Tributes from every corner of the opera world have been flowing for the Siberian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky. The singer died on Wednesday in London – he was 55. Mark Hildrew of Askonas Holt, the agency that represented Hvorostovsky, confirmed that the cause was brain cancer. The singer was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2015 and had withdrawn from most of his engagements in the last few years. His occasional recital and gala appearances were always a cause for celebration, cherished by fellow singers, audience members and administration alike.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky

The news was confirmed on his Facebook page:

“On behalf of the Hvorostovsky family, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dmitri Hvorostovsky – beloved operatic baritone, husband, father, son and friend – at age 55. After a two-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer, he died peacefully this morning, November 22, surrounded by family near his home in London, UK. May the warmth of his voice and his spirit always be with us”.

Hvorostovsky shot to fame in 1989 when he beat Bryn Terfel to win the Cardiff Singer of the World competition, in what fans dubbed ‘the battle of...