British soprano Felicity Lott passes away at 79

Sunday 17 May 2026 - 09:15

Renowned British soprano Felicity Lott, celebrated for her elegant voice and deep connection to French musical culture, has died at the age of 79. The acclaimed opera singer passed away during the night of May 15 to 16 after recently revealing that she was suffering from terminal cancer.

Widely admired in the world of classical music, Felicity Lott built an international reputation through her performances in operas by Richard Strauss as well as her passionate interpretation of French composers and operetta works. Her career spanned several decades and earned her recognition as one of the most respected British sopranos of her generation.

Known for her warmth and sense of humor, the singer remained optimistic even during her final public appearances. In a recent interview, she spoke openly about her illness while expressing gratitude for a career filled with memorable experiences and artistic encounters.

Lott maintained a particularly strong relationship with France, where she spent an important part of her artistic career. She became one of the leading ambassadors of the music of Francis Poulenc and was greatly appreciated by French audiences for her interpretations of French mélodies and operettas.

Her final stage appearance took place in Paris at the Opéra Bastille in 2024. She returned once again to the role of the Duchess of Crackentorp in La Fille du Régiment, a production directed by Laurent Pelly that had become iconic over the years.

Knighted by the British monarchy three decades ago, Dame Felicity Lott leaves behind a remarkable artistic legacy marked by elegance, generosity, and a lifelong dedication to opera and French culture.