|
|
Article: Rudolf Bing, landmark figure for N.Y. opera
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- September 3, 1997
CopyrightCopyright 1997 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
|
NEW YORK Rudolf Bing, the autocratic impresario who propelled the
Metropolitan Opera to new heights in popularity and artistic
achievement during 22 years as general manager, died Tuesday. He was
95.
Mr. Bing, who had Alzheimer's disease and was the subject of
court battles over his care, died at a hospital in Yonkers. He had
been living at the Hebrew Home for the Aged in the Bronx.
"I will run this house on the principle of quality and quality
alone," he said upon taking over as general manager in 1950. At the
end of his run, there was no argument that the Met featured more than
its share of the world's leading singers.
Mr. Bing had a reputation for taming prima donnas. He fired ...