George London, one of the most influential bass baritones of the 20th century, was a man whose voice transcended the boundaries of mere performance. His name is synonymous with artistic excellence, and his legacy lives on through the generations of singers he inspired and supported.
From his humble beginnings, London’s life was a testament to the transformative power of music and the indomitable spirit that drove him to greatness. His journey, marked by stunning triumphs and heartbreaking challenges, continues to resonate in the world of opera today.
A Voice That
Transcended Time.
Montreal, c. 1918 — The Vintage News
Immigrating to America
Born on May 30, 1920, in Montreal, Canada, George London entered the world as George Burnstein, the son of Jewish immigrants. His parents, seeking a better life, moved the family to the United States when George was a teenager, settling in Los Angeles, California. The promise of America—the land of opportunity—would serve as the backdrop for George’s formative years and his eventual rise to stardom.
Life in Los Angeles introduced George to the vibrant cultural landscape of the early 20th century, a melting pot of traditions and new ideas. It was here, amid a glitz of Hollywood and a burgeoning arts scene, that George’s love for music began to take root. His parents, recognizing their son’s burgeoning talent, encouraged his musical pursuits, setting the stage for what would become an extraordinary career.
Hollywood Bowl, c.1930s - Hollywood Bowl
Early Life
In the fall of 1937, he matriculated at Los Angeles City College, which he attended for two years. He wanted to perform so he auditioned for the Director of the first opera workshop in America, Dr. Hugo Strelitzer.
Years later, Hugo wrote of his first meeting with George: “He was one of more than 100 students who came to audition for me. Right away, I felt his burning ambition and the inner drive that has characterized his entire career.”
He revealed in the middle range and the lower part of his voice, some extraordinary quality, a natural and God-given velvet quality that could lead this youngster to untold heights. "So I accepted him into the opera workshop, his first roles in our opera productions were small, but he grew very fast into bigger, and then even leading parts in which he revealed an amazing sense for the stage and a dramatic instinct that was his in his blood and cannot be taught."
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Los Angeles City College, c. early 1900s
La Marseillaise, Casablanca - George was in this scene.
a rising star
The 1940s marked the beginning of George London’s rise to prominence in the world of opera. His powerful baritone voice, combined with his commanding stage presence, quickly drew the attention of audiences and critics alike.
In those days, in order to launch a career, one had to go to Europe. In 1949 at the age of 29, he auditioned at the Vienna State Opera. He climbed onto the stage and sang the famed Toreador aria from Carmen. He was 10 measures into it when all of the great singers of the Vienna opera ensemble came back into the room and stood in a semi circle facing him. When he finished, they all applauded. And he was hired on the spot. The director of the Vienna opera was heard to say “What a voice, what a voice.” His performances in Europe, would establish George as a major talent on the operatic stage.
During his second season at the Vienna Opera, the famed director of the Metropolitan Opera heard him and invited George to join the Met for the opening night of the 1951–52 season. His career was truly launched. Soon, George London was performing on the most important stages in the world across Europe and North America. His interpretation of iconic roles such as Don Giovanni and Scarpia in Tosca were celebrated, bringing a new depth and intensity to these characters.
London as Scarpia
London as Boris Godunov
a legend was made
George London’s career reached new heights in the 1950s, a decade that would see him become one of the most celebrated bass baritones of his generation. His debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1951 as Amonasro in "Aida" was met with critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in opera. He quickly became a favorite at the Met, known for his powerful voice, impeccable technique, and extraordinary ability to convey emotion on stage.
In 1960, the New York Times front page carried the following headline:
“The American bass baritone George London received a standing ovation at the Bolshoi Theater tonight for his performance in Russia’s greatest national opera, Boris Godunov.” It was the first time that an American had been starred in an opera on the stage of Moscow’s largest opera… at the end of the third act… the audience of more than 2000 persons rose and applauded the 40-year-old singer for eight curtain calls.”
This achievement not only marked him as a world-class talent, but also bridged cultural divides during a time of political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. His victory in Moscow was a triumph, not only for opera, but for the universal power of music.
Throughout his career, George London was renowned for his versatility, taking on a wide range of roles in operas by composers such as Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini. His portrayals of characters like Wotan in Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” and Boris Godunov in Mussorgsky’s opera of the same name were particularly celebrated, earning him a place among the greatest interpreters of these demanding roles.
London as Don Giovanni
george’s retirement from singing
In the mid 1960s, George London suffered the effects of a paralyzed vocal cord, a devastating condition for any singer, let alone one at the height of his career. The injury forced George to retire from the stage at the peak of his powers, a shocking and heartbreaking end to a career that had dazzled audiences worldwide. He gave his final recital in Vienna in 1967.
George reinvented himself. He was hired in 1968 to become the first artistic director of the newly created Kennedy Center in Washington DC, then in 1975 as the General Director of the Washington Opera. He was in demand as a director, an opera vocal competition judge, and a provider of master classes.
Even in the face of such adversity, George London’s resilience and love for the art form never wavered. He turned his attention to teaching and mentoring young singers, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the next generation of artists. His work as a teacher was deeply respected, and many of his students went on to have successful careers of their own, carrying forward the legacy of excellence that George had established.
The Kennedy Center c.1971 — Washintonian
new beginnings
In 1971, George London established the George London Foundation for Singers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young opera singers at the start of their careers. The Foundation was born out of George’s desire to give back to the art form that had given him so much and to help aspiring artists navigate the often challenging path to success in opera.
The Foundation offers financial support, mentorship, and performance opportunities to emerging singers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to develop their talents and achieve their dreams. Through the George London Awards, an annual competition that recognizes outstanding young vocalists, the foundation has become one of the most prestigious organizations in the opera world, renowned for its commitment to nurturing new talent.
Nadine Sierra, soprano, Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor. March 22, 2015
a lasting impact
Under George London’s leadership and vision, the Foundation has played a crucial role in the careers of many of today’s leading opera singers. It has provided critical support at key moments in their development, helping them to overcome financial obstacles and gain the exposure needed to launch their careers. The Foundation’s commitment to excellence reflects George’s own artistic standards, ensuring that the next generation of opera stars upholds the highest levels of performance.
The impact of the George London Foundation extends far beyond the awards and scholarships it offers. It has created a community of artists, mentors, and supporters who share a passion for opera and a dedication to preserving its future. The Foundation’s events, including concerts, bring together seasoned professionals and young talents, showcasing their astistry. Through these efforts, the foundation continues to honor George London’s legacy, ensuring that his influence is felt in the opera world for generations to come.
George London Award 2022 winners. Photo by Jennifer Taylor HR
george’s passing
On March 24, 1985, the world of opera mourned the loss of George London, who passed away at the age of 64 after being incapacitated for several years. His death marked the end of a life that had been filled with extraordinary achievements, but it also left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. George London’s impact on opera, both as a performer and as a mentor, remains unparalleled. His voice, once so powerful and resonant, may have been silenced, but his spirit lives on in the work of the George London Foundation and in the countless singers who have benefited from his generosity and vision.
George London was not just a singer; he was a mentor, and a true champion of the arts. His life story is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the transformative power of music. Though his life was cut short, the legacy he left behind is enduring, a testament to the man who dedicated his life to the beauty and power of opera.
George and Nora
