Benjamin Luxon 1937-2024

Opera singers are sharing sad news of the death of the legendary Old Truronian Benjamin Luxon. He was considered one of the nation’s greatest opera singers. He was 87.

A Cornishman from Redruth, Benjamin attended Truro School between 1948-1955 as a day pupil.

After leaving School, Benjamin performed at venues such as the Royal Opera House, Teatro alla Scala, Glyndebourne, and Paris Opera. He worked with some of the most famous conductors, including Benjamin Britten.

A fixture for two decades at English National Opera, he achieved apotheosis as Verdi’s Falstaff. Benjamin was renowned as a recital singer, specialising in English songs and making more than 100 recordings.

He was made Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1986 for his service to music.

Later in life, he developed a career as a narrator and poetry reader, and delivered master classes in opera in Massachusetts, USA, where he spent his final years.