The heroic American Wagner singer has issued an explanation for his sudden retirement:
For all of my fans and well wishers: I have waited till the end of the Bayreuth festival, so as not to hinder the tremendous and heroic efforts displayed by this years 2023 team. I have nothing but joy and admiration for the Werkstatt continuing efforts toward excellence.
I was diagnosed with bile duct cancer with complications. It is Cholangio- Carcinoma, a fatal disease with an outlook of several months to 10 months. There is no cure.
I did not wish anything to cloud this years achievements, and I am grateful to Bayreuth, for teaching me all that I could have hoped to know about the performance of this great musicians works.
With many found memories… Stephen Gould
He found a way to share unutterably sad personal news with dignity and perspective. Fine artist and man… Although a late starter, he will forever be remembered as one of the great Americans at Bayreuth.