Seattle Opera's Perry Lorenzo is Dead

Perry Lorenzo, a former Burien high school teacher whose ability to convey to his students not just his love for opera but why it mattered, has passed away. The cause, according to a spokesperson for Seattle Opera, was lung cancer. Lorenzo was 51. His "Prelude to the Opera" lectures were a popular highlight, but his influence extended beyond the opera house into the national community. From the time that he joined the staff, in 1992, he concluded his talks by promising his listeners "one swell night of theater." Memorials will be held at St. James Cathedral and McCaw Hall early in January.

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By Ronald in News on December 21, 2009 3:18 PM

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ronaldholden

Correction noted, thank you.

rbn

I think your dates are wrong - if he joined the opera in 1972, he would have been 14...

I heard him speak several times, and he really brought opera alive. This is a huge loss to the arts community.

Amy

Lorenzo was also debate coach at Kennedy High School for a time. I was in the debate program at another school, but I remember him well. He was warm, witty and passionate about ideas and a great influence for young people trying to figure it all out. He will be missed.