann and Maestro Johnson backstage.

 

Ann in the old Madison Opera office.